Pages, Podcasts & Plot Twists
A Serendipitous Afternoon on Set
Some moments catch you completely off guard, and the following event was one of them.
After work a few Tuesdays ago, I rushed into the city to meet with a producer and film crew who are adapting a screenplay based on a book I’d read less than two years ago. That book was Cathy Mulroy’s memoir, My View from the Blackened Rocks — the story of one of the first women hired at Inco, the mining giant where Cathy became one of the first women to work at the male-dominated industry in Sudbury, Ontario.
I remember closing the back cover and sitting with that story for a long while. I still think about her journey.
I’ll be honest: I had invited myself to meet the crew to discuss a speaking engagement, but did not expect to witness a film shoot in process.
For over an hour, I stood in the shadows and watched a group of women working together in complete harmony to bring a dream to life, in the rain no less. After several takes, the director called a wrap, we headed in for pizza, and I soaked in every bit of the warmth and creative energy in the room.
Cathy has graciously agreed to be a guest on the Ramblings From the Little Shed Podcast, where we will chat about her adorable dogs and the story that needed to be told, My View from the Blackened Rocks. I cannot wait to dive deeper into her creative spirit, wisdom and her incredible story.
Podcast Milestone
Speaking of the podcast, the Ramblings From the Little Shed Podcast is officially six months old, and I can hardly believe we’re forty episodes in! Rogan and I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderfully creative individuals (and their absolutely adorable pets) along the way. Thank you for listening.
Book News
North of Broken & Furever Home is over three months old and brightening coffee tables everywhere. I’m currently working on a sweet romance where the meet-cute happens at the dog park, where you can expect plenty of cute dogs and summer love. More to come soon.
MFA Update
After submitting my final five thousand words to my first-year mentor, I gave myself a much-needed break from assignments and readings. But second-year summer residency is just around the corner, and I’m genuinely excited to reconnect with my peers and new author friends. Assignments have already been assigned, and I’m happily working through them now — with a new mentor and a fresh set of eyes on my manuscript. It feels like coming home to the story all over again.
Writing Retreat
The drive home from Northern Ontario on a rainy Sunday afternoon was bittersweet — as it always is after a Rekindle Creativity Retreat.
Our time at the coziest, loveliest little bed and breakfast in Stoufville last weekend was everything. We were treated to breakfasts fit for royalty and given the space and time to create, to rest, and to simply be.
Five women made this retreat especially meaningful for me.
Melanie — not only the insight and wisdom of a mother and teacher, but also of a truly talented writer. She reminded me it’s okay to ask for help.
Shannon — graceful, calm, and quietly observant — taught me the beauty of sitting back, watching the world, and letting your passion for storytelling lead. She helped me embrace my persistence and dedication to this craft.
Kim — me to honour the writers that came before me, use my voice for those that will come after me, and she laughed at all my silly jokes. (thanks for that Kim)
Dinah — the woman who reminds me to breathe, take the moments as they come and go with the flow. And when Dinah speaks, I listen because I know it will enhance my life. Her kind eyes and gentle magic, working quietly behind the scenes like the Wizard of Oz, are something I’ll always be grateful for.
Liisa — her tenacity and unwavering commitment to her career as an author taught me to reach for the stars, never take no for an answer, and that it’s perfectly okay to say no.
We shared meals around a big farmhouse table, lifted each other up, and were reminded that on the days when the desire to write gave way to drawing, napping, and simply retreating, that this is exactly the point. That is the reason we take this time for ourselves.
I left full — in every sense of the word.
Until next month my newsletter friends.
Holly B.