Learning Curves ~ Valerie Ronald

image by Pixabay

Perched on the edge of our chairs, hands poised over the keys, we waited for the timer to sound. Ding! And we were off, filling the classroom with the deafening clatter of multiple manual typewriters as we raced to type as many correctly spelled words as we could in the time given. Back then in high school I had no idea how useful the skill of touch typing would be in my future as a writer. Cursive writing is awkward for me as I am left-handed. Though many writers prefer the tactile process of handwriting, I still favour using a keyboard.

Keyboards and I go way back. From high school typing classes, to 1970s newspaper teletype machines and early personal computers, my fingers became an extension of my creative thought process. Standardized English alphabet keyboards mean I can write on most computers available to me. Many writers use the “hunt and peck” technique with some proficiency. I like the speed and smoothness of touch typing.

In fall of 2025 I embarked on a lifelong dream of writing my first book. Knowing I was a high school student back in the 1970s, you can assume my present age made improving my online technology skills a challenge. I needed to upgrade my computer in order to accommodate the word processing program required by my publisher. That meant two new systems to navigate. There were times when I shut down my computer and walked away in frustration. Often by the next day a solution to my digital dilemma would come to me and I forged ahead. My publishing editor was always available to help when I was really stuck.

Now that my book is published, I realize the importance of having a God-given calling and purpose in order to stay the course when things are difficult. Focusing on the end goal helps me persevere through the ongoing challenges of managing social media platforms and web-based tools as a means of promoting my book. Having learned what I did through the publishing process, I have confidence that I can master most of what I need to do.

The ethical quandary of promoting my own work is where I find it difficult to strike a balance. Before independent publishing became more accessible, mainline publishers did the job of promoting and selling the work of the authors they represented. I worked with a reputable publishing services provider that expertly guided me through every step of publication, including book marketing and promotion. They gave me the tools, yet I find it difficult to manage promotion of my own work without appearing self-important.

Initially I am using Facebook and Instagram to post quotes from my book and reviews from readers. As I become familiar with the elements of these tools, I hope to try new promotion techniques. By observing how more experienced authors handle social media, I can learn to do so tastefully. It will take a while for me to find an online promotion style suited to the book, and myself as an author. I welcome any helpful recommendations! 

Valerie Ronald writes from an old roll top desk in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, with her tortoiseshell cat for a muse. A graduate of Langara College School of Journalism, she writes devotionals, fiction, and inspirational prose. Her purpose in writing is to encourage others to grow in their spiritual walk. She has recently published a devotional book, "Each Shining Moment - Lingering in God's Light." 

Technology or Analog? by Carol Harrison

                              

photo by Carol Harrison

Technology often scares me. Oh, I use my computer for word processing and Mr. Google to search for information. I have even shopped online from time to time. I’ve also wasted time scrolling through Facebook to procrastinate doing other things on my to do list. I used to always type my projects directly into the computer word document but over the last few years have picked up a pen and put the words on paper before typing them. Why? I’m not sure. I type faster than I can write longhand. Yet sitting in my big comfy chair with the sun shining in the large patio windows feels like a warm, safe space to journal or write blog posts in a notebook.

Maybe it would be clearer to say that using social media intimidates me. I don’t know the best way to use it to promote myself and my writing to potential readers. I do have a Facebook account and an Instagram one too. I even have a Twitter or X account but I don’t use it and rarely post on Instagram. My Facebook account started to keep in touch with friends and family. Some family posted news and photos on closed accounts and it helped keep us in touch.

When I began writing, I posted about any writing and even did several on line book launches that had a week of posts and photos along with an invite to a live video launch. The live part terrified me. I worried I couldn’t make it happen and yet I set myself a goal to try. I think they worked out.

Then a writer friend encouraged some of us to take one week and post something unrelated to selling our books. It should be fun and inspirational posts. She wanted us to try and connect with potential readers without a sales pitch. I took up her challenge. After the week finished, I continued posting three times a week. Monday I posted a photo and inspirational post to go with it. Wednesdays I posted creative endeavours of friends and family to encourage them and share their work with any followers I had. Finally, on Fridays I decided to try something fun. I began posting photos of my bear, Patches, doing different things and invited people to caption the photo or use it for a creative prompt or just enjoy it. I chose the teddy bear because I don’t have a pet that might offer a variety of poses.

As time passed, the Monday and Wednesday posts disappeared. Friday Patches posts have continued. Now when memories bring up some of the inspirational posts from back then, I share them again. Maybe it’s time to reinstate them and come up with some new ones.

But, although I do use Facebook a bit and word documents, updating and maintaining my own webpage is beyond my skill level. I need to have someone more tech savvy help me or rather implement the changes I need. Right now that hasn’t happened for way too long leaving an outdated web page.

