Piano and Podcasting

A lot has happened since my last newsletter in July. First, I’m learning how to play the piano again. My mother had me in piano lessons for two to three years when I was a child. I learned how to read music. Jump ahead to when I’m 18, and I taught myself how to play a handful of Queen songs, including Bohemian Rhapsody. Jump ahead 40 years and after my spouse and I purchased a Roland electric keyboard with 88 keys, I’m doing it again. The keys feel real (not plastic), and the sound is great. I’m starting at Level 1 with the Royal Conservatory. The current songs I’m learning are Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven, which causes our pup to curl up on the sofa and nap, and Canon in D (beginner version) by Johann Pachelbel. I’m really enjoying myself.

Playing Piano and Word Vancouver with Winona Kent

I participated in Word Vancouver on September 28. It was an inspiring event. I met up with writers, made connections and sold a couple of books.

I’ve dropped two SAM Magazine podcasts. In the first podcast I read C.J. Papoutsis’s short story, They Didn’t Come with Instructions (podcast link), which is a personal essay of C.J.’s experience being a mom. There is a realization in that essay, which every parent can relate to, and it brought tears to my eyes.

In the second podcast recording I read the first chapter from Winona Kent’s latest Jason Davey mystery novel, Bad Boy. (podcast link) After I finished reading the first chapter, I kept wanting to read. Last night, I curled up on the lazy boy with a dog beside me and continued reading Bad Boy. Winona writes in Jason Davey’s POV. Winona is a skilled writer, and I don’t hear Winona’s voice, but I hear Jason’s voice. The novel is witty. I’ve laughed aloud on numerous occasions, and I’m intrigued. Jason has honest reactions. Winona’s novel took me back to my high school days when all I read were UK authors. I find a comfort in that writing style. I highly recommend Bad Boy.

Finally, I’ve attached the last issue of SAM Magazine. If you click the image, you’ll be taken to my website where you can download a free copy of the magazine.

I’m going back and forth between the newsletter being a newsletter, or a newsletter/blog post. I would like to be a resource for writers to share their stories. I’m thinking about offering guest blog spots.

Here is the guest blog post I did for Ladies of Mystery.

I’ll catch up with you next month. Stay healthy and stay safe.

Cheers.
Joanna