Ruby Galvez, RL

Every Halloween, when dusk began to settle over Willowdale, Eleanor Marwick closed the public library with a smile that was as much mischief as it was politeness. By day, Eleanor was the quintessential librarian: quiet, precise, and draped in an earthy cardigan. But as October 31st arrived, she was, for one night, something else entirely. Tonight, as soon as the clock chimed seven, she shed her librarian guise and stepped into her true role: the witch of Willowdale. Her cardigan transformed into a flowing cloak, her sensible shoes became lace-up boots that clicked against the cobblestone paths. A grimoire appeared in her hands, pages filled with spells in looping ink, all waiting to be unleashed. The first stop was Mrs. Haversham’s house. Sweet, gray-haired Mrs. Haversham never missed a due date and handled every book with reverence. Eleanor whispered a soft incantation, and immediately Mrs. Haversham’s garden burst into a spectacle of flowers that would bloom all winter. Mrs. Haversha

When I was a kid, the word “library” meant one thing: boredom. It conjured up images of stuffy silence, stern librarians, and endless shelves of dusty books that seemed more interested in gathering cobwebs than capturing my imagination. Yet, I’ve since learned that this perception couldn’t be more wrong. The library is not a place where fun goes to die; it’s a playground for the mind. So why do we, as adults, so often pass it off as a dreary destination for last-minute study sessions or research marathons? I can’t help but think we’ve done our children a disservice by failing to frame it as what it really is: a place of adventure, discovery, and, yes, play. Imagine for a moment if the library wasn’t treated like a "last resort" when you've exhausted all other options for entertainment. What if, instead, it was seen as a treasure chest waiting to be opened? Each shelf a new map to a far-off land, every book a ticket to a new world where anything is possible? This shift in

I have designed a Story Seeds Journal on Amazon, and you can see it via this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJD1NCC1 What is this journal for? It can serve as a personal idea repository . It serves as a personal vault of story seeds, allowing writers to store and revisit ideas, which can be developed later into full projects. It increases story output . By encouraging the regular recording of new ideas, it can lead to a larger collection of potential stories to work from in the future. It builds writing confidence . Structured guidance helps writers see their ideas grow, building confidence in their ability to generate and develop stories.

Lisbeth Salander from  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo   can be seen as a heroine, but she’s not a traditional coming-of-age character. Instead, she embodies elements of personal evolution and self-discovery, though in a much darker and unconventional context.  Here’s why she fits, and why she doesn’t, into the coming-of-age mold.        Why She Fits: 1.     Self-Discovery and Growth    : Like a coming-of-age protagonist, Lisbeth grapples with understanding her own identity and place in the world. Her journey involves reclaiming control over her life and confronting the traumas of her past, similar to how coming-of-age stories often depict a young person learning about themselves. 2.     Emotional Evolution    : Lisbeth starts off as a loner, distrustful of nearly everyone, but over time, we see her form complex relationships, particularly with Mikael Blomkvist. Though not sentimental or soft, she gradually opens up, which is a form of personal growth typical of coming-of-age tales. 3.

A  coming-of-age novel  has distinct traits that set it apart from other genres, primarily through its focus on personal growth and self-discovery. Here’s what makes it unique:        1.     Focus on Character Development        -     Core Theme:     The central theme of a coming-of-age novel is personal transformation. The protagonist, usually a young person, matures through experiences, gaining insight into themselves and the world.    -     Compared to Other Genres:     While many genres focus on external conflicts (e.g., fantasy battles or mystery puzzles), the coming-of-age novel centers on   internal   conflicts—struggles with identity, morality, and self-understanding.        2.     Transition from Youth to Adulthood        -     Rite of Passage:     The narrative typically covers the protagonist’s journey from childhood or adolescence into adulthood, where they confront challenges that force them to grow emotionally and psychologically.    -     Compared to Other Genres:     U

 In my blogs about making money online, I mentioned selling journals and logbooks on Amazon KDP. In some cases, I make journals out of ideas and inspirations I get from my life as a librarian, mother of a young adult, and a restaurateur/party caterer. I may sell the journals myself (selling mined gold) or sell them to people who might want to develop them as their own products on Amazon KDP (selling shovels for others to mine gold with).  If you want to find out more about the latter, here is the link to my Creative Fabrica store:  https://www.creativefabrica.com/designer/ruby-cari-galvez/ref/2135193/ In my brainstorming, I thought of several oddball and common niches that I could develop products around. Here they are... First-Time Homeowner's Planner – Step-by-step guidance and to-do lists for managing house projects, budgeting, and maintenance. Solo Hiking Journal – A log for solo hikers to track routes, wildlife sightings, reflections, and survival tips. Eco-Conscious Househo

In previous posts, we’ve covered everything from spacing and speed to avoiding flourishes and using lined paper. Now, let’s focus on the final three tips that will take your handwriting to the next level: 8. Use Quality Writing Tools The tools you use can make a significant difference in how your handwriting looks. A cheap pen that skips or smudges can make your letters look messy, no matter how careful you are. Invest in a good pen that feels comfortable in your hand and produces consistent lines. Gel pens, fountain pens, or even a well-made ballpoint pen can make writing smoother and more enjoyable. 9. Sit with Good Posture Believe it or not, your posture affects your handwriting. If you’re hunched over or slouching, you’ll have less control over your pen. Sit up straight with your feet flat on the ground and your writing hand resting comfortably on the desk. This will help you maintain better control of your pen strokes and keep your handwriting steady. 10. Warm Up Your Hand Just li