Even if you haven’t read anything by Henry David Thoreau, you’re probably familiar with some of his famous aphorisms: “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” “A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.” “I was not born to be forced. I will … Continue reading An Afternoon at Walden: What Thoreau Taught Me About Paying Attention
The Writer’s Life
My Low-Tech Cures for Boredom: The Joy of Analog
During this past summer, I made a specific effort to lean into my boredom, and, instead of allowing myself to feel defeated by it, I discovered some wonderful new ways to spend my time that didn’t include scrolling on my phone. I expected to be quite bored this summer since, for the first time in … Continue reading My Low-Tech Cures for Boredom: The Joy of Analog
How To Make Writing Feel Magical Again
One of the things I love about being a writer is taking control of my research and learning what I need to learn to write my stories. I love creating my own personal curriculum as well as my own commonplace books where I store what I've learned. Sometimes as writers, we need to do whatever … Continue reading How To Make Writing Feel Magical Again
The Books That Shaped The Writer I Became
When I think about the writer I’ve evolved into, after more than 20 years of learning and honing my craft, I can trace part of that journey through four books in particular: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg, David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, and Leaves of Grass by … Continue reading The Books That Shaped The Writer I Became
How I Protect My Creative Energy on Days That Aren’t Writing Days
I'm not a fan of that old writer's adage that insists that we should write every day. Maybe that works for some writers, but it doesn't work for me. When I'm working on a project, I tend to treat it like a job. I write Mondays - Fridays and take the weekends off. Not every … Continue reading How I Protect My Creative Energy on Days That Aren’t Writing Days
What Is Upmarket Fiction?
For a long time, I didn’t know what to call what I write, which is fine in one respect because I’ve never been particularly tied down in what I write. One of my favorite authors is Kazuo Ishiguro, and one of the things I love about him is that he isn’t tied down to any … Continue reading What Is Upmarket Fiction?
What Finishing a Book Teaches You as a Writer
Well, friends, as I've said, The Professor of Eventide is done and ready for its close-up. The funny thing is, I’m almost sorry it’s done. It has been quite a challenge bringing this story to life. On the one hand, I’m looking forward to getting back to all the things I love that I’ve been … Continue reading What Finishing a Book Teaches You as a Writer
Is Being an Independent Author Worth It?
This year, 2026, is the 15th anniversary of the publication of Her Dear & Loving Husband. I’ve written those words several times now, and I still can’t quite believe it. In 2026, James and Sarah Wentworth continue to find new fans all over the world. I still can’t quite believe that either. I've been a … Continue reading Is Being an Independent Author Worth It?
How To Create a Personal Curriculum: A Step-by-Step Guide
Happy New Year everyone! Since this is my first post of the new year, I thought I’d share a wonderful tool that has really made a difference in how I approach my personal learning. Last summer, I began watching some personal curriculum videos on YouTube. As a long-time teacher and academic, I think these videos … Continue reading How To Create a Personal Curriculum: A Step-by-Step Guide
Who Are You When You’re Not Writing?
When I wrote The Swirl and Swing of Words in 2024, I was coming off of a writing hiatus, one of several that I’ve taken over the 25 years that I’ve been a published writer. I had hopped from one project to the next for 13 years; beginning in 2009, when I began writing Her … Continue reading Who Are You When You’re Not Writing?