Archive for the ‘Writing’ Category
Story Chat Digest Interview
Posted on: April 6, 2026
- In: Books | guest posts | short stories | Writing
- 50 Comments
I was delighted to be interviewed by Marsha Ingaro, the editor of Story Chat Digest. If you haven’t already seen it, please check out this entertaining conversation.
Story Chat Digest: Where Stories Meet brings conversations to life in a beautifully curated anthology filled with diverse voices, engaging stories, and book club–style reflection
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/4EVwNE
Book Blog Tour for Story Chat Digest Where Stories Meet: An Anthology of Short Stories & Poems
Posted on: March 18, 2026
- In: Blog Launch Tour | Books | short stories | Writing
- 122 Comments
I am excited to introduce the international literary anthology Story Chat Digest: Where Stories Meet, edited and compiled by Marsha Ingrao.
Now in its third volume, Story Chat Digest continues its tradition of bringing together international voices in short fiction and poetry. What began as an interactive online literary challenge has grown into an established anthology series and ongoing writing-and-reading community built around thoughtful conversation, continuing a tradition of collaborative storytelling.
In this volume, writers from around the world contributed short fiction and contemporary poetry inspired by the Story Chat community at AlwaysWrite.blog. I am delighted to have two stories included in this volume.
Each piece stands alone, yet together they form a tapestry of voices exploring memories, mysteries, resilience, humour, faith, family, and the quiet complexities of ordinary life — with a few science fiction pieces woven in for imaginative contrast. This anthology captures not just the stories themselves, but a sampling of connections that inspired them.
This is what differentiates the Story Chat anthology from a typical collection. Story Chat began as a blog-based literary program in which writers submitted original fiction and poetry, and readers responded thoughtfully in the comments. Those conversations became part of the creative process. Readers engaged like live beta readers. Writers refined their work. Sometimes a reader’s insight sparked a second or even third story. The anthology grew organically from that global interaction — preserving both the writing and the spirit of conversation that shaped it.
You can find out more about Story Chat Digest as well as how to submit your stories and/or poems here: https://alwayswrite.blog/join-story-chat-digest-2026-an-online-writing-community-for-all-authors/.
Reader Testimonials
- “This is what I like about Story Chat, Marsha — the perspective of different people. It would be very dull if we all thought the same thing.”
- “You have given me an idea on how to make my character more three-dimensional… It is amazing how little additions like that might enhance the experience for readers.”
- “I enjoyed being here. Thank you so much, Marsha. It was a memorable experience — a great confidence booster.”
I enjoyed being part of this project. It was fun to write a couple of short stories for the collection, but even more fun to read the comments from fellow writers and readers. The experience motivated me to write in genres new to me. Thank you, Marsha Ingrao, for creating this fabulous opportunity to showcase our work and obtain valuable feedback.
My 5-star review for Story Chat Volume II
Many brilliant writers in this volume provide great examples of various writing skills and styles. This is the second volume of Story Chat, and I love this idea. Not only does the reader get introduced to several authors, but following most of the short stories are critique notes that make you think about the story more. For example, the brilliant author, Diana Peach, writes The Grand Adventure, an engaging tale about best friends with a fabulous twist at the end. This is what critiquer Balroop says: “Diana is a master crafter; whatever she writes, she never disappoints. I love her style of saying a lot, without going into any unnecessary details, and that shows how much she respects the intellect of her readers.”
The stories include humour, juvenile, coming-of-age, family drama and sci-fi. The book is bookended with writing tips on How to Write Fantastic Stories that Will Impact Readers by Hugh Roberts, and comprehensive Tips on Point of View by Diana Peach. Not only is this an entertaining read, it’s a writer’s manual as well. Well done, Marsha, for putting this informative and entertaining volume together.
Story Chat Digest: Where Stories Meet, Volume III
Purchase Links:
About the Editor
Marsha Ingrao is the founder and online host of the Story Chat community and the compilation editor of the Story Chat series. A lifelong educator, she continues to foster global literary conversation through blogging, collaborative anthologies, and virtual gatherings.
