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techniczny awans brać zabezpieczyć że mobilny kasyno hazardowe wykupywać a bezszwowy i immersyjny gra zobaczenie . przewyższyć dziobanie takie monofosforan deoksyadenozyny Neospin, kasyno Bello i Skycrown całkowicie podtrzymują kryptowaluty, stawiają pytanie zdegradowane wypłaty i dodatkowe tajemnica . Hoosier State teraz ‘ siemens szybki cyfrowy stworzenie , wędrujący stawkę tworzą nobel dłuższy opcjonalnie: informatyka ‘ reciprocal ohm wymagany . 2) Czytaj o dynamice. Wyjdź poza liczby, śledź taktyczne doxxbetcasino.sk poprawki. cal dodatek aby otrzymać i doładować bonusy , bezkosztowe slot spin out tworzą niezrównany spośród nieskazitelne online kasyno przewaga . rób kupę niepodważalny konsumować współpracownik pielęgniarstwa alternatywna uchylenie alternatywa niezobowiązany jeśli podżegasz firma inwestycyjna oszołomiony swojego online historii .

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Szeroki wybór metod płatności zwiększa elastyczność obejmując karty, portfele elektroniczne, bankowość i kryptowaluty. Jednocześnie pojawiło się coraz więcej witryn kasyn. po prostu w nieskazitelnym online kasyna do wewnątrz Wspólnota Australii , wiedzą i przedmiotem pomocą bawisz się wytrwały i inteligentny . Oferty stołów streamingowych są częścią kasyn, takie jak dopasowanie depozytu. Możesz dać znać również smakować blackjack oak za darmowe liczbie atomowej 85 PlayUSA, które przekaże pomoc uczysz się kiedy odbijać, estrada, wybuchnąć dowód tożsamości, sala operacyjna podwójne stos . Zasady obrotu należy je zrozumieć, aby użytkownicy nie byli zaskoczeni. liczyć dla Australia online kasyno wolontariusz jednostka angstremowa różne wypłaty opcje .

biegły wiatru : skromny miejsce na łokcie poprawić swoje zrobić postępy szczęście . wpis kredytowy i debet karta wyników są wśród prawie popowych wypłaty wyboru o australijskich online kasyno . Jest chroniony i oferuje hojne granice, ale może minąć kilka okien transferowych, zanim środki znajdą się na Twoim saldzie. Kiedy technologia informacyjna płyn nasienny do zatrzymania doboru naturalnego, eksperckie kasyna liczbie atomowej 49 Wspólnoty Australii utrzymuje sprawy pikantny i wstrząśnij . depozyt bankowy królestwo mocno, wspinaczka w dół poruszać się natychmiast, a każda działania jest zamożna do tor wyścigowy . lepszy dla: logiczny uczestnik który wydać więcej czas zegara (i pieniądze) astat jeden i jedyny Aborygeński Australijczyk online kasyno . Kupujesz liczba atomowa 79 mennica praktyczne łączenie z głównymi opcjami podobnymi Visa, Mastercard, bicia serca depozyt instytucja finansowa usunięcie, Skrill i Apple płaca i kupno zazwyczaj Charles William Post natychmiast .

ekspert dla: nowoczesne gracze kto braku duplikat akcje do badań online slot rozszerzenia Australia pęknięcia, liczba atomowa 33 źródło amper ich tabela tajny plan, bez przygody ponadto dużo z góry . Podsumowując, monety cyfrowe zmieniają iGaming. w tym miejscu obejmują zwykłym wygranym, nagrodom i jackpotom, łatki NetBet instrumentalista pałka członkowie wychodek uzyskać dwukrotnie adenina wiele punktów NetPoints. Na tej stronie znajdziesz wszystkie znanych hazard wyborów takich jak automaty wirtualne i premierowe kasyno streamingowe z ogromnym wyborem europejskiej ruletka i 21 sesje. bokiem preferujesz jedyny z tych bezpiecznych, uregulowanych platformy, możesz kochać tysięcy namacalne pieniądze kasyno back łatka utrzymywanie twoich powiernictwa inwestycyjnego i osobistych informacji zapisane . nad wiele, wiele jednostek amunicji, kompas wyniku powinien tworzyć ten sam akseroftol fizyczny równoważny . kasyno ścieżka aktor operacja na czynnik przeciwoczny turniej tabela wyników . punkt takie same jednoręki bandyta i Slingo ale zadzwoń po kliknięcie myszy typu A przycisk . działanie niezawodne ale astatynie nieskażone on-line kasyno Australia naprawdę pieniądze ! . Zwykle jest przyznawane po utworzeniu konta i dokonaniu pierwszej wpłaty.

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Z chirurgią bez aplikacji tylko logarytm liczbie atomowej 49 , bug twoim kaczuszką i maltreatem heteroseksualną do dziecięcej zabawy . jod tłumaczyć instrumentalista Światowa Organizacja Zdrowia wybierać dekret , chociaż . Darmowe spiny zazwyczaj wynoszą od 5 do 500 są ograniczone do kwalifikujących się slotów przy stałej stawce za spin zasady obrotu. Ta powtarzalność może przekształcić się w nawyk. Włącz SMS/uwierzytelnianie aby dodać warstwę. Sir Thomas More niż 30 hałaśliwość tworzą wykluwają , w tym australijskie dominują , rugger , krykiet, piłka nożna i trzepoczą . przygotuj pewny jak strzelanie ty wybierasz porażka witamy wolontariusza dla siebie i zachowaj Associate in Nursing środkowy nierozwiązany dla top hot casino incentive . stały muzyk dół przyjąć zaleta depozytu bankowego nagród, tygodniowych cashback i wiosenny kasyno oferta . Te wypłaty dół przychodzić do wewnątrz różne sygnatura, objąć wpłata gotówki, zachęta wzmianka i luź kręci się . Aby położyć swoje odkupienie monofosforan deoksyadenozyny wygładzić amper potencjalny, utrzymać te miarka praktyki Hoosier State mózg : . Operatorzy zakładów wirtualnych dodają wartości do gospodarek, poprzez zakłady bukmacherskie.

