C.M. Townsend

Why do I write? Perhaps for the same reason as many. To share the stories flooding my mind with the world. To be heard. To be seen. To touch the readers. Perhaps for the love I have over the English language, and my appreciation for the ever-growing reservoir that is language. Perhaps my desire to learn and engage with literature of almost any form, while diving into stories encompassing the world's diversity and cultural history. Perhaps even to engage with languages other than my own. The truth is, I write for all of these and more. I write for me, and I write for to share the voices that often go unheard. I write to delve into stories that are representative of and connect with a wider range of readers. Those that connect with communities and groups often underrepresented and unrepresented in storytelling. I am all for the familiar and known tropes, comfort storylines, and put of the box ideas. I also love the opportunity to be a part of something that helps build a community. C...

There are people in this world who will jump at the first chance they find to challenge your experiences. There are people who will insist on prove before they believe you, demand sources, throw their credentials in your face . . . The list goes on. My experience? Our experiences? They are not debatable. You may have information on a variety of topics, but theoretical knowledge is not the same as lived experience. I know the validity of what I have been through, and the facts of what I have seen. I don't need someone else to validate a disability, neurodivergency, trauma, mental health, physical health, technological difficulties, or any other issues faced. Those who make such comments would and do not demand proof of what they deem 'normal' or 'acceptable'. They would not tolerate or accept someone demanding the same of them. So, can we please remember that life is a spectrum? No one experiences things the same, and your understanding of something does not make som...

"We are entitled to respect as humans. We are not, however, owed unquestioned obedience. To warrant continued respect, we must first treat others fairly and with kindness, compassion, and understanding."                                C.M. Townsend  Let me start by saying, I am all for setting expectations and limits. I believe having rules and boundaries are vital in creating an environment, a situation, a society which works for everyone. I agree with 'actions have consequences'. What I don't agree with is that because someone is a teacher or a parent, people believe they are inherently owed respect. Now, again, I'm not saying disrespect teachers or parents. What I am saying is that respect goes both ways. If you want respect, you need to give it. It is all about give and take. Why should a child or student respect a teacher who mistreats them? Why should they accept being abused and bullied by someon...

Book an Adventure! We are so close to Book Week, and this year's theme is: Book an Adventure! I love Book Week because it is yet another occassion to celebrate our love of reading. It is another chance to share our love with others. A time to dress up as our favourite characters and have fun, to pretend for the night that we are living in our favourite stories. Reading is magical. The possibilities are endless, and one can never have enough books. We can live a thousand lives, meet a world of new people, create new friendships, and explore entire universes beyond our own. Reading is a gateway for the mind and soul, an escape from the bleakness that is often reality, and a key to an unlimited treasure trove of knowledge. Children. Adults. Book Week is a time for everyone to just enjoy expressing their love of literature of all forms. Growing up, I had many favourite books including, but in no way limited to, Elmer (series), Spot, and Rainbow Fish.  My list of books I revisit continu...