A Creative Twist

So this is my third blog post of 2012 and also my third in the series "Tools of Hope". I first spoke of these tools in a previous post in December titled, "It's All in the Title", where I mentioned how there can be things out there that can lend us a helping hand when we are in need, or that give us the inspiration that may be lost in our lives.
I began this series with two posts about organizations that help in their own various aspects, One Voice Network & Kinark. In this post I wanted to put a little spin on things, because those Tools of Hope are not necessarily only those organizations of a non-profit nature. They can be smaller, or bigger depending on how you view it, and more personal.

I've also spoke in the past, and still currently stand by it, how writing can be therapeutic and inspiring. It most definitely is like that for me and I'm sure also for quite a few others. You can grow from writing, you can learn from writing, and you can gain friendships from writing. The combination of all this I found in a recent group I joined called

 

I established a lot of my writing skills growing up through the years and I continue to learn; I polished things up with a Creative Writing diploma; I have published a few articles, short stories and two novels; my passion for writing and thoughts of it being a "Tool of Hope" have been with me for quite a while. These things I just mentioned were parts of my life before joining Creative Reviews; but what this group has given me is (actually) somewhat difficult to put into words. I'll try though, and I'll start with one word, inspiration.

While I am leaving it up to you as to whether or not you want to join this amazing group of people, found at GoodReads, I'm really just trying to point out that these "Tools of Hope" can be found in places we might not often think of. But they are there if we take the time to look.

Creative Reviews mixes up my passion for the written word with friendship. I've connected with many friends in the group, I've posted a couple of times but usually have so far just listened, (or read) and I have learned. Most of my communication has been with the owner and moderators, Amy & Jenn. (I don't mean to brag or anything, but it is always nice knowing the people at the top:) )

It all started with my Twitter connection to Jenn; it was the first blog I read of hers that perked my interests.

She was going on about this super terrific group that was putting together a book of short stories and how the book was going to donate all it's proceeds to a charity organization called NCADV. (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) I was hooked! My passion for writing, connecting with a circle of (online) friends and being part of an endeavor to give back; anyone who knows me would agree, how could I refuse?

I was and am so proud of this book:

 

Look for "Christmas Lites" by Creative Reviews. It can be purchased at Amazon.

I learn from this group. I am inspired by this group. I am honoured to be a part of it. Things like this, this group, these people, are what fuel me and keep me going. Being Creative Reviews, or something else like it, is what we all need to help keep alive that Hope that life requires...... without these things, we'd be lost.

"Without passion we'd be truly dead." ~ Joss Whedon

P.S.: to all those Creative Reviewers out there who might be reading this, I know that you might be saying Mark who? I'm the tall quiet guy who is often found sitting on the sidelines, observing and listening and trying to understand. I may not be always recognized within the group, but it does not mean I'm not around. I appreciate everything you share.