Technology or analog? I wouldn’t want to give up my smartphone or laptop even though the computer at times frustrates or overwhelms me. I don’t use either to their full capacity. There is something about sitting with pen and paper to jot down thoughts. But to interact with more potential readers, Facebook has its place. Now I just need to get past my phobia surrounding using technology and surrounding myself with others who know more than me about using social media and updating my website.

 

Carol Harrison feels like social media and technology can be frightening things but necessary ones. She lives in Saskatoon, SK and is grateful for help from family unafraid of pushing a wrong button.

Technology by Lorilee Guenter

Mister Bert's Adventure by Lorilee Guenter

Technology offers many tools for writers and authors. I find it has many drawbacks as well. I choose between them based on a number of criteria, mostly though it comes down to preference. I prefer analog for some tasks, and I prefer digital for some tasks. Some things require technology.

I write 99% of my first draft long hand, including this post. The weight of the pen in hand and the sound of the nib travelling across the page are sensory details I don't want to give up. They tell my brain it's time to write. I also keep a journal, a prayer journal, and a travel journal. My travel journal is written from two points of view. I write my thoughts then I print an "Adventures Log" from the point of view of a small stuffed koala called Mister Bert. In this way my journal is both a record and a story prompt.

Subsequent drafts of writing are typed, printed and revised longhand. I just don't like staring at a screen for hours. I will edit small pieces without reprinting them but the majority of my work gets printed for revision and for a hard copy reference. 

Technology offers many tools for artists. I have scrapbooked parts of our family traditions, travels, and general life. Most often I used digital tools to create the pages, then print some of them. The key reason I create a scrapbook page is to tell the story with words and images. As long as they are accessible by family they can count as finished in digital form. I would like to print more of them so we can hold the books in hand, but for now I'm happy having them done

For my other art, I need physical tools: pens, pencils, and paint. I use a variety of materials as my base such as: wood, paper, tea bags, and canvases. There's no digital replacement for the art I create.

Digital or analog, I find a place for the tools offered by both mediums. Digital is easier to share. Analog gives tactile feedback. I don't want to pick just one. 

Lorilee Guenter is a Saskatoon, SK based writer and artist. She bridges the gap between Digital and analog technologies by using both. She writes a Substack each Friday.

Pigeons Versus Substack by Michelle Joy Teigrob

 

Sometimes I wish I lived in the days when communication over long distances involved quietly scratching a note on a scrap of paper and attaching it to the skinny leg of a homing pigeon. After checking that the note was secure, you’d lean your head back while the pigeon flapped upwards.

As you shielded your eyes against the sun’s brilliance and a light breeze brushed your cheek, you’d watch your bird head to the sky. You’d clasp your hands together, praying said bird and the note made it to their destination a few miles away by nightfall.

Now, I can take all of 30 seconds to tap a note on my phone or computer. I can trust that the note will arrive at its destination thousands of miles across country or world in the same amount of time – 30 seconds give or take a few.

I joined Substack not too long ago after fellow InScribe member, Alan Anderson, introduced me to it. A long foregoer of all things social media, I decided to make the leap after gathering that this platform is designed especially for writers who enjoy long-form material (I realize that isn’t necessarily always the case and the platform is evolving, but that’s the story I went with).

At first, I felt very anxious about Substack – as all social media tends to make me. I think it’s the wildness of it all. Like the old west, social media seems to be all about every person for herself. Rules and structure appear very minimal. And there’s a lot of noise. Hundreds of voices constantly call, read me, read me, look at me, listen to me.

Social media has always held a very different vibe from what I imagine a quiet afternoon attaching a note to a homing pigeon would be like.

But I prayed, “Lord, if I’m supposed to be on Substack, guide me and give me peace.”

And then I took a step.

And another step.

I decided that even if the system itself appeared to have little structure and rules, I could create my own. I came up with a simple, loosely structured, daily routine for sharing and engaging.

I also very quickly discovered that, based on the folks I connected with initially, the platform can be full of lovely, encouraging people! I have enjoyed more than a few deep and wonderful conversations and connections that I would never have imagined possible – especially on social media.

I look forward to scrolling through the Substack notes, an astonishing number of them Bible-aligned, encouraging, convicting, and life-giving.

Substack may not always be the platform for me. But, for right now, I’m trusting it’s where I need to be with respect to my writing ministry.

Do I still long for the days of communication over long distances when all I needed was a calm sunlit afternoon, a bird, and a writing utensil?

Of course.

But I wasn’t born in those days.

For that reason, I need to make the most of what I’ve been given now. I need to redeem the time, while I still have it.

Thus, for now at least, Substack it is.

Michelle Joy Teigrob blogs on Substack and at michellejoybooks.ca. Her mission is to share true stories and articles from a heart seared by this message after being shattered by the deaths of 3 sisters: In the end, one thing will remain above all.