Shelley Marie Motz

Last year, I finished a draft of the novel I have been mulling over for too many years. This year is all about revision. Thanks to for asking some very good questions at our story clinic last night. Now I am taking what I learned and mapping out my writing life in this gorgeous planner—by women writers for women writers—from How are you preparing for the days ahead?

May there be joy in your heart and peace in the world.

Thank you for this gorgeous Ukrainian ornament.

Poppyseed snails. Fresh from the oven.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to review Ukrainian Portraits by Marina Sonkina—and thanks for publishing it.

As the daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter of refugees from Bessarabia and Ukraine, the stories in this collection cut close to the bone. I highly recommend it.

You can find my review at https://quillandquire.com/review/ukrainian-portraits-diaries-from-the-border/

When someone very dear
Calls you with the words
"Everything's all clear"
That's what you want to hear
But you know it might be
Different in the new year

That's why, that's why
We hang the lights so high
Joy, joy, joy, joy

You loved it as a kid
And now you need it
More than you ever did
It's because of the dark
We see the beauty in the spark

That's why, that's why
The carols make you cry
Joy, joy, joy, joy
Joy, joy, joy

The tinsel on the tree
Yes I see
The holly on the door
Like before
The candles in the gloom
Light the room
The Sally Army band
Yes, I understand

So light the winter fire
And watch as the flames grow higher
We'll gather up our fears
And face down all the coming years

It is Holodomor Memorial Day. Today I light a candle in honour of those who perished and those who survived the artificial famine orchestrated by Stalin. Millions died, including ethnic minorities in Ukraine like my Black Sea German ancestors. (Photo of the Holodomor memorial monument in Washington, DC., which I visited in 2022.)

On the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, anti-Semitism is on the rise worldwide, including in Canada, where I live. Shots were fired at two Jewish schools in Montreal. Molotov cocktails were thrown at a synagogue and a Jewish community centre in Montreal. To my Jewish friends, I will continue to speak out against anti-Semitism. Words matter.

I am having a hard time getting into the Halloween spirit this year, but Boris has plans. (Thanks for the photo .)

Happy anniversary

“yes is a world
& in this world of
yes live
(skilfully curled)
all worlds”

e e cummings

Dog-walking and duck-watching on a rainy Fall day.

Throwback to that time I saw an old abandoned typewriter at the botanical gardens in Tofino.

Books continue to be banned at an alarming rate, especially books with 2SLGBTQIA+ characters and themes. Now educational policies that affirm and protect vulnerable students are under attack. Our rights feel more tenuous with each passing day. Which side are you on? Choose well.

Easing into the last morning on Bowen Island with strawberry-rhubarb brioche and a latte. It has been a good weekend.

And so it begins. Write on Bowen 2023.

My view for the next few days. On Bowen Island for the Write on Bowen festival. Looking forward to the workshops tomorrow.

Day 3: A song that played on an important day. What a Wonderful World.

Sad puppy is trying to play with a cone on his head (when he is not trying to eat said cone).

Day one: a song from my childhood. Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul and Mary. My dad sang it to me and later I sang it to my sons. What song reminds you of your childhood?

Sad puppy had surgery today to remove spear grass from his paw. (They got it out!) He is doing well but is not happy about the cone. Poor little guy.

It has taken me a long time to get to this point. Thanks to all who have provided advice, encouragement, and support along the way. Especially .kay.sharpe and It is going in a drawer for a month before I begin the big edit.

Harvested the first tomatoes from this year’s garden.

Sending my picture-book manuscript back into circulation. 🤞

Taking a break from work to admire the trees outside the studio.

Hydrangea season is almost over, and that makes me sad.

It is good mail day.

A few of the books on writing that I have accumulated over the years. See any favourites? Got any other recommendations for me.

This little guy got spear grass in his paw. Antibiotics, pain meds, and warm epsom salt baths—no walks—for the foreseeable future. 😞 🐶

Back to work tomorrow. Easing into the last day of my 14-day staycation/writing retreat. Wish me luck.

Thanks for framing and hanging my print

Took time out from writing on day 12 of my (mostly) at-home writing retreat to have a picnic at Uplands Park followed by a short walk around Cattle Point. Thanks to these two (and the dog) for the much-needed fresh air and exercise.