Caryn Swark lives in Southern Alberta with her pet rabbits, Kirsty Trickster and the aptly named Skunkzilla the Savage Bunny. She holds a B.A.H. in English Literature from the University of Saskatchewan, an M.A. with a specialty in children’s literature from Queen’s University, and a B.Ed. (Primary-Junior divisions) from Queen’s University. Currently, Caryn teaches the third grade, where she enjoys challenging her students with new concepts and ideas. She is also a part time freelance writer for several online companies and a channel blogger for 451 Press. She has traveled extensively and taught in a variety of unique environments, including a one year stint as an English teacher in Japan and a term spent as a senior high English teacher for an online school.
Caryn is interested in and dabbles in all forms of the arts, ranging from a newly acquired (and frightfully undeveloped) interest in the violin to stage performance. She loves to read, write, and paint. She is primarily interested in mysteries and horror, two genres combined in The Blacksod Scream. Some of her favourite authors and primary influences include C. S. Lewis, Cornelia Funke, Jane Austen, Neil Gaiman, Kenneth Oppel, Emily Bronte, and Jasper Fforde. She is always happy to hear from anyone who likes her work — or has suggestions for its improvement!
Steven Lewis said,
September 26, 2007 at 7:49 pm
I too just got that package for my birthday and as part of the over 40 set, I am a bit lost as to what games will hold my attention. The brain games are fun — you might check out the first Brain Age as well — although in addition to the 17 brain training games there is the same Suduku.
Please let me know what you find out, I’m dying to be diverted.
carynswark said,
September 26, 2007 at 11:12 pm
I’ve been scanning through ebay where I’ve found a couple mystery-type games that look entertaining. It depends how much blood and gore you’re into, of course
I did a yahoo search for adventure games and puzzle games, both of which seemed promising. Keep me posted if you find anything spectacular!
psyducksworld said,
November 2, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Well, maybe BioShock is something you might want to consider.
carynswark said,
November 2, 2007 at 7:38 pm
I’m quite enjoying Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney just now
Kaitlin G. said,
February 16, 2008 at 1:36 am
Wow, you went to Japan! What was it like, teaching English there? Did you know any Japanese going into the job? I myself am taking my third year of Japanese, and am very interested in the culture. Where did you go in Japan?
I love reading about your teaching experiences. Seems like a very tough but endearing career!
I also adore Wavering, Sequence, and Enigma on fanfiction.net. I’ve not read a better Resident Evil fanfiction; those stories are absolutely wonderful. ^_^
carynswark said,
February 16, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Thanks Kaitlin, on all accounts. I didn’t know much Japanese going into the job, but I learned quickly. I lived in a smallish mountain city called Takayama, and I loved it! I highly recommend the experience.