Author: Sarah Leung

Reading a story can be fun. However, writing a novel has certain challenges. During the pandemic, you might have decided to write a book of fiction. Preparing for and writing a novel can be difficult. However, following tips from established writers can help people find the best way to do the planning and work of writing a novel.

A novel is a long story about a particular time or theme. Some of the novels you have read might be about historical events like the American Revolution or the life of Queen Elizabeth. These types of books normally have some characters who were real people, but also other characters who are fictional. Other novels might be science fiction, about spaceships and other technology that people imagine for the future, or they might be fantasy books about talking animals, fairies, or other imaginary characters. Some novels are more like real life, with characters and situations much like the ones that you could encounter any day.

The first step in writing a novel is to read what other people have written. Each author has a different style and a different message, and each one can teach writers something. Some writers use long descriptions to create an atmosphere, but others prefer to concentrate on the action. Each style might appeal to different readers and suit the skills of the writer better than other techniques.

Your purpose in writing is important. You might want to make a point about climate change. In that case, a futuristic novel with a ruined environment might be the best choice. For a book about bullying and relationships with classmates in school, a modern setting with realistic human characters would likely be best. A funny novel about something humorous in society could have any setting that highlights the point you are trying to make. The main message of your novel will help determine the rest of your choices.

Once you know the main point of your story, you can move on to other decisions. You will need to choose characters and decide on the world where they live. You might decide to write about teenagers living in Vancouver in the twenty-first century or German children immigrating to Halifax in the 1800s. These setting and character choices will affect everything else in the novel.

Many novels are written using “he” and “she,” which is called the “third person.” Others are written from the narrator’s viewpoint, using “I” and “we,” called “first person.” They may be written as if everything happened in the past, using the past tense, or as if they are happening right now, using the present tense. Deciding on the point of view will help you choose what to do with other aspects of your novel.

Unlike short stories which contain only a few actions, novels can be very long and involve many different happenings. Novels can be fifty-thousand words or more, depending on the age of readers they are intended to reach. Writing an outline of your novel can help you keep your writing clear and logical. Once you have written the outline, you can write the first page to set the mood and tone of your novel.

Novels normally lead towards a crisis or special event. One exception is the kind of novel that deals with character development or analysis of a society. Usually, however, you will need to have a series of events that lead to your main point. With a good beginning, middle, and end, your novel is likely to interest many readers.

Writing a novel is a big project. However, thinking through the steps before you start can help.  Then you can have a book that you can be proud to show your family and friends.

Bibliography:

Leonard, Elmore, et al. “Ten Rules for Writing Fiction: Part One.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2010/feb/20/ten-rules-for-writing-fiction-part-one.

MasterClass. “Writing Tips for Fiction Writers.” https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-tips-for-fiction-writers.

Reading Eggs. “A Step‑by‑Step Guide to Helping Your Child Write a Story.” https://readingeggs.ca/articles/2015/06/19/story-writing-for-kids/.

Self-Publishing School. “How to Write a Novel in 11 Must-Do Steps.” https://self-publishingschool.com/how-to-write-a-novel/.

The lockdowns and restrictions due to the pandemic have forced most people to study online and/or work from home. While initially not a lot were keen to the idea, as days passed, they’ve learned to embrace the work from home and online learning options.

Now that the positive COVID cases have decreased significantly, educational institutions and companies have started the efforts to encourage students back to the classrooms and employees back to the offices. Those who’ve been used to at-home studying or working could use some help to get re-acquainted with these options. Below then is a guide to being human again.

Set realistic expectations.

When you take a week off from studying in school or working at the office, there’s always bound to be a period of adjustment when you get back. Maybe you’ll wake up a few minutes later than you should or you forget to bring something that you should. Now, imagine if that break was two years. Of course, you can’t get back into the old routine 100 per cent. You’ll need time to adjust and recover. So instead of pushing yourself to take the giant leap and go back to how it was pre-COVID, take baby steps. Set your alarm for a few minutes earlier until you get the hang of it and you’re back to your normal wake-up time pre-COVID.

Set boundaries.

