This week in the Blogerati Files, All Kinds of Writing

Describe your blog in 10 words or less.
Blogging about the art of writing and the writing business.

Why did you start your blog? Blogiversary?
I started my blog because I needed to work on some issues with my writing. I thought that writing down my thoughts could help, especially if other people, writers, could offer their own perspective. My blog started as a way to push me to write more and as a way to improve my writing. And, if in the process I could help a few other writers, even better.

I think I started my blog in May 2005, that's the closest to a birthday I can get, since I generally don't care about "important dates."

How long have you lived in Toronto?
I lived in TO since 2000, I believe. That makes it 6 years now then.

What's the funniest/strangest thing that has happened to you in Toronto?
Many funny and strange things has happened to me in TO, especially when I lived downtown for two years. But the funniest thing that ever happened to me was in a dim-sum restaurant in Chinatown. My out-of-town friend was so excited about the experience that he kept taking pictures and in the process moved straight into one of those cars that carry the food. In his attempt to save his camera and the car from falling over, he did some serious acrobatics.

Slapstick is only funny when experienced tough, so no, I never blogged about it.

What are some of the changes in Toronto that you have seen in your lifetime?
Even in six years I've seen changes. One is the return to the city, I can definitely see how certain neighborhoods are becoming more appealing and pleasant. Another change is some deterioration in health care. Another yet is the brave attempt by Torontonians to shed corporate influence, even the latest Pride Parade was more subdued in terms of corporate floats and all that. Last, I also see Torontonians more interested in politics and caring enough to try and change things. Maybe these are vague things, but I can see them.

What era, day or event in Toronto's history would you like to re-live and why?
Two days:
a) Canada winning the gold medal. I was so much fun being downtown. So different from the riots I experience in Vancouver in 94.
b) The blackout.

Both days brought such a sense of community. There was no doubt people were trying to take care of each other.

Who's your favourite Torontonian?
My husband.

Can we believe everything you post on your blog?
Absolutely everything. I cannot lie. It's a strength and a weakness. When I write a fictional post, I say so.

Has blogging changed you or enhanced a personality trait?
In a strange way maybe. I often think of things to post about. When something happens, I turn it into a post in my head.

Do you have a favourite post from your blog?
Yes. Since I'm also a sci-fi geek, posts that manage to incorporate both science and writing in them are my favourites. For example, this one: How does the singularity affect writers?, or this one: Dark Matter in Art, in Writing.

Lose any friends or muck something up because of a post?
No, but then again, my blog was a secret until recently. Ever since my friends found out about the blog, I've started being careful with what I write. But it's quite possible that one day I might forget myself and then it will happen. I'm almost certain of it.

Fav bloggers?
The Grumpy Owl - he's funny, he's crazy, he's drunk! But most, he's actually very informative.

Patry - SIMPLY WAIT - amazing writer and person.

Cosmic Log - to satisfy my science curiousity.

Robert J. Sawyer - one of the nicest writers. Rob Sawyer is a most successful science fiction writer, who happens to be Canadian!

What's happening in Toronto right now that the rest of us should be watching?
Winter. Winter is coming. That's what's happening we should all watch for. I have serious problems with the Torontonian winter.

You have the opportunity to gather with 5 of your regular readers - who are they, where do you meet and what do you talk about?
I want to meet about 80% of my blogroll. The list is far too long. We would meet in a casual place somewhere and talk about fiction, writing, books, family and ourselves.

Have you ever had a question you wanted to ask random people throughout the world?
Yes. Why is there no peace and lots of hunger?

If your blog were a food, what food would it be?
Something that might be an acquired taste, or something crunchy that you need to chew on.

If you could gather all of the bloggers of the world together into one room and tell them one thing, what would it be?
Play nice?