After retiring from public education, she expanded her work into writing, photography, and publishing. She believes strongly in lifelong learning and the power of shared storytelling to build connections across cultures.
Blog:www.alwayswrite.blog
A Birthday Surprise
Posted on: March 9, 2026
- In: Amanda Travels | Books | reviews | Writing
- 93 Comments
I’ve been away for a few wonderful days in England. I came home in time for my birthday and for some lovely birthday surprises like this super review on Toni Pike’s blog.
But wait, there’s more. It seems that Joy Kidney has been bingeing on the Amanda Travels series and reviewed five of the books on her blog.
It doesn’t get better than that!
Toni Pike and Joy Kidney are both excellent writers with a great variety of books to their name.
You can find Toni Pike’s books here https://www.amazon.com/stores/Toni-Pike/author/B009I70E8Y
You can find Joy Kidney’s books here https://www.amazon.com/stores/Joy-Neal-Kidney/author/B081Y5CKW6
Thank you for making my birthday extra special!!
More about the trip to England soon, but I did meet some special folks, like this fellow by the York Minster.
My Entry for Story Chat Digest
Posted on: February 13, 2026
- In: short stories | Writing
- 81 Comments
I am delighted that my short story was accepted for Marsha Ingrao’s Story Chat Digest. Hop on over and check it out. Don’t forget to read the chat in the comments. Story Chat Digest is an opportunity to feature your short story and have it critiqued by readers.
Robert Burns Day
Posted on: January 26, 2026
On January 25, 1759, Robert Burns was born in Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland. A poet and lyricist, he is regarded worldwide as the national poet of Scotland. He passed away at age 37 on July 21, 1796. His birthday has been celebrated around the world since 1802. If you have ever attended a traditional Burns Night Dinner, you know how much fun they are. I have only attended once, but it was memorable.
He was born in a house built by his father and was baptised in the Auld Kirk the following day.
Robert Burns spent most of his life as a farmer, despite writing 700 poems during his lifetime.
I was fortunate to spend an afternoon in Galloway. Throughout the village are quotes from the famous author.
At the Auld Kirk there are paving stones with quotes from his most famous poem, Tam o’Shanter. The church is featured in the poem.
At the museum is the desk of Robert Burns, where he penned many of his works, including Auld Lang Syne. A song many of us sing at midnight, when the new year begins. It always brings tears to my eyes.
Whether you celebrate Robert Burns Day or not, take a minute to say Happy Birthday to a farmer and a poet who has stood the test of time.
Copyright ©2026 darlenefoster.wordpress.com – All rights reserved
A New Year and New Aspirations
Posted on: January 3, 2026
- In: Amanda Travels | Books | Dreams | Writing
- 116 Comments
“What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year.”
-Vern Mcellan
Whether you danced the night away or had a quiet evening at home, I hope you brought the new year in with joy and hope for a fabulous 2026.
It’s that time when I set my goals, aspirations and hopes for the coming year. I love doing this as it gives me some things to look forward to and some things to work toward. I’m also a chronic list maker, so just writing these things down makes me happy!
Studies prove that if you write a goal down, it is more likey to come to fruition. Here is a little story for you. I worked with a fellow who was originally from a war-torn country. As a young man, he dreamt of immigrating to Canada, so he wrote on a piece of paper that his goal was to be living in Canada by a certain date. He applied to immigrate, but it is a slow process. Then his country was thrown into yet another civil war. He forgot about his original goal, because every day the only goal was to survive. There came peace for a while, and he carried on living, happy that he survived when many hadn’t. One day, he got a call from the Canadian Embassy saying that he had been approved for immigration, and he had one year to move to Canada. As he was packing his things, he came across a piece of paper with his original goal written on it. The year he had set to be living in Canada was the year he got the OK to immigrate. I get a chill every time I recall his story.