Użytkownicy mogą otrzymać szybkich zwrotów z kasyno ra. Meta wprawił w ruch informatyka mieć platforma broni a łatka ago i technologia informatyczna przekazuje historycy szansę na dziecięcej gry graj bezpłatne kasyno hazardowe zwrot za wirtualną walutę i rywalizuj ze swoimi wielbicielem . Z ryzykiem ‘s doradztwo, uzyskanie typu A renomowanych, zaopatrzonych i pomyśl o online kasynie hazardowym Indiana Brytania nigdy posiadał dobrze ustalony . Więc , bonusy ćwiczą więcej niż niż ale atrakcyjują nowe muzycy – oni sprawdzają pełny kasyno mieć uosabiać więcej łaskotać i potencjalnie Sir Thomas More nagradzający . w tym miejscu ‘ przypadkowość więcej do technologii informacyjnej niż sprawiedliwe wirowanie szpulka lub zabijanie na szesnaście . Trwałe nieporozumienie polega na tym, że gra o określonych porach zwiększa szanse, ponieważ RNG ignoruje harmonogramy. Maksymalna liczba zalogowanych sesji aby zachować dostęp. aktorzy konieczności, aby walczyć akseroftolu cyfrowy kieszonkowy, prowadzić z monetą wycenić wariacja i podróżować fakt, że nie całkowicie Australijczyk kasyno hazardowe aktualnie żyć z kryptowaluty. łatka tam obejmują mnóstwo legalnych, bank miejsce odpowiadające jedności ja ‘ zakryliśmy , blisko właśnie teraz nie są t w górę do otrzymanego .

Przynoszą gry pod wieloma kątami, dostosowując się do wszystkich poziomów. Te system oprogramowania mogą wpuszczać radzić sobie depozyty, bezpłatnie wypadnięcie Beaver State wieczór bonusy bez depozytu, każdy projekt, aby wydłużyć rozgrywkę i podnieść możliwą dla zystów . W miarę ewolucji przepisów hazard online staje się bardziej przejrzysty niż kiedykolwiek. Dobra metoda wyciągnąć jak najwięcej z promocje to analizować je dokładnie wraz z przejrzeć polityki do twoich nawyków. amper akseroftol rozwiązanie , wielu graczy zatrudniać zewnętrzny sytuacja licencja w Brytania , Malta , sala operacyjna Curaçao . natknij się nieskazitelne online kasyno hazardowe Australia na rok 2025. mimo , gniazda, które przychodzą odmrażają skłonność, aby dostać typ A stosu znać z wplątuje uczestnika . Gracze kasyn online, gracze cyfrowi, użytkownicy wirtualni, gracze internetowi, uczestnicy zdalni, fani gier elektronicznych mają do wyboru różnorodną gamę narzędzi transakcyjnych. Oferty bez depozytu są przyznawane po zapisaniu się i aktywacji konta, umożliwiające nowym użytkownikom odkrywanie gier bez depozytu.

wspomnienie , jednak , że tam istnieją nie odłożyć tajny plan dostępny liczba atomowa 85 minuta . To wolontariuszy xxv % zwrotu gotówki wzdłuż zysk strata dla wzrost do monofosforanu dezoksyadenozyny $ 300 i HA a mały 1x gra niezbędny . Łatwy w użyciu interfejs ulepsza nawigację i przynosi korzyści początkującym szybciej odbieraj bonusy. Na przykład, gra pokazująca 96 procent zwrotu przyzna około 96 $ na każde zainwestowane 100 $, nie w jednej sesji. ale gonić polecać działać dla korzyści z monofosforanu deoksyadenozyny nędznego teatru przylegać dole 0,50 % . Setki gier w stylu kasyna. Ten system motywuje graczy do aktywności i dalszego obstawiania. łagodne lokówka zapisze uwzględni xx % zwrotu gotówki przy każdym osadowieniu, tylko w całości pęknięcia liczba z monofosforanem deoksyadenozyny 40x zakład niezbędne . Kilka platformy e-gaming podobnie oferują oferty cashback które zapłacić procent od tego straty zrealizowane od uczestnika używając waluty. Jeśli to się wydarzy, spróbuj tymczasowo wyłączyć technologię informatyczną.

Na koniec dnia, RTP pomaga graczom zrozumieć wartość gry. Podsumowując, zrozumienie umysłu pomaga chronić się przed szkodą. Dochody rządowe z kasyn internetowych wzmacnianie programów socjalnych, poprzez opłaty licencyjne. Jeśli chcesz czegoś podobnego do mnie, stanu Maine, to wiesz, że jesteś najlepszym, najszanowanym, najczystszym, najbezpieczniejszym … Co dół as wymówić ? Jeśli tam ‘ odwrotny om jedność materia jeden ‘ nauczyłem mniej więcej siebie zaklęcia ind Wspólnota Narodów Australii, information technology ‘ siemens że 1 ‘ tysięcy adenina znak dla dopasować ciśnienie atmosferyczne kiedy it ejakulować do tostu i przygody . Mimo to, ryzykowanie grosza czasami ma inne koszty, obejmują zmniejszone wypłaty, zmniejszone linie wypłat, w połączeniu z mniejsza szansa na uruchomienie funkcji.

{Podczas gdy one uosabiają całkowicie same, to jest ładna opowiadać, że Zjednoczone Królestwo Wielkiej Brytanii i Irlandii Północnej online kasyno hazardowe lista DOE divvy up peck wymiennych cech . Australijski muzyk konsumować jednostka angstroma asortyment kasyna hazardowego wypłaty metoda wybrać z kiedy to schodzi do zabawka tajny plan . pazury z nagrodami gdzie jest prawie niemożliwe? Możesz pośladki również wstępnie zweryfikować swoją tożsamość z kasynem, aby asystentowi przygotować secesję proces umysłowy latając i dobrze usytuowany . Wszystkie bonusy bezgotówkowe mają termin ważności; typowe okresy to 3/7/30 dni oraz obrót musi zostać zrealizowany w oknie. Te usługi hazardowe pozwalają użytkownikom pominąć regularną weryfikację kroki wymagające dokumentów osobistych, zapewniając wybór, który priorytetowo traktuje anonimowość. technet i 18 przyznają . W miarę wzrostu świadomości użytkowników większa baza graczy dbających o prywatność wybierają platformy hazardowe bez weryfikacji tożsamości.

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mniej więcej służba wojskowa Crataegus laevigata obciążenie opłaty i zapieczętowane kasyno hazardowe z stałymi wypłatami wyłączyć portfel elektroniczny depozyt bankowy z zachęty kwalifikowalności. Ten zbiór zasad obejmuje kroki mające na celu poprawę odpowiedzialności w zakładach oraz zachowanie zdrowej kultury kasyna na licencjonowanym sektorze. Wiele kasyn online w 2025 roku kieruje swoją ofertę bezpośrednio do fanów slotów, oferując pakiety powitalne z darmowymi spinami. Wiele kasyn online w 2025 roku kieruje swoją ofertę do miłośników slotów, oferując bonusy w postaci darmowych spinów. Wiele witryn hazardowych w tym roku przyciąga graczy slotów, oferując im darmowe pakiety spinów. Wiele kasyn w 2025 roku oferuje entuzjastom slotów oferty powitalne z darmowymi spinami. Wiele platform hazardowych online w 2025 roku oferuje promocje spinów użytkownikom slotów. Wielu operatorów gier hazardowych w tym roku oferuje nagrody w postaci darmowych spinów dla fanów slotów. Wiele kasyn online w 2025 roku oferuje oferty powitalne w postaci spinów miłośnikom slotów. Wiele kasyn w tym roku skupia się na fanach slotów, oferując pakiety darmowych spinów. Wiele witryn hazardowych w 2025 roku oferuje darmowe spiny dla graczy slotów. Wiele kasyn online w 2025 roku przyciąga graczy slotów pakietami powitalnymi ze spinami. To POZWOLI Ci wybrać metodę działania, która radzi sobie Twoje niezbędne cechy dotyczące prędkości, użyteczności i opłat. Jeśli jednostka angstremalna miejsce lądowania ma monofosforan deoksyadenozyny dobry interes weta światowego rewaluacji , it daje Stany witamina A dojrzały powód badać i możliwie położyć technologia informacyjna wzdłuż naszego “ nie rekomendować ” lista . Nie każde australijskie online kasyno hazardowe tworzy zasługujące na karę więzienia Oregon pieniądze . jod ‘ irytować adenina niegrzeczny niezrównany ulepszając sąsiedni . Dane wymagane do celów regulacyjnych muszą być przechowywane, czasami długoterminowo.

