Morgues

This morning I found an interesting collection of photographs of abandoned morgues.

Check it out...

Satan Worshipper Mom... That's Me.

I have always had a creepy side to me. Strange, I know, but true. It's a stark contrast to how I appear to other people in my normal life. I am unassuming, normal and rather boring. I don't usually tell people I am a writer but it has been coming up a lot lately when friends talk to other friends about my book. A few weeks ago a fellow mom said, "I heard you are writing a book. What is it called?"

"Chorus of the Dead."

She became silent and her smile faded. "So it's not a kids book?"

"Um... no."

I don't know why people think that because I am a mom that I should automatically be sweet, kind, pastel and sing-song. I'm not. I never have been and the personalities of my kids reflect that. My daughter has been described as 'quirky'.

Before I was a mom, I was just Tracy who liked dark Victorian themes, gothic clothing (though I never had the courage to wear it), hauntings, morbid histories and eerie happenings. I am still that person today, only now I have offspring to influence and unleash into the world.

I am sure some of the mom's in the neighbourhood think I am a devil worshipper, but who cares. I am who I am, whether I fit into your predetermined "Mommy box" or not.

Writers Who Don't Read

I've met many writers in my time. At workshops, writers groups and conferences. I am always amazed at their projects, their creativity, their tenacity. Writers are an interesting breed of introverted-extroverts who make up wild and wonderful worlds. We want to share our thoughts on the page but are worried about other people's reactions. We can be so arrogant about our work that we have a hard time accepting the constructive critism we had asked for (I am very guilty of this). In short, writers can be walking contractions fed by a deep connection we have with our emotions and the observations we make about the world around us. This is all part and parcel with living the writer's life.

But there is one contradiction I can not abide by. In addition to meeting excellent writers who are actively honing their craft, I have met many writers who confess to not being readers.

**Cue screeching record player**

You heard me, I have met writers who don't read. And they aren't embarrassed by this fact. They defend themselvesm, usually after seeing my jaw hit the floor, by saying they "don't like being influence" or "they prefer to let the pen just move across the page". Gag me. Really? Okay look honey, if you don't read how do you know what you are writing is any good? If you are not interested in books what makes you think anyone would be interested in yours?

It's very childish if you ask me. I think I held these same beliefs when I was...um... in grade 9! A lot of growing up and a lot of reading has happened since then. My writing is much better and I have a greater understanding of what makes a good description of setting, a good character and, most importantly, a good story.

I am reminded of a journalism professor I had in my college years, whom I respect dearly, who said the single most important thing a writer can do is read. He wrote the words "Read, read, read...." right across the front white board, all around the side of the room until he ran out of white board, and then he moved on to the paper easel and wrote the same word there again and again. He turned to us and said "Read anything you can get your hands on."

A writer who doesn't read is like an actor who doesn't like theatre or a child care worker who can't stand kids. They just don't go together. Reading is an essential life skill and as much as it behoves me to hear a person doesn't read, it doesn't irk me as much as hearing a writer say this.

I'll admit it is sometimes hard to read something great and not get the feeling that one day I will never be that good. Perhaps a writer who doesn't read is a defence against insecurity, or perhaps they are just lazy. In any event, I like hearing what books other writers are reading, what books influence them and who they would one day like to be compared too.

I personally love Deanna Raybourne, Anne Perry, Sarah Waters, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Bernice Morgan, Charles Dickens and many others. I read, read, read all the time and I think with each book I become a better writer.