With remote learning or working, you’ve increased your accessibility to classmates or officemates in need of your help. You’ve probably gotten used to checking your emails even beyond the usual school or office hours. Now that you’re back to school or in the office, it’s important to draw a line that establishes the demarcation. This way, you avoid burnout and unnecessary stress. If a classmate is asking to borrow your notes for a class they’ve missed, ask them to meet you in the library. Meanwhile, if it’s a colleague needing your help for a presentation, suggest that you look at it in the office lounge or pantry.

Watch for non-verbal cues.

When you were in a virtual classroom or meeting, it was always understandable if you found yourself talking over someone who wanted to speak or vice versa because it was hard to tell cues accurately. Now that you’re back in the classroom or office, you have to step it up to be more observant of other people’s non-verbal hints. As Founder and Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence Marc Brackett said, it’s important to learn how to interpret facial expressions, body language, vocal tones, and behaviour to help us understand others and respond to them appropriately.

Remember, you’re not alone in this.

If you’re feeling anxious, reach out to a guidance counsellor if you’re in school or an HR professional if you’re at work. Remember, the pandemic was a new experience for all of us, and so too is re-adjusting to life post-pandemic. Reaching out to professionals and expressing how you feel will give you reassurance that you can deal with this going forward. You may also connect with others you think feel the same way and this way, you can support each other.

Practice good hygiene.

Just because COVID-19 is slowly bidding the world goodbye doesn’t mean that we can all relax and be complacent about health and safety. In fact, what we should learn from the pandemic is that it always pays to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands for at least 60 seconds and sanitize common areas or spaces like the pantry table before using them. An ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.

So COVID-19 is gradually going away, and it’s time to reclaim our life and have it the way it was pre-pandemic. There’s a lot of adjustment to be done but if you follow the recommendations above, you’ll be well-prepared. Good luck!

Sources

Brackett, Marc. “What Does it Take To Really Know How We’re Feeling?” https://www.marcbrackett.com/what-does-it-take-to-really-know-how-were-feeling/

Goodchild, Lucy. “Going back to the office? 6 tips to help you adjust.” TED.com. https://ideas.ted.com/going-back-to-the-office-6-tips-to-help-you-adjust/

The Hun School of Princeton. “Tips for Returning to School After COVID-19.” https://www.hunschool.org/resources/returning-to-school-post-covid-19

Siddique, Haroon. “Impact of social media on children faces fresh scrutiny.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/jan/15/impact-social-media-children-mental-health

The summer of 2021 in British Columbia showed what climate change can do to the land and the people. Fires that destroyed entire communities, floods that devastated homes and schools, mudslides, and intense heart that caused many deaths were all part of that very difficult summer. In response, the government’s 2022 budget is designed to deal with the climate emergency while also providing jobs for young people for the future.

Every year, government financial experts put together a budget detailing how much money is supposed to go towards education, health care, and other services that people need. Last summer made it clear that dealing with the climate is essential. The government has responded with a larger investment than ever before in the CleanBC Roadmap Project. The investment includes $1.2 billion in new funding to work towards a cleaner economy. That means finding and developing fuels that reduce or eliminate harmful emissions like carbon that pollute the environment.

Even with new fuels available, people also need to be able to use them. Making electric vehicles easier and more affordable to buy is an important step towards reducing emissions. About forty percent of fuel emissions come from transportation. Cleaner fuels, such as electric power, would help to reduce this problem. However, cleaner industry and cleaner buildings are also necessary to help reduce pollution and to help the environment.

No one wants a disaster to happen. However, being prepared for potential problems can help. Part of the budget deals with plans for a year-round BC Wildfire Service that would help deal with the problem of fires that rage out of control. Typically, most wildfires occur in summer when the weather is warm and often dry. However, having a year-round fire service will help people prepare better for the fire season so that they will be ready with the equipment and resources they need.

Although the new budget attempts to deal with many of the climate issues that BC is facing, some people are concerned that it misses some important areas. For example, extra funding for public transit would likely do more to help the environment than funding private vehicles does. Of the $8 billion budgeted for roads and transportation, only $1.97 billion will go towards public transit, even though a bus can carry forty or fifty people who might otherwise take their cars to work or school. Extra funding could mean more frequent buses, cheaper fares, and a generally better system.

