Resources for Writers
Welcome to the Open Sky Stories Resource Page, a curated collection of tools, inspiration, and connections for writers and readers alike. Whether you’re looking to develop your writing using a writing craft resource, discover new voices, support independent bookstores, or find a retail store to purchase Open Sky Stories products, you’ll find valuable resources here. This page is designed to empower your writing journey and connect you with a community of like-minded creatives.
Writing Craft Resources
Elevate your writing with these carefully selected books and podcasts that dive deep into the art and craft of storytelling. From plotting and character development to finding your unique voice, these resources will guide you on your creative path.
Books on Writing
Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert
Bird By Bird, Anne Lamott
Intuitive Editing, Tiffany Yates Martin
Old Friend From Far Away: A Practice of Writing Memoir, Natalie Goldberg
On Writing, Stephen King
The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron
The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, John Koenig
Writing Down The Bones, Natalie Goldberg
Podcasts for Writers
Listen to podcasts that feature interviews with authors and discussions on the craft of writing.
The TufFish Show
Host: Jennifer Milius
Guest: Erica Richmond
This deep conversation with Erica Richmond about why your words matter is powerful. So many times, we as writers can get in our heads and stop writing because we doubt if anyone will care or if it will be any good, yet Erica shares not only insights for how to get out of your own way and unpack your big feelings, but how to remember why your words matter. Erica also talked about how she turned the big feelings she was processing into a story appropriate for children and why that was important.
Reading With Your Kids
Host: Jedlie
Guest: Erica Richmond
Erica Richmond is on the Reading With Your Kids podcast to celebrate the release of her debut children’s book, Pixie and the Bees. She discusses how the story came from her own experience with anxiety, which she describes as feeling like buzzing bees inside her body. Erica shares strategies she uses to manage anxiety, such as exercise, breathwork, and mindfulness. Jed Doherty and Erica discuss the importance of teaching children these self-care strategies proactively.
On Being
Host: Krista Tippett
Guest: Mary Oliver
The late poet Mary Oliver is among the most beloved writers of modern times. Amidst the harshness of life, she found redemption in the natural world and in beautiful, precise language. She won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award among her many honors — and published numerous collections of poetry and also some wonderful prose. Krista met with her in 2015 for this rare, intimate conversation.
Tapestry
CBC
Asking the big questions: Writer, artist and priest Malcolm Doney has been tackling life’s biggest questions about love, loss, meaning and purpose. Together with co-author Martin Wroe, Doney wrote a guide to living in harmony with the unknown called Hold On, Let Go: How to Find Your Life.
Support Independent Bookstores
Independent bookstores play a crucial role in the literary ecosystem, offering a personalized and community-focused experience that larger retailers just cannot match.
For authors, these local gems are invaluable. They provide a platform for emerging voices, allowing writers to reach audiences who appreciate the curated selection of unique and diverse titles. Independent bookstores are champions of creativity and risk-taking, often stocking books from small presses and self-published authors that might not find shelf space elsewhere. They foster intimate connections between authors and readers through book signings, readings, and community events, creating a loyal readership and supportive literary community.
By nurturing these personal connections and championing diverse voices, independent bookstores not only help authors thrive but also enrich the cultural fabric of their communities.
Want to add to the list? Submit your favourite Independent Bookstore here.
Canada
Ontario
Take Cover Books, Peterborough
By The Books, Peterborough
Happenstance Books and Yarns, Lakefield
Let’s Talk Books, Cobourg
River Bookshop, Amherstburg
Tamworth Bookshop, Tamworth
Manitoba
Raven’s End Books, Winnipeg
British Columbia
Huckleberry Books, Cranbrook
Massy Books, Vancouver
Yukon
Mac’s Fireweed Books, Whitehorse
USA
New Mexico
Black Cat Books, Truth or Consequences
United Kingdom
Mr. B’s Emporium, Bath
Available Everywhere: Libro.FM
Libro.fm is an employee-owned Social Purpose Corporation that shares profits from your audiobook purchases with your chosen bookstore, giving you the power to keep money within your local economy, and directly supporting indie bookstores.
Where to Find My Books & Products
Discover where you can purchase Open Sky Stories books and products. This list of retail stores proudly carries our work, offering you an opportunity to explore our creations in person. Whether you’re looking for my children’s books, writing-related products, or other creative works, these stores have you covered.
Are you a retailer interested in carrying my products? I would love to partner with you! Please contact me for more information on becoming a distributor.
Members Spotlight
The Open Sky Community is filled with talented writers whose work deserves to be celebrated. In this section, we showcase published writing from our community members—those who have participated in our writing groups, collaborated with us, or simply shared their unique stories.
Dive into these works and experience the diversity and creativity that flourishes within our community.
Do you have published work? You can submit your work here.
Doris Romano
Book: The Mysteries of Life, Love & A Memoir
“So, how did the two of you meet?” When my husband and I started dating, our friends would naturally ask us that question, and I always had a hard time answering it for fear of being judged and misunderstood. The Mysteries of Life, Love and Loss: A Memoir follows that relationship journey, answering that simple question, but only when looking back, did I realize how life is actually a “choose your own adventure novel” and all our stories are a complex manifestation of one meeting owed to other meetings, all our stories are a result of a million sacred moments strung together. This memoir is an honest, vulnerable reflection of my deeply challenging experiences of love and loss from a young age and how the fabric of magic and mystery wove them together.
Ramona Wilderman
Book: Siege of Herons- Collective Nouns Alphabetically
An award winning delightfully illustrated picture book showcasing 26 collective nouns.
Terri Mullholland
A selection of Terri’s flash fiction and short story publications. Several of these pieces were drafted or started in the Safety in Numbers writing group.
Elaine Izquierdo
Book: Hot Chocolate and Apple Pie
Holly Everly is a control freak, so when her boyfriend breaks up with her, she finds a suitable stranger to bring home for Christmas, only to find out her first love is also joining the holidays. Will Holly be able to keep up with the lie and her new fake boyfriend?
Danette Adams
Blog: danetteadams.com
Danette is a writer, meditation and mindful movement facilitator who has been exploring contemplative practices for over three decades. After her retirement from a career as a high school guidance counsellor, Danette has been renewing her passion for connecting with others around mindfulness, resiliency, nervous system regulation, and embodied awareness through her writing and mindfulness facilitation. Danetteadams.com is a space where Danette shares what comes up for her during her lifelong, and often steep, learning curve.
Tasha Lowe
Articles: SOLRAD
Reviews and interviews and scene reports about Graphic Novels, artists/writers and comic related events.
Tasha Lowe
Articles: The Comics Journal Digital
Reviews, and interviews, and scene reports about graphic novels, artists/writers, and comic related events.
Kat Goodale
Blog: Object Project
A memoir writing project, telling the history of the author in 100 objects.
Join Our Writing Community
Discover the support and resources you need to elevate your writing. Explore our mentorship programs, creative writing groups, and expressive writing workshops.