The development of my interest in writing has been paralleled by my personal development in many respects. Early in my schooling, reading became an integral part of my life. Even then, in the back of my mind, the seeds of my desire to write were present. However, an ingrained lack of self confidence suppressed these desires before I really had a chance to explore them. There were many times in the past when I would strike upon an idea that I felt had merit, but it was always left untouched. I felt my style was too clumsy and awkward, never giving life to the idea as I envisioned it. Today I am a different person. I have matured in many ways, found peace in accomplishing what I can. Over the past year, I have accumulated a collection of writing. Though there was many a piece that I wanted to discard, continued support from my family and peers stayed my hand. Now I can truly say that I have a strong desire to see how far I can take this interest. That is why I write this test today.

... In this exercise, select the important details that distinguish the person you're describing ...

a person in a long supermarket line with an inept clerk at the checkout counter

Every thing about her spoke of utter impatience. With a carton of milk clutched to her breast, she scanned the other aisles with an air of disgust, impatiently batting away an auburn lock that momentarily blocked her vision. Her polished nails drummed sporadically upon the carton as she periodically pushed back the sleeve of her suede coat to reveal a sparkling gold watch.

... Write step-by-step instructions to show a reader how to do something that you know well ...

How to create an RPG (role playing game) character
	Think of a few phrases to describe your character's parents. Everything your character is and will be begins here.
	Think of one or two occasions in your character's past that were truly memorable experiences for him or her. Any stage of development is appropriate.
	Use the results of step 2 to come up with a small set of values for your character. What does your character believe in strongly? What does his or her response to each of these memorable occasions say about your character?
	Optionally, use the knowledge of your character that has been accumulated thus far to come up with a great strength and (or) a great weakness within your character. This can make for an interesting twist as the game develops.
	In a few words, describe what your character does for a living. This, of course, is heavily dependent upon the setting of the game. Consult with the person who will be running the game before proceeding past this point.
	Far more telling than your character's occupation is how he or she chooses to spend his or her recreational time. Decide on a few hobbies for your character.
	Another source of information with respect to your character comes from the company he or she keeps. In a few words, describe one or two of your character's significant peers and his or her relationship to them.
	At this stage, the mechanics of the game you will be playing take over. The various manuals associated with the game should be consulted now.

... In this part, you will take a step toward becoming a writer. To begin, think of several events that you have experienced or observed ... make a list of three to five of these events that you could write about ...

	My first piano recital in front of a large audience. I was fresh out of elementary school, unaccustomed to a stress of this sort.
	The night I met my girlfriend, Paula. What began as an evening out with the boys, finished on a surprising note.
	An exchange trip I was a part of between students from Victoria, British Columbia and St. John's, Newfoundland (which was my home at that time). It took place in the summer before I started high school.
	My first attempt at finding a place to stay in Ottawa, Ontario. Prior to this, I had very little experience with life away from home.

... Look back at the events listed in Part 5 ... Now choose the one event that you most want to write about ...

When I think about that evening, well over a year and a half ago, one idea permeates throughout the memory. How very lucky I was to have happened upon the wonderful woman, whom I now cherish so dearly. What an unlikely set of circumstances took place that evening, leading up to our introduction.

My story begins on the bustling street called Elgin, in the heart of Ottawa, the capital of my country. Myself and two of my classmates, Jody and Justin, were in an animated debate concerning what the evening's entertainment would be.

"It's Disco Survival Night at Zaphod Beeblebrox," exclaimed Jody, his flushed complexion mirroring his short fiery hair.

"You've got to be kidding me," retorted Justin, unconsciously towering over Jody in a vain attempt to intimidate our small companion.

Jody carried on, nonplussed, his comical impersonation of John Travolta in Stayin' Alive leading the way. "What's wrong with disco?"

Despite the protests that followed, Jody continued to lead us towards the Byward Market, nestled in the heart of which is Zaphod Beeblebrox. Truth be told, neither Justin nor I could come up with any remotely interesting suggestions, and as such, our objections were half-hearted at best.

Soon the modest exterior of the pub was before us. Little more than an expanded corridor, the unobtrusive atmosphere had made it a favourite with us. However, that night was quite different. Far from unassuming, the walls and ceiling were plastered with every sort of paraphernalia from a time we had seen through the eyes of children. With quick dispatch, Justin brought a foaming pitcher of Ricker's Red and three glasses to a table near the front of the establishment.

In the hours that followed, we were taken back to the generation of our parents, a liquor induced haze supporting the myth. The stories were outlandish, the laughter a little louder than warranted. Suddenly, Top 40 sounds filled our ears, snapping us out of our reverie like the crack of a gun. It was 11:00 p.m. For Jody, that meant only one thing.

"Come on, " he cried, "let's dance!"

"I should be going, " responded Justin, "I'm not sure how well I can control my affections in the face of so much temptation."

Jody didn't press the point any further, for fear of rubbing salt in the wounds opened by Justin's long distance relationship with his girlfriend, Christine. I, however, had no such defense. Bidding Justin a good night, Jody and I headed to the dance floor.

We were quickly swallowed by the gyrating beast of fellow fun seekers. Alcohol having stripped away our inhibitions, we drifted with the spirit of the moment. I lost myself completely in the music, dancing without any regard to, what was most certainly, my comical appearance.

Awareness of my surroundings eventually resulted from what must have been the third jostling of my person in as many minutes. However, the culprit was not my enthusiastic companion, as I had assumed, but rather an attractive, dark haired woman. The very essence of my being seemed to rise up from my body at that moment, taking roost in the rafters of the pub. Joy, the potency of which I had not known before that moment, filled my essence then, watching my body and this lovely woman progress from dancing hand in hand into a passionate embrace.

How the remainder of the evening was spent has been the subject of happy reminiscing as well as many a good laugh shared by Paula and I. I can say with certainty that I had eyes for her alone from that moment on. When the pub began to close for the evening, a few hours after midnight, it was as if I was waking from a dream. A wonderful dream. I wrote down her phone number and bidding her a good night, blissfully stumbled into the snowy street that February morning.

After many hours of internal debate, I called Paula the following day. At that moment, the seeds of what would grow into the powerful relationship we share were planted. My love for her continues to grow to this day for so many reasons. Her tolerance comes to mind right now, as I consider the grace with which she accepted my opening inquiry in that first phone conversation so long ago.

"Hello. Is Carla there?"

... choose a working title for Part 6 ...

My Mysterious Fate

I have a web page with most of the writing I have accumulated over the years. If you are interested, the URL is:

I can also be reached through e-mail. My e-mail address is:

I have included a significant portion of the writing aptitude test in this document to provide the proper context for my responses. Please note that the writing aptitude test is protected by COPYRIGHT LWRG 1997, A DIVISION OF THE INSTITUTE, INC.

Last modified: March 31, 1998

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Many thanks to my contributors.