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Not only did I write a complicated film for my first one in 20 years, I also chose to blend animation with live action to tell a crucial part of the story.   Yes, it made the filmmaking process a bit more complicated as I had to shoot live-action scenes knowing that some would be intercut with animation.   BUT...   I just knew the animation would add a magical element I know I couldn’t have achieved otherwise.   The hurdle?   I’m not an animator. I’m not an illustrator; I sti

Have you ever felt like it’s too late to start something new?   I have...many times. It has taken me years to finally be honest with myself and believe in myself and my dreams...at least most days! I am so grateful and fortunate to have a supportive partner who also serves as a sounding board and motivator. At 56, I’m directing my first film in almost 20 years.   It is a deeply personal story about loss, isolation, fear and courage that I also wrote.   There will be challenge

Read Time: 3 minutes   Writing is a habit much like learning to play a new instrument. Do it every day, and you’ll see steady improvement in your work.   I write every day, and sometimes on weekends, but if you can’t, choose the days you can realistically commit to. I know writers who only write on weekends and others who write every other day. It doesn’t matter when you write; what matters is that you show up and do it.   These strategies have helped me: Block writing time i

I was interviewed by the lovely Kimberley Snider. We spoke about my writing and creating process including how to overcome writer's block, how to stay focussed and productive and how to juggle life and writing. It was pure joy. Watch it here! Enjoy!

As a self-taught writer, I definitely experience writer's block and feel stuck sometimes. Most writers have ways to get themselves unstuck. I love hearing how others do it, so I thought I’d share four approaches that always work for me - maybe one will help you too. 1.⁠ ⁠Meditate.   Not for long but by closing my eyes and taking a number of slow breaths; the relaxation brings about ideas, a word, a scene, a character trait, a story point, and sends me back to the computer. 2.

Wow! So honoured to have been asked to contribute for Becoming Encore's Inspiration page. Thank you   for featuring me and my article highlighting my creative journey.   Read the article here:   https://boomingencore.com/trending/living-your-best-encore-samantha-reynolds-0af426ec-24fd-4c0d-8fef-c65c1f859ef3

It's never too early to begin thinking of marketing tools for your book. Read more to learn which ones I believe are non negociables. 4...

https://onelitplace.com/the-real-reward-from-writing-in-a-new-genre/

Want To Rhyme? Read Time: 2 minutes   My second picture book will be published in 2026. I'll be 56.I didn’t set out to write a rhyming...

How Hard Can It Be? Sam and Jessica, her illustrator     How hard can it be? It’s only 500 words.   At one time I also thought writing a...

When I was preparing to write and publish my first book, Help Me Be Me, I had no idea I would need a book designer.   What Does a Book...

Choosing the right illustrator is just as important as crafting the story itself. A talented illustrator becomes like a second...

So sorry for not sending anything sooner but March break and then spring colds wiped us all out for a bit. Now I am back! Hope everyone...

Last time I discussed how to begin forming your idea for a picture book. Next step is to figure out why? Why is this a passionate story...

As my second picture book is in the final stages of illustrations and will be released summer/fall 2025, I have decided to share, in the...