Official Blog of Candace Simar
Teaching Story Structure to Third Graders
I’m nervous. OK, more than a little nervous. Though I’ve spoken to adult groups across the region, I’ve been invited to speak to a third/fourth grade multi-age class about my writing experiences. My plan is to use Cinderella’s story as
To Contest or Not to Contest
I’ve set aside pressing duties to make room for another contest submission. Dylan Days Creative Writing Contest out of Hibbing, MN, the home of the famous Bob Dylan, has a great annual contest with cash prizes and publication for winners.
Laying Aside Expectations
Writing requires a lot of stubbornness. It takes courage to write the words, one after another, without the guarantee that the finished product will ever see the light of publication. It takes faith to believe that the writer’s story is
99 Years of Poetry and Finding the Best Title
Today I attended the 99th birthday party of Brainerd poet, Maxine Russell. What a celebration to honor Maxine and her many literary accomplishments that include several books of poetry, a biography, and a tenure as the League of Minnesota Poet
Kindling a Passion for Reading
My grandson asked for a Kindle for his 10th birthday yesterday–and got it. Amazing to see a young boy reading an e-book about Stink the guinea pig. He liked the way he could look up unfamiliar words and change the
Brainerd Writer’s Alliance
Brainerd Writers Alliance met Saturday morning at the Brainerd Library. Every month a different member is asked to present a short educational program. It was my turn and I shared my notes from a fall workshop given by Brian Malloy

Pencil to Paper 2023: Write Your Way Through Winter
Pencil to Paper: Write Your Way Through Winter! With award winning author Candace Simar We are excited to offer our third annual Pencil to Paper,

Writing for the Truly Terrified
Writing for the Truly Terrified! Join us for a two hour fun and friendly writing workshop Thursday, April 28 from 10 to noon, CST/11-1 EST/8-10

Mentor Monday and Other Fun Things
What could be better than sitting around a table with others who are also passionate about the writing craft? The mentor program started in October

Pencil to Paper: Write Your Way Through the Winter Doldrums 2022!
Pencil to Paper: Write Your Way Through the Winter Doldrums 2022! With award winning author Candace Simar. After a successful 2021 Pencil to Paper, we

My latest Short Stories and the Grasshopper Plague of Minnesota
Today I gave a zoom presentation for the Friends of the Brainerd Library about the two new anthologies in which I have stories. I read

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop on the Santa Fe Trail
Enjoy this guest post from fellow historical fiction author Jane Colletti Perry, author of Marcello’s Promise. Two miles from my house is the original Santa
Teaching Story Structure to Third Graders
I’m nervous. OK, more than a little nervous. Though I’ve spoken to adult groups across the region, I’ve been invited to speak to a third/fourth
To Contest or Not to Contest
I’ve set aside pressing duties to make room for another contest submission. Dylan Days Creative Writing Contest out of Hibbing, MN, the home of the
Laying Aside Expectations
Writing requires a lot of stubbornness. It takes courage to write the words, one after another, without the guarantee that the finished product will ever
99 Years of Poetry and Finding the Best Title
Today I attended the 99th birthday party of Brainerd poet, Maxine Russell. What a celebration to honor Maxine and her many literary accomplishments that include
Kindling a Passion for Reading
My grandson asked for a Kindle for his 10th birthday yesterday–and got it. Amazing to see a young boy reading an e-book about Stink the
Brainerd Writer’s Alliance
Brainerd Writers Alliance met Saturday morning at the Brainerd Library. Every month a different member is asked to present a short educational program. It was
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