Save the Taiji Dolphins Day!

Friendly protesters in major cities are gathering in front of Japanese consulates in protest of the annual dolphin cull. Can we prevent the slaughter of 13,000 dolphins before tomorrow? Will the message be forwarded to the government? We love Japan but not this horrendous holocaust of these intelligent mammals. This issue was first brought to light with the Academy award-winning documentary The Cove.

A Reintroduction to My Blog In Case You're New!

Hello residents and vistors. Welcome to my new blog about the Royal City of New Westminster, BC.

Some of my meanderings may be focused outside the city, but one thing's for sure, all these activities can be enjoyed by the whole family!

Check out the official website of New Westminster, BC.

An Interview with Mel Dawn... by Mel Dawn

What kind of writing do you do?

I currently have a variety of writing projects on the go. I write for my own blog, which keeps the writing side of my brain functioning, plus I have a few pro-blogging pieces on the go, plus the occasional fictional piece. I probably write about one fictional piece for every fifty non-fictional pieces however. 

What's in your writing portfolio?

I first was published in the fan fiction magazines for DWIN (Doctor Who Information Network) and James Bow's Mythmakers which is still being sporadically published by the Doctor Who TV show writers now. I've had articles in Business Examiner Newspaper, The British Link, Associated Content, Yahoo Canada, Canada Credit Cards.com, Yahoo Voices, and various blogs around the USA. I'm still finding some of my articles online. Sometimes when you get an order and you get paid, they don't tell you where the article is going, especially after the 200th one. It's funny though, there are a few out there with my name, actually someone else's on them, but I didn't write those. I'm hoping that writer won't write anything too embarrassing!

Do you suggest writers have a formal education in journalism?

I believe it would definitely help in terms of grammar and punctuation. Plus, I know many pro-writers have been successful. It's all their lives have been about, unlike the rest of us who have to fit writing into our daily lives. I'm lucky I have two writing certificates, though the programs I took aren't really recognized in the writing world.

Can you tell me about your future writing projects?

No, I can't sorry, I keep them secret, even from myself. Actually, I'm working on a few fictional steampunk pieces that I'm submiting to professional publications. I've also decided to do a 3-day book writing challenge.

You've mentioned pro-writing or professional publications. What does that mean? 

It means that some form of payment has been exchanged for my writing talents. In other words, I have not written for free. I will also do trades for product, in fact I prefer them, as income tax just gobbles up any writing income.

Do you write full-time, if not, do you desire to?

I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around that. Perhaps if I didn't have to work at an outside job, I would have copious amounts of time at home to spend writing eight hours a day. I really don't know, it hasn't happened yet.

Is there anything else you'd like your fans to know?

Yes, if you'd like me to write a piece for your company, please comment below with your information and I'll contact you in less then a day. 

Loves Labour Lost by Shakespeare is Adapted to a Steampunk Play

Loves Labour Lost is a play directed by Sharon Malone. This Shakespearean Steampunk romance took place over two weekends in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. We took in the play on July 29, 2012 at the Memorial Peace Park Maple Ridge, BC. It was an entertaing visual and musical treat in the sun. Stagecraft, belly dancers, Shakepearean actors and a choir made for a fun afternoon for the whole family. Please peruse my photos. It's not a Steampunk event without a giant chess set (at left).

History Reimagined: Devices and Contraptions That Never Faded Away

Did you know the Victorians used vacuum cleaners and hearing aids? No, I didn't either. We often picture Victorians living on a farm or socializing in a bar, like in the western movies, but we don't realize that the Victorians lived a civilized life. If there was a device or contraption to improve their lives, they would purchase it from the latest catalogue.

Please check out my new column in the Home Section of Victoria and Vancouver Lifestyle Online Magazines. 

My first article of the series is more of a construction, than a contraption, The Victorian Conservatory. A home away from home, a wonderful abode full of the comforts of home.

The next one to be posted will be about Victorian hearing aids, and at the beginning of next month, we'll focus on the vacuum cleaner. 

Please check out these fantastic new websites full of content for the whole family. I've really enjoyed browsing their topics.

Further reading:

http://www.vancouverlifestyles.com

http://www.victorialifestyles.com

A Tarnished Past: My Article in the Steampunk Issue of Dark Beauty Magazine

Here's a brief excerpt of my article, "A Tarnished Past" published in the second annual Steampunk Issue of Dark Beauty Magazine.

I wasn't sure what to except when I sent in my article. Each monthly issue of Dark Beauty Magazine can either be downloaded or a print copy may be ordered. Since there were few samples online, I didn't know how small or large the issue was going to be. Would it be better than Gothic Beauty Magazine?

I was pleasantly surprised to receive the Steampunk Issue. Actually I said, "WOW!" when I opened it up. It's over 170 full colour pages, which explains the vast price tag. Or a download can be obtained for a mere $9.99. The entire issue is devoted to Steampunk fashion, photos, contraptions, Victoriana, and devices. If you're into Steampunk or science fiction, this is the definitive issue for you!

I've included a short sample to my article here. Please buy a copy of this fabulous ephemera at Dark Beauty Magazine so a third annual Steampunk will be possible in 2013.

Mel's Quote on the Writing Life

Tonight I decided to give up on this whole writing thing and start my own Cream Puff Bakery called Furballs.


Idea stolen from Sean Chandler, for starting the big movement on giving up the writing life for the sweet life.