Here are my goals for 2026, in no particular order:
- Write the first draft of Amanda in Thailand: The Spirit House (working title)
- Put together a cookbook for children called Amanda Cooks Around the World. It will include recipes from all the places Amanda has visited.
- Start posting on my Substack account.
- Continue reading in Mom’s Five-Year Diary
- Read/listen to 60 books
- Read books from my bookshelf. Some have been there a long time!
- Get back into a regular yoga routine
- Visit at least one new place, or revisit a place I haven’t been to for a while.
- Spend time with old friends
- See family in Canada
- Organize my recipes
- Find a book club that works for me. I love discussing books with well-read people.
I also like to pick a word for the year. This year I pick kindness
And because I like lists so much, here’s a daily one:
Whether you set goals or not, may all of you have a joyful 2026!!
Copyright ©2026 darlenefoster.wordpress.com – All rights reserved
Happy Birthday, Jane Austen
Posted on: December 21, 2025
- In: Books | History | quotes | Writing
- 81 Comments
One cannot have too large a party. ~ Jane Austen, Emma
On December 16th, we celebrated Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. I’m sure she never dreamt people would be reading and discussing her books two hundred and fifty years after she was born. She is one of my favourite authors, I have read her books many times over and have seen all the movie and TV adaptations. Hubby says I could speak along with the characters and I often laugh before the clever lines are spoken. Like this, one of my favourites.
An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do. ~ Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
I am a true Janeite and have been a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, attending interesting and informative conferences where we discuss her work and times. I’ve been fortunate to meet Joan Austen-Leigh, a great-great-grandniece of the famous writer. Visiting Jane’s cottage in Chawton and her grave in Winchester Cathedral have been among my highlights, and viewing her writing at the British Museum sent chills through me.
Besides her books, I’ve read many biographies of Jane Austen, her published letters, and her juvenilia. I don’t have a favourite Jane Austen novel as I love them all, for different reasons.
Rebecca Bud is running a series of posts on the gifts Jane has given us. Please check them out as they are excellent. https://rebeccasreadingroom.ca/2025/12/20/jane-austen-at-250-pride-prejudice-and-the-power-of-wit/
One of my favourite quotes: My idea of good company is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company. ~ Jane Austen, Persuasion
Do you enjoy reading Jane Austen? What is one of your favourite quotes? Why do we still enjoy her books?
Copyright ©2025 darlenefoster.wordpress.com – All rights reserved
Marie at 1 Write Way
Posted on: November 17, 2025
- In: Writing
- 21 Comments
The blog tour continues with Marie at 1 Write Way. Marie Bailey writes entertaining blog posts and is an avid book reviewer. Today, we let Amanda’s cousin, Taylor, explain what a bog is. Check it out and say hello to Marie.
Marie Bailey is a writer living in the southeastern United States with two cats, more yarn than she can knit up in a lifetime, and a dear husband who doubles as her best friend.
Her writing career started in the fourth grade when she was asked to read aloud a story she had written. Since then, she has taken creative writing classes, joined writing groups and literary guilds, and participated in readings. Once she got a “real” job (in an office with a biweekly paycheck and benefits), it was hard to argue with anyone that she should or could expect to do better by writing.
Now that she’s retired, she’s woken up to the fact that a career, working in an office, going to meetings, conferences, etc., has little value. Her writing has picked up, as have her publications.
In an ideal world, she’s always dressed for yoga, writing until empty of words, knitting down her stash, reading up a leaning tower of to-be-read books, and cuddling with her husband and kitties.
Her list of book reviews is here: https://1writeway.com/book-reviews/
Thank you so much, Marie, for joining the book blog tour and good luck with your writing.
Here’s the blog tour schedule in case you missed any.
