<![CDATA[ROBERTA E. SAWATZKY

You’re never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.
C.S. Lewis

Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. YOu need to start somewhere.
Anne Lamott

The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.
Alan Watts

Are you ready to explore new adventures through life’s obstacles and transitions? Welcome to this first edition, sharing my ponderings with a community of curious, courageous readers who’ve connected with my books. “What If…? Finding new adventures through life’s obstacles.” and “Between Here and Where? Embracing life’s transitions”.

Each month, you’ll receive:
✍️ Insights on writing and creativity (from others wiser than I)
📚 Book recommendations that inspire and challenge (from my readings)
🌱 Quotes and insights on overcoming obstacles and embracing change
🎧 Thought-provoking podcasts worth your time (from my listening)
💬 Life stories or travel pictures to inspire your writing journey

Books & Podcasts
The Writer’s Routine Podcast is a great source of inspiration. In a recent episode, Faith Hogan shares her journey to becoming a bestselling author. She describes writing as a “punster”, letting stories evolve naturally. Her novels often take place on fictional Irish islands to shape atmosphere and theme. She explains her commitment to uplifting fiction and the core elements needed to engage readers.

There are so many great books on writing...all offering great value. The first book I read when I only dreamed about writing a book was Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Lamott offers practical advice and honest reflections on the writing life, encouraging writers to focus on small, manageable steps, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the whole project. She blends humour, personal stories, and hard-earned wisdom to address common writer struggles like perfectionism, self-doubt, and writer’s block.

Writing Tips
I've learned that memoir writing is all about telling YOUR story. This might be a helpful writing tip to help you get started.

Pick a memory
- Choose one moment that sticks with you—it doesn’t have to be dramatic.
- Example: your first day at a new job, a family dinner, a childhood walk to school.
Set the stage (5 minutes)
- Write downwhere you were, what time of day it was, and who was there.
- Use sensory details: what could you see, hear, smell, touch, taste?
Zoom In (10 minutes)
- Describe one action or exchange in real time.
- Instead of "My grandmother was kind," write a scene: "She slid the last piece of pie across the table to me, her eyes twinkling as tough she had a secret."
Reflect (5 minutes)
- Add a short reflection on why that moment mattered.
- This bridges memory (what happened) with meaning (why it's part of your story)

Writing Prompts (from my travels)

If you are like me, there are times when I simply can't think of one word to put on the paper. A writing mentor wisely gifted me with a journal that had a writing prompt on each page. I was amazed at the memories each prompt invoked -- before long the words were flowing.

I love the way pictures also provide such prompts, perhaps a more creative way to get the words flowing? Here are some photos from my travels that I hope will be help you get past those blocks.

The story of the shoes... When I opened the door... This reminds me of...