Scientific Study Shows Growing Up in a Home With Books Is Good For You November 6, 2018 – Posted in: Blog, Inspiration, Learning

Lifelong bibliophiles, rejoice! According to a new scientific study, growing up with books can have lasting benefits that begin early in life. All bibliophiles know that nothing beats a well-stocked home library. And, according to recent research, being surrounded by books isn’t just personally pleasing—it’s good for you, too! In “Scholarly culture: How books in adolescence enhance adult literacy, numeracy and technology skills in 31 societies,” Australian National University’s Dr. Joanna Sikora discusses the importance of access to reading materials…

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Why Children’s Books That Teach Diversity Are More Important Than Ever September 27, 2018 – Posted in: Blog, Inspiration, Learning

If you think back to your childhood, what sticks with you? For many people, it’s those cosy times when they were cuddled up with a parent or grandparent, being read a story. But bedtime stories aren’t just lovely endings to the day or a way to induce sleep, they are also a safe way to experience and discuss all sorts of feelings and situations. So even when children think they’re just being told about an…

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Digital vs. Print: The Book Battle Rages On February 2, 2015 – Posted in: Blog, Books, Inspiration, Thoughts, Uncategorized

As the holiday shopping season swings into full force, it’s interesting to watch people buying books. Many a wish list has everything from the latest by Stephen King to an Amazon Gift Card (an actual card or via email) to a new e-reader device. Yet the battle for which is more popular is truly running neck and neck. No matter who you ask, the answer is always different, and usually very passionate. Christine Donovan, from Deerfield…

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Writing, Creativity and Motivation January 30, 2015 – Posted in: Accessories, Books, Inspiration, Posters, Review, Uncategorized

Voltaire is reputed to have said to a client “Madam, here is the novel you commissioned. It’s in two volumes. If I had more time I could have written it in one.” What a dramatic statement! It gets to the heart of the problem for new writers – how to be clear and concise. As an established writer I am frequently asked for advice but fail miserably in supplying answers. I have been writing now…

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