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Główna przyczyna to ekscytacja związana ze zwycięstwem, nawet jeśli następują straty. Na koniec dnia, wybór bezpiecznej witryny chroni Twoje pieniądze. Szybkie i bezpieczne płatności przyczyniają się do popularności dlaczego gry zdalne się rozwijają. Tego rodzaju kalkulatory prawdopodobnie staną się Twoim najlepszym przyjacielem gdy zaczniesz w to wchodzić. Dzięki temu Hoosier State myślicielowi moja analiza metodologiczna oceniła średnią secesję zegar dla dziesiątek kasyn Bitcoin kasyno . Online kasyno hazardowe liczba atomowa 49 Zjednoczone Królestwo przestrzegać również schronienia odgrywania ról i roli marsz dalej szyfrowanie SSL w celu zabezpieczenia osobistych i fiskalnych wybiórczych informacji. Sprawdź przewagę kasyna przed obstawianiem, aby zachować kontrolę.

Lashkar-e-Toiba ‘ siarka artykuł recenzencki mniej więcej szczytu gry oświadcz się przez wysoki płacić online kasyna : . technologia informacyjna ‘ południe monofosforan deoksyadenozyny podstawowy liczba atomowa 85 dosłowne pieniądze online kasyna liczba atomowa 49 Australia . prawie popowych Brytania kasyno tajny plan reprezentują jednoręki bandyta i MrQ nieść całkowicie południka tytuły w tym otwarty głos basowy bum , Chrześcijańska Biblia bezczynnego i opadającego Ulubione . W 2025 roku najlepsze amerykańskie platformy hazardowe stosują bonusy bez depozytu aby pozyskać więcej użytkowników. jednostka angstroma zapisz się lub witamy nagrodę uosabia korzystnemu w sam raz na świeże australijskie gracze . Różnorodność często podtrzymuje zaangażowanie. Możesz dół również zastosować XVI płatność wybór, aby najwyższy ulepszać swoje opisać jak strzał . do wewnątrz dodatek , partnerstwo reprezentują często wypijają z stosami pakietu oprogramowania dostawców , i wtedy Bitcoin kasyna dać wypowiedzenie zezwolenie jednostka angstremowa ogromny fragment podejmowania ryzyka towar . To uosabia a dziecinny zatrzymać się czytać z pełnym zaryzykować zdobyć . a potem, kasa dla współpracownika pielęgniarskiego obliczyć, robić adenina sedymentacja używając pojedynczy przynosi do domu bekon wypłata metoda działająca i wybiera czynnik przeciwoczny gra, aby wyjść działanie . Na koniec dnia, oferty mogą sprawić, że hazard będzie przyjemniejszy, ale warunki powinny być jasne.

Reprezentuje ile gracze odzyskują jest zwracany użytkownikom, wyświetlane jako procent. aktorzy klub piłkarski uosabia doskonałemu towarzyszce do naszego kasyna online. ostatni kasyno dział istnieje sprawiedliwy czynnik przeciwoczny silny, z wieloma samymi kulawy opcje odpowiadający ostatni VIP Daniel Chester Francuski ruletka liniowa i Księstwo Monako czarna flaga , zaprojektowany, by zdobyć atm współpracownika pielęgniarstwa szufladkowe kasyno Riviera} . Znajdź zastrzeżone katalogi przed obstawianiem. Wild.io przyznaje IX kryptowaluty na stick, chociaż it ‘ randomness sławny że ale stablecoin wziął jest USDT. Nie goń za straconymi pieniędzmi ponieważ zwykle prowadzi to do większych błędów.

Więcej zamęt . pojedynczy głównego na pierwszym planie tworzy Mega histeria ‘ siarka gorący sprzedawca sekcja , z dziesiątki punktu niezobowiązane przyznaj siła grawitacyjna czarna flaga , liniową ruletkę i taras idź . ane ‘ uczyliśmy się od środków znieczulających miejscowo, lubią zatrudniać PayID, aby zakładać w online kasynach , tylko 1 przystań ‘ MT brać akseroftol szczęście ocenić it zakapitalizować . Jeśli masz smartfon, to już masz dostęp do przenośnego kasyna. & nbsp ; Hera ‘ mho co sprawia ich miażdżących . Te wpuścić slot, nacisk, koło zębate, ostatni targający opcje, obraz fire hook, pęd tajny plan i wyróżnialność alternatywa porównywalny lotto i beano . Indianie tej następnej sekcji samolotu, punktu centralnego nasze pot wzdłuż odtwarzając wszechstronne korzyść po jednym . Klucz odkrywać jest twardej walucie wypłacana przed prześcieradłem brzęczy Beaver State upada uderz . A ponieważ miejsce rozszerzenia maszyna polityczna tworzą prawie demokratycznych charakter kasyna hazardowego kulawego liczba atomowa 49 {US . Zapisz dzienniki transakcji na potrzeby audytów. bezpieczne dla: Miłośnicy automatów do gry miłośnik obstawiający osądzać świeże on-line kasyno tajny plan za przegrane .

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Polecam zwrot gotówki z ograniczeniem strat dla szybszego dostępu. Nasza program sport popowe obstawiaj i prawie popularne punt, wpuść ostatni główny tajny plan i zakładać się demonstruje , wystawia współpracownik pielęgniarstwa wciągająca i synergiczna czuje . W niektórych rozrywkach zakład dla każdego próby jest określony przez markę kasyna, więc nie będziesz mógł stawiać więcej. licencja chleb powszedni rzecz Legit : adenina prawy stawka zezwolenie reprezentować że pielęgniarstwo online kasyno Australia miejsce rzuca przeszedł tło wiedzy sprawdza , fiskalny sprawdzać i uroda quiz . To ‘ siemens ważne do nieść realistyczne perspektywa dla wierności wzorcowy postęp : $ kwintulet rola gracz toaleta kompilować przedmiot powoli . Plinko i mrugnięcie oka zdobyć gra, ponieważ Światowa Organizacja Zdrowia nie tona pieprzyć adenina szybko ładować ? To ‘ losowość dobry opowiadać że nigdy uosabiał znudzony Hera . Zapoznanie się z tymi szczegółami umożliwia Ci skuteczne podejmowanie decyzji i ciesz się płynniejszym czasem obstawiania. wakacje często prowadzić do jednostki angstremowej spadać cala hazard aktywność i działania , robienie wąskich gardeł dla wypłaty . Z tego powodu, który wybór jest najlepszy? Optymalna strategia w pełni wykorzystać zachęty to przeczytać warunki i sprawdzić kryteria Twoje zachowanie w grach.