October 3 – Esther Chilton
October 6 – Sally Cronin
October 9 – Yvette Prior
October 13 – Barb Taub
October 15 – Jacqui Murray
October 20 – Teri Polen, Bad Moon Rising
October 24 – Miriam Hurdle
October 28 – DL Finn
November 3 – Colleen Chesebro
November 7 – Pete Springer
November 10 – Robbie Cheadle
November 14 – Jennifer Kelland
November 16 – Marie Bailey
November 18 – Stevie Turner
Copyright ©2025 darlenefoster.wordpress.com – All rights reserved
A Visit With Pete Springer
Posted on: November 7, 2025
- In: Amanda Travels | Blog Launch Tour | Books | reviews | Writing
- 41 Comments
Today, the tour stops at the blog of Pete Springer, teacher extraordinaire, author, super grandfather, and all-around great guy! We discuss favourite childhood books and why writing for children is important. My little dog Lia makes a surprising appearance as well. Please check it out.
Note, Pete is off to visit his adorable grandson, so he may not be able to respond to comments right away.
Pete Springer taught elementary school for thirty-one years (grades 2-6). Even though he retired over three years ago, his passion will always be supporting education, kids, and teachers.
When he came out of the teaching program, he realized how unprepared he was for what was in store for him in the classroom. His college education mainly focused on learning theory rather than the practical day-to-day challenges that all teachers face. Thankfully, he had some great mentors to lean on to help support him in the early part of my career.
He made it his mission to pay it forward to the next generation of teachers. He was a master teacher to four student teachers, and has several former students who are now teachers, including one who teaches at his former elementary school!
He has written an awesome book. They Call Me Mom, a wonderful guide for teachers, as well as parents and anyone who works with children.
Here is what one reader had to say: “This book is a must-read for all new teachers and those teachers that need a reminder they are human! Mr. Springer educates others in his easy-to-read, story-like, first-hand manuscript. You will laugh, cry, and get motivated to be the best educator you can. After reading this, I have a better outlook on relationships with my colleagues and am reminded to savor every moment.”
Thanks, Pete, for being part of the blog tour and for your great review. Enjoy your visit with your grandson.
Here’s the blog tour schedule in case you missed any.
October 3 – Esther Chilton
October 6 – Sally Cronin
October 9 – Yvette Prior
October 13 – Barb Taub
October 15 – Jacqui Murray
October 20 – Teri Polen, Bad Moon Rising
October 24 – Miriam Hurdle
October 28 – DL Finn
November 3 – Colleen Chesebro
November 7 – Pete Springer
November 10 – Robbie Cheadle
November 14 – Jennifer Kelland
November 16 – Marie Bailey
November 18 – Stevie Turner
Copyright ©2025 darlenefoster.wordpress.com – All rights reserved
The third stop on the blog tour is over at Yvette Prior’s Priorhouse Blog. Yvette asks some great questions about the book, which she read with her niece, and features yummy Irish Coffee. Check out the post and leave Yvette a comment.
Yvette Prior’s short bio: Yvette works as a university professor and conducts research. After earning a PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, she poured into book projects and has not stopped writing since. Her past work experience has included teaching art, counseling (not therapy), hospitality management, and doing outreach. Yvette finds refreshment from yoga, exploring the arts, and writing. amazon.com/author/yvetteprior
Thanks so much, Yvette, for the interview and for being part of the blog tour.
Here I am in Ireland, enjoying a delicious Irish coffee!
The blog tour schedule, in case you miss some
October 3 – Esther Chilton
October 6 – Sally Cronin
October 9 – Yvette Prior
October 13 – Barb Taub
October 15 – Jacqui Murray
October 20 – Teri Polen, Bad Moon Rising
October 24 – Miriam Hurdle
October 28 – DL Finn
November 3 – Colleen Chesebro
November 7 – Pete Springer
November 10 – Jennifer Kelland
November 11 – Robbie Cheadle
November 14 – Marie Bailey
November 18 – Stevie Turner
Copyright ©2025 darlenefoster.wordpress.com – All rights reserved
Darlene Foster's Blog 