My “Writing Heroes” #3/6 – Those who write what they want to know

person holding blue ballpoint pen writing in notebook

It's been said that beginner writers would be well-advised to write what we know. No major arguments there from me. After all, as famous writer Flannery O’Connor once opined, anyone who survives childhood has enough information to write for the rest of his or her life. Meaning, even as early as 12 or 13 years of age, … Continue reading My “Writing Heroes” #3/6 – Those who write what they want to know

Life Hack Book Review #4 — A journey to self-discovery

{The following book was officially launched yesterday on Reedsy. Also available on Amazon and Goodreads.} A while back I wrote about being invited to join Reedsy's panel of book reviewers (see Thing #5 I learned after writing 200 blogs). As one of Reedsy's reviewers, I get advance review copies and exclusive peeks at independent publications … Continue reading Life Hack Book Review #4 — A journey to self-discovery

What REALLY happens when I rewrite!

brown wooden desk

It's been a year since I wrote about my book-length memoir's rewrite process. And there's a good reason why: I've not (gulp!) been doing much of it! Notice though I said "not...much..." Meaning I have done some. So, not a complete lost cause. Then again, once you read on here to see what exactly I … Continue reading What REALLY happens when I rewrite!

Life Skills I Do Not Have #3 – Deep Sleep

closeup photography of adult short coated tan and white dog sleeping on gray textile at daytime

What you're about to read here on sleep, feels like an extension of my last write-up three months ago on my lack of skills in the areas of resting and relaxing. And it is. Pity. Cos of all the life skills I said I lacked so far, this is the one I really wish I … Continue reading Life Skills I Do Not Have #3 – Deep Sleep

Life Hack Book Review #3 — Living the non-linear life

photo of woman reading book

In a recent post, I referenced award-winning author and TV personality Bruce Feiler and his excellent book The Council of Dads (2010). While adding in my post an Amazon link to the book, I stumbled upon one of his more recent works (published last year); the subject of this, my fourth and latest life hack … Continue reading Life Hack Book Review #3 — Living the non-linear life

Note to self: when writing that 500th blog, don’t forget the 1st!

faceless man pinning memo papers on noticeboard

Hey K It's time to be perfectly candid about your writing, alright? Cos we both know it's no mean feat to reach a milestone of writing 500 blogs. And given your current consistency, you'll no doubt get there sooner than you think! But may I remind you this was never meant to be a numbers … Continue reading Note to self: when writing that 500th blog, don’t forget the 1st!

To slow down time and memory loss? Try ichigo ichie!

black twin bell alarm desk clock on table

By now, these are all-too-familiar scenes in my daily life. I could be walking out from one room in my house en route to another. Or washing my cup right after breakfast. Or I'm whisking from one opened computer window to another on my laptop. Whilst walking, washing or whisking, an idea, memory, random thought, … Continue reading To slow down time and memory loss? Try ichigo ichie!

My “Writing Heroes” #2/6 – Those who publish late in life

Have you heard of "The Fraud Squad"? Neither have I. But I'm betting you've heard of "Crazy Rich Asians" and "The Devil Wears Prada." Well, it seems that a fellow countryman, or should I say countrywoman, of mine had just scored a major coup! At the tender age of 23, Ms. Kyla Zhao hit the … Continue reading My “Writing Heroes” #2/6 – Those who publish late in life

My “Writing Heroes” #1/6 – Those who often procrastinate

rewrite edit text on a typewriter

Talk about procrastinators! Nearly 12 months ago, I wrote about my "Writer's Pause", and how I've been reluctant to press on with my book-length memoir rewrite. It seems in all this time, not very much has changed! My "PAUSE" button seems to be working more like a "STOP" button instead. Welcome to the abysmal life … Continue reading My “Writing Heroes” #1/6 – Those who often procrastinate

Our first staycation in years!

This week, I'm taking a break from my usual Wednesday posting on Writing and Life. After four intense weeks of unpacking stuff I've learned about writing (from two years and 200 blog posts), I figured hey I've earned this break. Plus, I'm taking my family for our first staycation in years! Given how Covid's derailed … Continue reading Our first staycation in years!