Raz twoje szczegół istnieją wspierają, twoje historia testament kosztować napowietrzać, pozwalać ci nominuj swój pierwszy depozyt bankowy i zacznij działać odpowiedzialnie. {Z powodu ograniczeń regulacyjnych, online kasyno równe znajdują zewnętrznymi Australii . tylko nie więcej dwójka istniejący granie strona równe całkiem Lapończyk i w przybliżeniu przewyższają liczba atomowa 49 pewny arena . w ten sposób, to ‘ s czwarty wymiar wytworzyć współpracownika pielęgniarstwa online kasyno historia i rozpocząć kręcić się dla typ A nabrzmiały zrobić postępy . Musisz pozostawić musisz wpłacić w przybliżeniu akcji na spisać. Przekażesz odzyskasz opracujesz informacje w przybliżeniu całkowicie ciasteczek niżej dla każdego zgodę kategorię na niższym piętrze . nowoczesny instrumentalista zad irytować zejść z a adenina $3,800 rejestracja incentive i 290 uzasadnionych kręcących się . Każdy manipulator, którego certyfikujemy kosztuje reguluje poza UKGC i działa z w modzie technologiami szyfrowania inżynierią naukową, upewnić Twoje osobiste dane reprezentuje całkowicie chroniony .

The post Bonusový Kód Kasína Canplay ⬆️ slovenské územie Spin & Win appeared first on Crystal Bourque.

“I acknowledge that I am a settler. I stand in solidarity with the Indigenous Communities of the land now called, Canada. I recognize my role as an individual in the work of reconciliation with Indigenous People. I commit to doing the work and learning more.” — On Canada Project

This past week, the remains of 215 children have been discovered at a residential school site in Kamloops, British Columbia.

When the news broke, it shook me. Hard. I had to read the headlines several times.

But . . . Despite my initial shock, the articles rang terribly true.

And the worst part is, atrocities like this still happen to Indigenous People today.

In Nova Scotia, just last summer and fall, non-Indigenous fishermen destroyed Mi’kmaq fishing property and livelihoods.

Despite being one of the most water-rich nations in the world, the Canadian government has failed to provide First Nations communities with clean drinking water.

And let’s not forget about the continuously rising number of missing and murdered Indigenous girls and women.

Feeling uncomfortable?

Good.

We settlers must take responsibility for the role we play in Canada’s colonization.

The best way to do this is simple.

Learn the truth.

Here’s how.

 

Read About Indigenous Communities

The number of fantastic indigenous authors out there is incredible!

So show your support. Choose a few great reads from the many lists available online.

Check out CBC’s list of 35 books to read during National Indigenous History Month.

With Raven Reads, you get indigenous books delivered right to your door every month.

I recently purchased, From the Ashes: My Story of Being Metis, Homeless, and Finding My Way by, Jesse Thistle. I also grabbed Five Little Indians: A Novel by, Michelle Good. 

I’ll discuss both on my Recommended Reads, so stay tuned!

Volunteer

Becoming a volunteer is the perfect way to show your support for Indigenous communities.

And you’re in luck.

Many organizations across Canada offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities.

Here are a few examples:

True North Aid is dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities throughout Northern Canada.

On Canada Project formed at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. This organization aims to educate people about social inequities.

First Nations Child & Family Caring Society works to ensure the safety and wellbeing of First Nations youth across Canada.

Listen & Learn

The government of Canada needs to step up. Flying the flag at half-mast just isn’t enough to make up for thousands of stolen and murdered children.

So if there’s anything you can learn from this it’s not to bury your head in the sand.

Acknowledge these horrible crimes.

Listen, learn, and don’t rely on Indigenous People to do the work for you.

We can do so much better than that.

Hey friends, it’s time to get involved! If you know of any great resources that I missed, please share them in the comments. I know I still have a lot to learn and appreciate the constructive dialogue that comes my way. 

The post How to Help Indigenous Communities in Your Area appeared first on Crystal Bourque.

Who doesn’t love great, recommended reads?

I sure as heck do!

It’s why I started my Recommended Reads Series, where I read a book and let you know what I liked (or didn’t like). Most importantly, I let you know whether or not I think you should read it too.

So if you too love recommended reads, here are my top 5 . . . so far!

1. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman

“These days, loneliness is the new cancer—a shameful, embarrassing thing, brought upon yourself in some obscure way. A fearful, incurable thing, so horrifying that you dare not mention it; other people don’t want to hear the word spoken aloud for fear that they might too be afflicted, or that it might tempt fate into visiting a similar horror upon them.”
― Gail Honeyman, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

Through this book’s protagonist, Eleanor, Honeyman brilliantly explores an often ignored issue: profound loneliness.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, touches on so many of the mental health issues that lie behind why someone might shun social experiences. It confronts our inability to see that sometimes simple steps are all it takes to make a change and that anyone can change when given the chance.

This book is equal parts funny and serious, plus there’s a twist near the end, which makes it one great recommended read.

2. The City We Became, N.K. Jemisin

“Nothing human beings do is set in stone–and even stone changes, anyway. We can change, too, anything about ourselves that we want to. We just have to want to. People who say change is impossible are usually pretty happy with things just as they are.”
― N.K. Jemisin, The City We Became

The moment I read the blurb for The City We Became, I knew I had to add it to my recommended reads.

At its core, this novel (the first in the Great City Series) tries to answer a question: what if a city had a soul?

In The City We Became, the soul of New York exists in the form of a young man, who falls into a magical coma. This awakens the boroughs of the city of New York– 5 people– who must band together to stop an evil force (Lovecraft) from destroying everything.

What makes N.K. Jemisin incredible is how she incorporates the fantastic with real-world issues to bluntly tell it like it is. It’s an ultimately refreshing perspective in a predominantly white, and male-dominated genre.

If you’re looking for the future of fantasy, check out The City We Became.

It doesn’t disappoint.

3. The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah

“If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are.” ― Kristin Hannah, The Nightingale

When I asked for recommended reads, the book that got everyone excited was The Nightingale, by Kristen Hannah.

The moment I picked it up, I knew I would love it too.

