I love reading and have always dabbled in writing short stories, etc. Up until discovering Helium, however, I had never had anything published. After sending my work to publishers and never hearing back from them, I sent a sample of my writing to a Professor of English at a university which ran a course in writing. The Professor was kind enough to return my work along with some constructive criticism. I was overjoyed, finally some feedback. That was back in 1999.

Now, having discovered Helium, I am enjoying the challenge of producing material that will, hopefully, rate well. I am rather envious of the writers here who, appear to, so effortlessly turn out quality pieces regularly. But I am using this particular emotion to spur me on to set aside regular time for writing.

Apart from writing, I have my own business providing support for small businesses as a virtual assistant. My specialty is document structure and layout. It seems that today everyone has access to computers, so everyone can type. But no one seems to know how to format a document or a letter. The number of businesses that send out poor quality letters is astonishing. When a letter comes across my desk that is poorly set out, paragraphs non-existent, atrocious spelling, I can't help but wonder what other part of their business may be lacking in quality.

Few years ago I completed an Editing and Proofreading certificate. This has become an invaluable tool for my business as well as my writing.

My family and I enjoy keeping fit; bush walking, surf ski paddling, snorkeling. About two years ago I commenced a martial arts program and just can't get enough of it. Being a form of kick boxing, it is an excellent cardiovascular workout as well as strength training. Hopefully my enthusiasm will rub off onto my writing.

My passion is ...

my gorgeous son.

I know too much about ...

useless stuff.

My parents always told me ...

Always say, "Please" and "thank you".

My childhood ambition ...

Since the age of about 6, I have always wanted to write a best seller!

My favorite memory ...

Any memory of my son as a toddler. I didn't realise the baby / toddler stage would be over so quickly!

Why I write ...

because I enjoy it.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Reading anything I can get my hands on, watching anything the family is watching, listening to the neighbours renovating.

My first job ...

Filing clerk for a debt collection agency (nice people, boring job)

My best moment ...

(not sure about this one)

My inspiration ...

... will get back to you on this one

Society & Lifestyle > Society & Lifestyle (Other) Reflections: Why I enjoy summer

2 of 22

My memories of summer bring me great joy. The house I grew up in wasn't big, but we had a good size yard and a decent sized swimming pool. And the backyard and pool are the best memories I have of summer as a child. I have endless memories of being in the pool with my sisters and friends. Dad would be firing up the barbecue and making the most delicious salads while Mum was greeting her parents who would turn up with wonderful homemade pastries for dessert. The weather would be anywhere from balmy to absolutely stifling! And it was wonderful.

The days seemed to stretch on forever...

More..