Living with my son's autism from day to day teaches me many things - provided I bother to pay attention. Provided I bother to learn. Sadly, I don't. Not enough anyway. For me, arguably the greatest hurdle parenting him all these years, has been to try and come to terms with his fixations. How to … Continue reading What car rides with Caleb taught me about autism and attention
So I started a writer’s group. Now what?!
Yes, I did the unthinkable - I started a writer's group! Call it an itch that needed scratching. A thirst that needed quenching. But whatever you call it, just know that I'm pinning the blame for it solely on Covid-19. Or on the lonely journey of every writer. Or on a whim and a lark … Continue reading So I started a writer’s group. Now what?!
What my firstborn’s grammar and schoolwork taught his dad
I scolded my eldest boy recently over his schoolwork. And in doing so, I realized I had to bear some responsibility for what happened too. The scolding took place shortly after I found out he tried to hide the results of a recent grammar school homework from me. What he did was to show it … Continue reading What my firstborn’s grammar and schoolwork taught his dad
Of Chips, Remote & Writer’s Pause – The Reluctance of Rewrite
I’ll be perfectly honest: I have writer’s pause. Wait, you say. Don’t you mean writer’s block? Nope. Apparently there is no such thing as writer's block. At least not according to Marion, my writing coach. You can read her take on it here. There is, though, a reluctance to rewrite. At least for me. So, rather … Continue reading Of Chips, Remote & Writer’s Pause – The Reluctance of Rewrite
To a child, LOVE’s not only spelled “T-I-M-E”; it’s also spelled….
As parents, we've all heard this adage more times than we care to count: For kids, LOVE is spelled T-I-M-E. Cos spending time with them is the best sign that we the parents care and love them. Many have even gone on to qualify that it's not just about Quality time; it's also about Quantity … Continue reading To a child, LOVE’s not only spelled “T-I-M-E”; it’s also spelled….
Call Me a Writer or Call Me a Fool – just don’t Call Me By Your Name
Roald Dahl once said: “A person is a fool to become a writer. His only compensation is absolute freedom. He has no master except his own soul, and that, I am sure, is why he does it." Now is Mr Dahl calling me a fool, a freedom fighter, or a slave to my soul? … Continue reading Call Me a Writer or Call Me a Fool – just don’t Call Me By Your Name
Caleb’s school morning routine – a masterclass in ‘fixing’ his dad
I don't get it. I just don't get it. It feels like we've been living with Caleb forever now. And for most of that time, we've also lived with his autism and the challenges they entail. By now, I should know all too well that he is who he is, and my role as his … Continue reading Caleb’s school morning routine – a masterclass in ‘fixing’ his dad
My Writing Process #2: The Rewrite Phase – Step 1 “Shake, Rattle & Roll”
And so the rewrite begins. I started chronicling my writing process with a post I made last week, one that recounted the first phase of my process - the decision, design and discipline that helped me complete my first draft manuscript earlier this month. That first phase of my writing process I called "The Deadline … Continue reading My Writing Process #2: The Rewrite Phase – Step 1 “Shake, Rattle & Roll”
“Thanks, Dad. Here’s why” – A letter from my son, written….in 2030!
11 Jul 2030 Hey Dad, How's it goin'? This year 2030, you turn 60. It’s such a big number I can’t even comprehend what it’s like living so long! How do you do it, Dad? Hahaha... Anyway, happy birthday! I hope you liked the hand-drawn birthday card I gave you last week. Remember when I … Continue reading “Thanks, Dad. Here’s why” – A letter from my son, written….in 2030!
My Writing Process #1: The Deadline Phase – Three “Ds” that nailed my first draft
Yes, it's finally done! My 300+ page memoir. Oh, wait! I mean the first messy draft. The first 'shitty' draft. The first 'vomit' draft. Sorry. But hey, it's a first nonetheless so excuse me while I gloat for all of 5 seconds. "1,000. 2,000. 3,000. 4,000. 5,000." Okay done. I'm over it now. But as … Continue reading My Writing Process #1: The Deadline Phase – Three “Ds” that nailed my first draft