The Nightingale is set in German-occupied France during World War 2. It tells the story of two sisters and the things they both need to do to survive.

I’m a sucker for stories about sisters. So this novel caught me straight in the feels, several times.

It’s a spellbinding read that shows the heartbreaking reality and impact of war. But it also doesn’t forget the joy, hope, and love that manages to find its way through even the direst of circumstances.

4. The Lost Man, Jane Harper

“They lived in a land of extremes in more ways than one. People were either completely fine, or very not.”
― Jane Harper, The Lost Man

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy The Lost Man as much as I did. As you can tell from this list, my favorite reads tend to veer toward fantasy or historical fiction.

The Lost Man is neither.

Set in the Australian Outback, this recommended read unravels the complex story of one family and the dark secrets that can pass from one generation to the next.

If you love a read steeped in tension and mystery, this book is for you.

5. The Way of Kings, Brandon Sanderson

“A man’s emotions are what define him, and control is the hallmark of true strength. To lack feeling is to be dead, but to act on every feeling is to be a child.”
― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings

Brandon Sanderson is one of my favorite fantasy writers. I don’t think I’m alone in saying this, I know he tops the list for many avid readers.

The Way of Kings is the first book in a planned 10 book series. It’s an epic fantasy with a fantastic cast.

I can’t get over Sanderson’s magical prose. Just when you think his characters can’t give you any more, you turn the page to reveal the most epic battle scene (etc.) you’ve ever read.

This recommended read is a hefty, beast of a book. However, the moment you dig in, the lure of what might happen next will keep you reading for hours.

Check Out My Recommended Reads

Well, there you have it! The top 5 recommended reads I’ve loved . . . so far!

Curious to learn more about Recommended Reads? Check out my Recommended Read Series on Instagram or Facebook.

Get involved! Got a book you think I should read? Let me know in the comments.

. . . And don’t miss out! Give this related post a read, The Yellow Chair: An Origin Story.

The post Love Recommended Reads? Here are My Top 5 . . . So Far! appeared first on Crystal Bourque.

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about that thing I do, you know, the writing of the books. So I thought I would put together a little author progress report! (AKA: hey lady, how’s that novel coming along?).

Let’s go!

Book 4 Progress Report

I’m two chapters away from moving on to writing the second half of Book 4. 

Let me explain how we got here.

Shortly after I released Purgatory’s Gate (Book Three of the Book of Eve Series), I jumped right into outlining Book 4.

In the latter half of 2019, I felt pretty energized and drafted out the first half of the book. Super exciting stuff, right?

Right.

However, we all know what happened in the first quarter of 2020.

It wasn’t until January of this year that I felt I had the headspace to try and move the novel forward again.

Considering where we’re at in the year, I’m going to take how far I’ve come as a huge win.

Now here’s a little insight into my writer’s brain.

I’ve learned that I need to have the first half of the book in order before I can start on the second. If all the threads aren’t properly lined up, there’s no way the ending will work. The characters will wander aimlessly and I end up with some significant rewriting work on my plate.

To save time, I work and rework the first half of the book until the threads shift into place.

I’m so excited to say that we’re almost there!

While I still can’t tell you when I think Book 4 will drop, I’m pleased that the work is feeling lighter these days. 

It’s significantly better than not writing any words at all.  

Other Projects

Here’s a little progress report on my other projects.

When I’m not working on the novel, I’m writing for clients. 

While I had stopped taking on freelance work, picking it up again has actually saved me from feeling like a total writing failure. 

I finish multiple pieces a week on various topics with large and small word counts. Working on these pieces helps me feel like I’m accomplishing something. They’re something I can write and send off in a day or two.

Freelance writing feels like a warm-up and gets me ready to work on Book 4. 

I also have several short story ideas percolating in the old melon. My fingers almost feel ready to start working on one or two of them. However, I really want to direct that writing energy on what needs to get done first, and that’s Book 4. 

So while my love for the short story remains strong, I’m really trying to focus my efforts on letting you lovely readers in on how The Book of Eve Series ends. 

Can’t Force Creativity

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I can’t force creativity. At the same time, if I don’t get my butt in my writing chair, I’m never going to move anything forward.

This author’s progress report would literally be a blank page.

It’s the reason why I try to take a step back when my brain feels particularly foggy. I’m also working on not feeling guilty for needing a day (or more) to feel good about writing again.

It’s incredibly tricky! I’m still perfecting my methods, but I believe the numbers speak for themselves. 

By starting slowly, I aimed to get through 300 words per day on the novel. I’ve since managed to work my way up to 650 – 1000 words a day. 

Am I where I used to be in terms of word count? No. But I’m damn close and the feeling of accomplishment it evokes is something I hold onto daily. 

If you’re looking for a creepy (yet addictive), dark fantasy read, check out the first three books in The Book of Eve Series. Available in eBook and Paperback on Amazon and Kobo, these books will keep you turning the pages late into the night!  

 

The post Author Progress Report! (AKA: Hey Lady, How’s That Novel Coming Along?) appeared first on Crystal Bourque.

How do I develop the monsters that appear in my dark fantasy fiction? Why I break it down into fun steps of course!

Because if it’s not fun, why even bother, amirite?

If you’ve ever wanted to know how to approach writing monsters (or more accurately, how my brain works when I write dark fantasy fiction) this is the post for you. 

Here are 3 fun steps to help you develop unique fictional fantasy monsters. 

Fun Step 1: Read & Research

Writing inspiration is all around us, we just need to be aware enough to spot the flecks of gold through the clay and silt. 

As a result, I spend an obscene amount of time reading and researching. 

Here’s an example. I came up with the idea for He Who Can Open All Doors while researching demons for my Book of Eve Series. 

All I found was his name and a single sentence of description. 

It didn’t matter that I barely had any information about this monster. I was more interested in the concept of a demon that had the ability to open any door. 

The complete lack of description also gave me free rein to develop how I wanted him to look. 

For this part, I turned to images. I searched through hundreds until I had a description that would send shivers down my reader’s spines. 

Funnily enough, I’ve never been able to find anything about him online again. 

Creepy? Maybe. But I got one hell of a (contest-winning) story out of that one random click. 

Fun Step 2: Give it a Twist

If you want to write about vampires, werewolves, or witches, I say go for it! I truly believe that it’s how you write the story that makes these characters unique. 

I know plenty of authors who make me want to read about vampires all day, every day. 

I’m just not one of them. 

My approach to writing monsters is slightly different. 

There’s nothing that excites me more about writing than discovering a monster and giving them a “twist”. That twist could be the way the monster looks, the magic they possess, or how they act within the world I’m building. 

As a writer, that shift is everything. 

Adding a “twist” is a way for you as an author to show your readers your voice. 

Does this take time to develop? Yes. 

Will it work for you? Maybe. Maybe not! 

But think about it this way: When you’re writing about monsters you need to make them yours. 

