Happy Holidays

New DIY MFA Post and a Quick Holiday Message

/ saraletourneau / 6 Comments

In my DIY MFA posts, we spend a lot of time discussing how to explore literary themes. But we’ve yet to cover why any one theme should matter to readers. So this week, I return to the theme of family (which we first examined in this case study) and share five reasons why it’s so important. From the different types of families to historical and cultural perspectives on family, these whys show how complex and powerful this theme is and how a story can act as a window into the dynamics of a family that’s different than yours or as a mirror of your own.

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What’s Making Me Happy in December 2016 (Plus, I’m on a Holiday Blogging Hiatus)

/ saraletourneau / 38 Comments

happiness-december-2016

Today’s post is a special one. I’m linking up with writing friend and fellow DIY MFA staff writer Leanne Sowul for her monthly “What Makes Me Happy” series. (Click here to go directly to her December post.) Plus, as you might have noticed from the post’s title, this will be my last blog post for 2016. And with Christmas and the New Year around the corner, it’s a good time to celebrate the little things that make you happy, right? 🙂

Since it’s still the holiday season, I’ll start with…

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Time Flies!: December 2015

/ saraletourneau / 44 Comments

Time Flies Banner

Welcome to the latest edition of Time Flies! It’s my version of a monthly update, where I recap the past month’s accomplishments and articles, share news and random things from my offline life, and hint at what may be coming in the month ahead.

Did I ever tell you that Lilo And Stitch is my second-favorite animated Disney movie after The Lion King? ;)

Confession: “Lilo and Stitch” is my second-favorite animated Disney movie after “The Lion King.”

Yes, it’s me popping in! 😉 I’m on hiatus until Monday, January 4th, but I thought I’d still post a Time Flies to “officially” wrap up the month.

How have your winter holidays been so far? Do you have any plans for New Year’s Eve? I’ll most likely stay at home and call it an early night (I’ll explain why shortly). The last two months have been nutty on all fronts, so it’s been nice to breathe deeply and relax the past few days.

If you noticed things were slower here than usual this month – you’re correct. I scaled back on my blogging activities in December because of all the busyness, and also to get a head start on my January posts. So, you probably haven’t missed much if you’ve been away, but here’s your chance to catch up:
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Happy Holidays! (Plus, I’m On Hiatus)

/ saraletourneau / 24 Comments

Happy Holidays 2015

Just wanted to wish you all a wonderful holiday season! May these last few days of the year be filled with warmth, good food and company, and lots of love and joy.

Also, starting today I’m taking a 2-week hiatus from the blog. I may pop in to reply to comments or catch up on other sites. But, with the exception of my monthly wrap-up post (Time Flies) on Wednesday, December 30th, nothing new will post until Monday, January 4th.

Until then, Happy Holidays!  🙂

~ Sara