Marilyn's Musings

Tell us a little about yourself.   While sitting in Grade 13 English class, I dreamed of writing the great Canadian novel. But when university application time approached, I gave in to my practical Italian side and obtained degrees in mathematics and education. I planned to teach during the day and spend my evenings, weekends and holidays churning out best-selling novels. How hard could it be? The school day ended in mid-afternoon, and I had twelve weeks of holiday time. That would give me plenty of time to devote to my true passion—writing. That was the dream. The reality was very different. Even though I had many satisfying moments, I found the teaching profession to be a very challenging and demanding one. I never had the time and energy to start a writing practice. In 2008, I took advantage of early retirement. I filled my days with workshops, seminars and online courses. Slowly, a writing practice emerged and my articles and book reviews start...

Something Red by Douglas Nicholas was not something I’d choose to read on my own. A story set in medieval times in England with a heavy dose of magic and fantasy is not the kind of novel I’d go looking for. However, once I got into it I was captured by the lyrical writing, the compelling characters and the intriguing plot. I noticed that it has been labeled several different genres from an historical novel to a suspenseful coming of age novel. Set in 13 th century England, the main character, Hob, does indeed grow up during his travels with a band of unusual people during terrible weather from one safe place to another only to learn they are being stalked by something horrible. As the group plods along from one place to another they must overcome terrible obstacles. Most of what happens is seen through the eyes of Hob who becomes more and more important as the struggle becomes more difficult and they learn that people who once sheltered them have been slain in a most blo...