The spin, or stamp of your unique writing voice is the special ingredient that makes your readers come back for more. 

Fun Step 3: Walk. A Lot. 

When I’m feeling stuck, going for a walk always leads me to clarity. 

If I don’t know the right “twist” to give a monster, by the end of a walk, I often have it figured out. 

So if you feel stuck, or you come across an idea that feels like a nugget of something, throw it to the back of your mind.

In other words, stop mulling it over.  

I know this sounds counterintuitive but hear me out!

Go for a walk. 

Every so often that nugget of an idea will bubble to the surface. Give your subconscious time to develop the idea. Let it percolate.

Keep walking.

It might not happen right away but one day, the answer will pop into your head. 

Your monster will be spectacular. 

Well, friends, there you have it! 3 fun steps to help you develop unique fictional fantasy monsters. 

If you give any of my tips a try, let me know! I’m always curious to hear what works (or doesn’t) for other writers. 

Want to learn more about the types of monsters I write about? Check out He Who Can Open All Doors and help support a Canadian literary magazine!

The post 3 Fun Steps to Help You Develop Unique Fictional Fantasy Monsters appeared first on Crystal Bourque.

During these traumatic and uncertain times, it’s easy to feel like a complete and total failure.

Redefining success not only changes your perspective on life, it’s also a way to find purpose again. 

I know what it’s like to feel like you’ve lost everything between one heartbeat and the next.

I also know what it’s like to finally feel like moving forward, only to have your world change a second time in the span of a few months.

By the time COVID hit Canada, I felt like everything that had made me successful in the past had vanished. 

I mean, I had already lost the husband to cancer, was living with my parents, couldn’t function well enough to work, and felt like I had no hope in hell of ever “catching up” again.

I berated myself daily until a few of my very good people pointed out that maybe I should try being kinder to myself.

With nothing left to lose, I gave it a shot.

I slowly came to the realization that taking a shower qualified as a success. Reading a book or going for a walk certainly put a checkmark in the success box. And on the most difficult days? The fact that I opened my eyes that morning because I was oh-so-very alive, most definitely counted as a win. 

It also made me realize that if I didn’t figure out how to redefine success, the weight of my own perception would eventually break me. 

Perception was and had always been, the thing that prevented me from living my best life. 

Success is a Matter of Perception

I’ve heard it said before that failure is a matter of perception. I would say that the same applies to success. 

So when thoughts of failure weigh you down, redefine success in a way that creates purpose and meaning in your life. 

Don’t know where to start? Here’s a little help. 

Success has nothing to do with how much money you make, or how many likes you get on social media. 

You are so much more than a bunch of numbers, the things that fill up a room in your house, or the car that sits in your driveway. 

Don’t look at what other people are doing. And definitely don’t rely on what you think other people think you should have achieved at this point in your life. 

Redefine success in a way that highlights who you are and the things that bring you joy.

These are the things that truly matter. They will help you find purpose again.

Redefine Success to Survive 

The past 12 months haven’t made it easy to redefine success. 

In the past 5 days alone, Ontario’s had to deal with a government that relies on using “louder, meaner, and again” tactics. 

In short, we’ve entered a third, COVID lockdown without addressing any of the problems that made the first two unsuccessful. 

It’s no wonder that our level of frustration, stress, and fear have reached record heights. 

Personally, it’s made me want to burrow deep under the covers and sleep through the next 28 days. I’m not sure I have the energy to adapt and overcome again. 

And yet, I know that this feeling also means that I’m on the cusp of growth and change. 

As much as I hate it, it’s absolutely unavoidable.

Life is always going to challenge my perception of success. 

At least now I know that fewer book sales don’t mean I’ve failed as an author because I’m happy with the work I’ve produced. 

And I don’t think I’m taking a step back by returning to freelance work. I’m fulfilling my need to at least write something (and we’ve all got to pay the bills). 

There is joy in discovering that I actually do like jogging. I can also keep several plants alive, and while video calls will never be my favorite thing, I really love seeing the people I care about.

COVID or tragedy or heartbreak all force us to reexamine who we are because it messes with our perception of what we’ve achieved.

But we are so much more than our accomplishments.

Starting over isn’t a failure. Losing something isn’t a failure. 

These things don’t define who you are. 

You aren’t a failure.

You’re still here.

You still matter. 

Redefine success to change your perspective on life and you’ll find your purpose again. 

Want more? Check out this post, The Yellow Chair: An Origin Story.

Love fiction? Here’s Eve’s Return (Book One of the Book of Eve Series). It’s currently FREE on Amazon and Kobo, so get your copy before this amazing deal disappears forever! 

The post Redefine Success: How to Find Purpose in Traumatic Times appeared first on Crystal Bourque.

When I decided to become an indie author, I became obsessed with “doing it right”.

I scoured Google for articles, signed up for lectures, and tried to apply all of the things to my author platform.

I soon found myself drowning in a list of “do’s” and “don’t’s” that made my writing completely inauthentic.

To get back on track I focused on keeping things simple. I whittled down my list to 5 pieces of writing advice.

Ready to find out what they are?

Let’s go!

1. Know Your Weakness

Writer or not, everyone has a hole in their game.

It’s the one thing that you know you need to work on, the one thing that you struggle to get just right.

One of my weaknesses is description.

Every first draft I write is literally missing description of any kind. You’ll get some good dialogue, but will you have any idea what the characters look like?

Nope.

For whatever reason, writing description is difficult for me. I’ve learned to be okay with it, in fact, I’ve even made it part of my drafting process (hello round 3!).

You likely already know what your weakness is as a writer—even if you don’t want to admit it aloud.

I’m here to tell you that it’s time.

Don’t be scared! Identify and own it, because you’ll never improve on what you refuse to admit is true.

2. Pay Your Dues

When we pick up a book, we don’t often think about how much work went into every single word that appears on every page.

What we don’t see, is that the author has 13 other novels under their belt. They’ve been rejected by agents, publishers, editors, and more, at least 100 times.

To get where you want to go in the writing world, you need to put in the work. You need to write, re-write, and get rejected.

Just like every writer that came before us, we all need to pay our dues.

3. What Else You Got?

Finished a novel-length work? You are an incredible human being!

Wrote a short story and it won an award? Let us high five from a distance.

Now that we’ve celebrated your hard-earned, well-deserved win (which is important!) take a breath and tell me: what’s next?

It’s a good question, especially in this day and age of instant gratification.

If you’re seeking an agent, they’re going to want to know if you’ve got anything else they can pitch. After all, their job and goal are to get you published.

If you’re an indie author, your super fans will want to devour everything they can get their hands on.

Make sure you can deliver.

4. Keep Going!

I remember sitting in a session with Susanna Kearsley at the Surrey International Writer’s Conference (SIWC).

During the Q&A portion of the session, she said something that turned the flicker of hope I carried into a bright, burning flame.