Despite some potential flaws, the new budget also includes opportunities for young people. Working in advocacy is one possibility. Encouraging the government and private agencies to invest in better transit or greener technology is a good way of helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Journalists and other writers can inform the public or the government about the issues. Finding work with the new wildfire organization is also a possibility for anyone with the right skills.

Inventors and technicians could have good opportunities in the new budget. Finding new fuels or more efficient technology can help reduce emissions, making the roles of inventors very important. Technicians are also necessary for installing these new systems in homes and buildings, since this kind of work can be too complicated for most people to manage.  The new green budget in British Columbia could create many opportunities for work while also helping to make the province a more environmentally friendly place.

Bibliography:

The Canadian Press. Climate Change Focus of B.C. Budget after Floods, Wildfires and Heat Waves.” https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/challenges-of-climate-change-focus-of-b-c-governments-budget-says-finance-minister.

Gamage, Michelle. “BC Budget Fails to Deliver Climate Change, Experts Say.” The Tyee. https://thetyee.ca/News/2022/02/24/BC-Budget-Fails-To-Deliver-Climate-Change/.

The Globe and Mail. “BC Budget to Focus on the Challenges of Climate Change, Says Finance Minister.” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-bc-budget-to-focus-on-challenges-of-climate-change-says-finance/.

Province of British Columbia. “Record Investments to Create Clean Economy of the Future.” https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022FIN0007-000272.

In 2021, the government of Ontario introduced the Working for Workers Act to try to help make life better for workers in the province. The act contains several important elements, but one part that could make life easier for workers is the “right to disconnect.” This section allows workers to turn off their computers and other devices once the workday is done. If employers follow the new guidelines, it could make life much easier and better for many people.

In the past two years, many more people than usual have been working from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has made some aspects of life easier for many people who have not had to spend hours in the car or bus getting to and from work. They have been able to cook supper while finishing their work tasks and to take time out from work when they need it rather than waiting for scheduled breaks.

Despite the advantages, working from home has also caused problems for workers as they have had difficulties in ending their workday at a regular time to allow them to relax. Many people in office jobs, teaching, and other professions already had this challenge before the pandemic. Sometimes, they would work their regular hours, only to have phone calls and tasks to do from home in preparation for the next day. Although people in some professions like teaching and writing have traditionally had extra work to do in the evenings and on weekends, many other people are now having to work long after their official workday is done.

This trend can cause many problems. People who must always be ready to take a call from the boss cannot take the time they need to relax or to care for their families properly. They may become overworked and stressed, and they can burn out quickly. Then they might not be able to work at all. Meetings, work tasks, and planning for the future can all use up the mental energy that people have and leave them unable to cope with life.

The governments of several countries have recognized the problem of employees who have no work/life balance. In France and elsewhere, employees have the right to turn off their job-related electronic devices after working hours so that they can concentrate on other aspects of their lives, including their health, their families, and anything else they need. This can help workers manage their lives better and avoid crises that can come from failing to take care of other aspects of life.

The Working for Workers Act contains other important points, such as removing employment barriers for people who were trained outside Canada. For example, an engineer trained in Egypt or India would more easily be able to get a job as an engineer in Canada instead of having to retrain or work in low-level jobs for years. That way, Canada will get the benefit of these people’s expertise while the immigrants also get to use their skills.

However, the right to disconnect is likely the most important aspect of the act for most people. Working all day, or even having to be ready for work all day, can be very stressful and overwhelming. The Working for Workers Act could help make life much easier for many people in Ontario.

Bibliography:

Bibby, Adrianne. “Are You Respecting Your Employees’ Right to Disconnect?” Flexjobs. https://www.flexjobs.com/employer-blog/employees-right-to-disconnect/.

Edmond Harnden. “Ontario Government Introduces the Working for Workers Act, 2022.”
https://ehlaw.ca/ontario-government-introduces-the-working-for-workers-act-2022/?print=pdf.

Government of Ontario. “Working for Workers Act 2021.” https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/1001032/working-for-workers-act-2021.

Work & Labour News & Research. “The Right to Disconnect: Why Legislation Doesn’t Address the Real Problems with Work.” https://worklabournewsresearch.tumblr.com/post/669224175839412224/the-right-to-disconnect-why-legislation-doesnt.