When I finished my MFA program, I thought it would open up a whole lot of energy for more writing, not less I haven’t been writing much lately. If you’re a writer, you know that feeling: the awkward pause when someone asks what you’re working on, or how your book is coming along. The creeping …
Judgement-free zone
When you were growing up, did you have a wisdom keeper? Susan, a host in Ottawa, Ontario, introduced me to this term. When I interviewed her for my book, I asked about her motivation to host. She described wanting to help students adapt to their new life so they could have a positive experience. Here’s …
Finding my readers
Is one of my ideal readers about to walk into this bookstore? That’s the hope, anyway. Someone is about to step into Indigo on a sunny Saturday afternoon, chat with me about homestay for a minute, and then walk out of the store with a copy of my book in hand. I held that hope for …
Giving is a gift
One of the core messages in my book is the idea that hosting takes work. Hosts have to learn how to foster great relationships, but it’s worth it. Here’s an excerpt from chapter 1, where I explain this central concept: I’m not suggesting that hosts shoulder all the responsibility for positive outcomes (and I lament …
Why Won’t They Apologize?
We’ve all been there: someone you care about messed up, and you want them to say they’re sorry. What if they don’t? In some cases, you might try to just let it go, somehow convincing yourself an apology isn’t needed. You might let the situation fester, trying to ignore the resentment growing like a fungus. …
Time to Celebrate!
I recently attended a workshop with Ariel Hudnall from Zg Stories, an award-winning communications agency. Ariel said that while each book requires a unique marketing strategy, there are five cornerstones to every marketing plan: Advertising Social media Email newsletter or similar (Listserv, Substack, LinkedIn newsletter) Community/influencer outreach Earned media/publicity Ariel answered my question before I …
Normalize Discomfort
Let's be honest: homestay isn't for everyone. Cross-cultural relationships can be awkward, and can get pretty difficult at times. 📣 For those who see the value in trying, who choose to embark on this adventure despite the risks, it helps to normalize discomfort. I explain what this means and how it connects to leadership in this excerpt from my book, …
Gifts come in all shapes and sizes
This was the best gift I could have hoped for this year: my book has arrived! Now it will make its way from the printer to a store near you... For many, the holiday season is all about giving. Yet for some host families and students, navigating this time of year can raise all sorts …
Thank Goodness for the Experts
In another post, I laid out the production timeline for getting my book from dream to reality. Today, I'll explain two critical steps: Copy Editing and Typesetting. In this photo, I'm comparing two drafts of the leading and kerning in my book by superimposing the pages and holding them up to the light. Copy Editing The copyeditor’s job is …
Redefining “normal” habits
Travel, like homestay, gives us perspective on all kinds of things. It also reminds us what we can't take for granted... Did you know? Canada is one of the few countries in the world—along with the US, Australia, the UK, parts of Northern Europe, New Zealand, Japan, and Tanzania—where everyone flushes toilet paper. Residents all over the …