This page has sat blank for some time as I really didn't know what belonged here.  I'm not sure I still do but I have something that I wanted to add to the site and couldn't find the right place for it, so this is where it will land!

I'm currently taking a Writer's Workshop at the most lovely little shop, called Music & Books.  If you are ever in or near Ayr, Ontario, I highly recommend popping in here-you won't be sorry!  They have books, records and all sorts of unique gifts that you won't find in a big box store.  Oh, and the owners are TOTAL GEMS!  Aside from the aforementioned awesome stuff, they also host fun events and this workshop was one of them.  

It was an event I couldn't sign up for fast enough-to help with the art of short story writing.  So far, it's been really informative, challenging and fun.  Lots of great learnings and we have mini-assignments during the sessions, which we then we share with the rest of the group (like school but much less awkward!).

We're a small but mighty crew with Suzanne leading us and 3 other writers aside from myself. I have to say that I am in awe of my fellow writers.  It's interesting how everyone has a "style", each one of us unique in our cadence and flavour of writing.  I find myself amongst some very talented folks, one of whom has just published her first novel called To Be True, witty and humourous vintage Canadiana.  The other writer whips off the most eloquent and detailed stories-how does he do it? And last but not least, our other writer, who has just joined us in our most recent session, seems very dedicated to his craft, so I'm excited to hear what his style is.

Last session, Suzanne gave us 3 images to choose from as visual prompts for a short story and set a timer for 10 minutes to get 'er done!  10 minutes feels like ages when you're on the treadmill, but it sure flies when you're having to be creative under the gun!

The only image that evoked a sense of emotion for me, was one of a dozen dead roses in the snow.  I chose to write about that one.  For me personally, I find that I'm at my best for creative writing when "the moment strikes" and I feel inspired in some way.  To write under pressure was definitely a challenge!  The 10 minutes flew past in a blur and we all shared our pieces.  Each one was amazing! 

Suzanne runs a publishing company and has an online literary magazine. She loved our stories and has published them in the magazine.  A sweet reward for only 10 minutes of work ;)

Her website is called darkwinterlit.com and here is the link to my story.

https://www.darkwinterlit.com/post/friday-flash-roses-in-the-snow-by-cheryl-clarke

Cheers, friends!