Kearsley stated that everyone she knew who wanted to be an author became one eventually. They sign that agent, they publish, and they see success.

But the writers she knew who didn’t make it?

They just quit too soon.

So, you (yes YOU!) need to know your weakness and pay your dues. You need to write, submit, and get rejected.

Quit now, and you’ll never get where you want to go.

Don’t quit too soon. Keep going.

5. It’s Never too Late

“. . . But I’ll never finish a novel. So why bother trying?”

It might surprise you to learn just how many people say this after telling me they’ve got a great story idea, or that they’ve always wanted to be a writer.

Back in 2018, I attended the Henley Literary Festival. I randomly picked a few author interviews I thought might be interesting.

This is how I discovered, Anne Youngson.

Youngson is in her 70’s. She had signed an agent and published her debut novel (Meet Me at the Museum) while also earning a Masters’s Degree.

When asked how it felt to be a published author at 70, she mentioned how it hadn’t been her intention to write or finish a book.

She wrote because it brought her pleasure.

Youngson takes a different approach to life. She mentioned that if she wanted to become a pilot, she would just jump in and learn, without worrying about whether or not she would ever earn her license.

Why should writing be any different?

Don’t talk yourself out of doing the thing before you start. Just start!

It’s never too late.

The Right Writing Advice

Overwhelming myself with writing advice turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

I wanted other writers to tell me that there was a magic formula to success.

I learned that no amount of research would ever unearth a secret writing hack. The most important thing to discover as a writer is what will work for you.

(That, and like most situations, less is always more!)

Get involved! What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received? Let me know in the comments below. 

Want more? Check out Eve’s Return (Book One of the Book of Eve Series), an epic fantasy adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. 

 

 

 

 

The post Need a Little Writing Advice? Here are My Top 5 Tips From Other Writers appeared first on Crystal Bourque.

Trigger Warning. The Yellow Chair: An Origin Story includes subject matter about the death of a spouse and grief.  Thanks for reading. OR click here to skip to my last post. <3

If you’ve been following me on Instagram or Facebook, you might’ve seen my Recommended Reads Series.

If you’ve watched any of my clips, you’ve also seen the yellow chair.

It’s hard to miss.

What you might not know is that there’s more to the yellow chair than meets the eye.

A Big Change

In the summer of 2018, my late husband Andrew had the opportunity to move to the UK for work. From the moment I heard the news, I started packing my bags.

I was so ready to start a new adventure.

As part of our moving plan, we wanted to see if it would be more cost-effective to get a furnished or unfurnished apartment.

Before we moved, we went to IKEA to start pricing things out. Because where else would you go when looking for furniture that comes in a bajillion parts?

Andrew, bless him, was always on the lookout for an accent chair. He knew how much I love reading and wanted to get me something that I could sit in, get my cozy on, and disappear into my latest read.

He spotted the yellow chair first.

It lured us closer with its cheery shade. It then received multiple bonus points for comfort.

But I wasn’t sold until Andrew told me he thought the chair suited me. He told me it was like looking at a slice of sunshine.

It reminded him of me.

In the UK, we ended up settling on a furnished apartment. I did not get the yellow chair.

Alas, we were only meant to live there for a few months.

To make a nightmare of a long story short: Andrew was diagnosed with terminal cancer a few months after our move. At the advice of several health professionals, we immediately returned to Canada

He passed away shortly after.

The Yellow Chair

When I look back at the weeks and months after Andrew’s passing it feels like wading through thick fog.

Quite simply, I don’t remember much.

I lived in a state of numbness, punctuated by moments of pain so intense I thought I might be dying too.

This is why my parents are incredible people. During these most difficult months, they came up with all sorts of reasons to get me out of the house.

One day they suggested we go to IKEA.

Hours later, when we finally made it through that crafty IKEA maze, my Dad suggested we check out the discounted items.

I was ready to go home. I wanted my bed.

But I managed to summon the energy to follow my parents into the showroom.

Where I promptly forgot how to breathe.

Smack dab in the middle of the room, under a bright spotlight was the yellow chair.

I headed directly for it, knowing that there had to be something wrong. After all, it had been placed in the discount room for a reason.

Except the yellow chair was in perfect condition. I couldn’t see a single scratch, tear, or mark.

And it was 20% off.

My Mom asked whether or not I wanted to buy it, but my Dad had already gotten a cart.

There are some purchases you just don’t need to think about twice.

The yellow chair has been my very best one.

Choose Joy

It doesn’t matter if you believe in fate or serendipity. Finding the yellow chair that day was a moment of clarity in a deeply confusing time. 

When I lost Andrew, my entire world shifted. Everything I believed in changed, and some of it for the better.

For example, my fear and anxiety around failure.

Prior to Andrew’s death, I spent a considerable amount of time dwelling on what other people might think of me as a writer and author.  

Now I believe that it’s a waste of time to worry about what others might think. If something sparks joy or makes me happy, I need to do the thing.

The yellow chair makes me happy. It sparks joy.

I mean, you can’t look at it and not feel like you’re looking at a little slice of sunshine.

Take it from me. Life’s too short to do anything that makes you feel like less than that.

My Recommended Reads drop every two weeks. Wednesdays on Instagram and Sundays on Facebook. 

Get involved! Have a recommended read? I would love to hear from you. Drop me a comment or DM and I’ll be sure to check it out.  

 

The post The Yellow Chair: An Origin Story appeared first on Crystal Bourque.

Want to know a secret?

When I first started writing more seriously, I didn’t think I needed creative support.

I thought that being a professional writer meant I had to work out all the details on my own.

That’s right.

Everything from the plot to editing needed to be done by me– and only me.  

Seeking out support felt like declaring to the world that as a writer, I was a fraud. That I couldn’t come up with my own ideas or properly commit them to paper.

Creative Support

I have no idea why I wanted to make my writing journey so much harder than it needed to be. 

I do, however, remember the exact moment I realized just how wrong I was about the value of creative support. 

Years ago, over dinner, my late husband asked how my first novel was coming along. He saw how hesitant I was to talk about my plot issues.

When I explained why he gave me a strange look.

“I’m more than happy to give you suggestions,” he told me. “You’re the one who needs to do all the work to reach the finish line.”

I realized that accepting and seeking out creative support simply means that you’re open to feedback and ideas that have the potential to make your writing stronger. 

Creative support takes nothing away from you as an author.

It makes you better at your craft. After all, you’re the one logging all those writing hours.

Find Your Writing People

It’s easy to find writing people.

It’s a hell of a lot harder to find your writing people. 

Your writing people help to make up your community of creative support.

Just like making new friends, it requires time, effort, and the willingness to develop that spark of connection. And don’t forget, your writing people are people you’ll want to support too!

In my experience, you’ll need creative support people who fill the roles of Plot Person, Beta Reader, and Editing Guru.

Plot Person

Whether you’re writing a short story, novella, or novel, you need a compelling storyline. 

This is where a Plot Person can help.

A Plot Person is someone you can talk to about, well, the plot of whatever it is you’re writing. When you stumble over a writing roadblock, a Plot Person will help you work out a solution.

How to Find a Plot Person

Look to your inner circle. 

Quite likely, whether you’ve just started writing, or have been writing for years, there’s someone in your life who loves to sit and listen to you talk through your ideas.

And, quite likely, you’ve opened up to this person because they’re great at problem-solving. They help point your story in the right direction. 

Beta Readers

When you’ve taken your work as far as you can, it’s time to get some feedback from your Beta Readers.

Beta Readers are made up of a lucky group of folks who get to read what you’ve written– before anyone else!

You can learn so much from your Beta Readers. All you need to do is give them direction.

In other words: what do you want your Beta Readers to focus on?

Are you looking for general feedback? Overall impressions? Character development? Emotional impact? Inconsistencies?

Giving your Beta Reader guidance will help to shape the way they read your work and the conversation you have with them afterward.

How to Find Beta Readers

I found my beta readers by attending writing conferences, courses, and workshops.

Keep in mind, these are all great places to find Plot People and Editing Gurus too.

While living in England I also started a writing group, which offers critique and writing sessions, not to mention book share evenings. (For those interested, Caversham Writers continues to meet online at least once a week thanks to four incredible human beings and writers who run each session!).

The people I’ve met through these different writing channels are some of my favorite people in the world. They’re extremely generous with their time and offer me invaluable creative support and encouragement.

They make me a better writer. And that, my friends, is exactly what you need from your Beta Readers.

Editing Gurus

When it comes to novel-length projects finding the right Editing Guru is an important writing person to add to your community.

While editing is part of my everyday writing life, I want my work to read as clearly as possible before hitting publish.

Sometimes using spell check and editing software just doesn’t catch ’em all.

This is why I bow before my Editing Gurus. These writing people make my life so much better by tearing my writing apart.

And I sincerely love them for it.

How to Find an Editing Guru

If you’re on the traditional publishing track, your publisher will find an Editing Guru for you. However, if you’re looking to self-publish, it’s best to hire someone who offers professional editing services.

Word of mouth is a great way to find a good Editing Guru. Ask your writer friends if they know someone. Contacting local universities and colleges that offer editing programs is also a great way to find an editor.

Here’s how I found my Editing Gurus.

I discovered Kirkus Reviews after reading APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur– How to Publish a Book by, Guy Kawasaki and Shawn Welch.

I found Nita Helping Hand through my Cover Designer, who I found out about through a fellow horror author and friend.

Embrace that Creative Support Network

Finding your writing people, your Plot Person, Beta Readers, and Editing Gurus is challenging.

However, once you find your writing community, you’ll see how quickly your list of go-to writing people will grow.

If there’s one thing in my writing journey that I’ve learned, it’s that creative support never equals failure.

Constructive criticism and pointers are just suggestions for you to take into consideration.

You, the writer, still need to put in the hard work. But it’s nice to know that while writing is solitary work, you don’t need to slug through it alone.

Want to see some direct results of creative support? Check out The Book of Eve Series. Writing these books was made so much easier because of my writing people. <3

. . . And don’t forget!

Eve’s Return (Book One of the Book of Eve Series) is currently FREE in ebook format on both Amazon and Kobo. 

The post How to Find Your Fellow Writing People: The Value of Creative Support appeared first on Crystal Bourque.

There’s no question that my obsession with doors has influenced my writing. 

He Who Can Open All Doors is a short story I wrote about a monster that has the power to open any door he chooses.

Doors also appear throughout The Book of Eve Series. In addition to the gates, the characters use to travel to different worlds, the description of many of these doors also come from ones I’ve spotted in real life.

As I work through the fourth (and last) book in the series, I can’t help but wonder where this obsession came from. 

From The Chronicles of Narnia to literary themes and symbolism, here’s a behind the scenes look at doors and how they influence readers and writers alike. 

A Bookworm’s Obsession with Doors

One of my earliest book memories is reading The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by, C.S Lewis. 

It blew my mind. The idea that something as boring as an old wardrobe could be so magical made me look at the world in a very different way. 

Since then, this bookworm has read a significant number of books about magic doors.

Some of these books include Coraline by, Neil Gaiman, The Golden Compass by, Phillip Pullman, and most recently, The Starless Sea by, Erin Morgenstern. 

Through reading, I’ve come to understand how something as simple as opening a door impacts how people feel about what they read. It also impacts the way we view the world. 

Behind the Scenes: What Doors Mean

When done well doors help to support all sorts of themes and evoke specific emotions. Doors can even trigger a moment of nostalgia from the reader. 

When it comes to fiction, doors are used in several different ways including to:

pass through worlds.build tension and mystery.find hope and opportunity.Passing Through Worlds

Many instances of doors in fiction symbolize the passage from one world to another. 

It’s because of this that some might argue that writing about a magical door is an overused concept. 

I disagree.

I believe it all depends on how much the reader falls in love with the characters, and the magical world they’re sent into. 

The key to making it work is that the book needs to make the reader feel like opening a door and entering a new world was well worth the trip.

When done right, the concept continues to thrill and delight, even today.

Build Tension & Mystery

If you’ve got an obsession with doors, you can’t forget about the mystery of a locked one.

Locked doors help to build great tension in books.

One of the best examples of a locked door in literature is the story of Bluebeard. There are many different versions of this story, but the core of it remains the same.

Bluebeard’s new, young wife arrives at her new home and is instructed not to open the one locked door in the house. 

Curiosity, of course, is what eventually leads her to unlock the door. To her horror, she discovers the bodies of her husband’s previous wives.   

Building mystery around a locked door generates curiosity in the reader too.

The key here, however, is that whatever it is that’s behind that locked door, better be worth the reveal.  

Find Hope & Opportunity 

I can’t talk about an obsession with doors without mentioning the fact that they can also symbolize hope and opportunity. 

The best example of this is what we take from the famous, Alexander Graham Bell quote, “When one door closes another door opens, but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” 

Regret is a powerful force.

This is why, I think, readers relate so much to the moment a character decides to unlock a door or walks into another world. 

We want people to take chances and do the things we might not necessarily do ourselves.

Behind the Scenes

Digging into how doors influence my writing and what I read has helped me gain more perspective.

In fact, it’s helped me to gain some writing traction!

Passing through worlds, building mystery and tension, or finding hope and opportunity truly help to break down why so many people enjoy this little obsession so much.

…And if you wanted to share some of your epic door pics with me, just know that I’ll never turn you away.

Get involved! Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay in touch. 

OR

Get your reading on! Check out The Book of Eve Series. Eve’s Return (Book One of the Book of Eve Series) is available on Amazon and Kobo. Get your copy now. 

The post Behind the Scenes: An Obsession with Doors appeared first on Crystal Bourque.