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
creative inspiration
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
Unlocking the Magic of Writing: A Guide to Starting Your Novel
Another How-To Write Post I know these “How To Write” posts are a dime a dozen, but I’ve been asked to share how I get myself started when tackling a new project, so here it is is. I should point out that this is how I begin a novel. If you ask ten different novelists … Continue reading Unlocking the Magic of Writing: A Guide to Starting Your Novel
Happy Thanksgiving: Remember Gratitude
Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it. ―Mary Oliver Once again it is Thanksgiving week. This has been a crazy year for many reasons, and often, when things feel their bleakest, I do my best to strive for gratitude. I do have a lot to be thankful for. A job … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving: Remember Gratitude
Writing Inspiration: Writing a First Draft Part 5
You Must Make Time For Writing Every writer I know has a list of well-refined Excuses. But if you are compelled to write your story, then you must write it. You must sit at your computer, or with your notebook and pen, and physically write out the words. It sounds obvious because it is obvious, … Continue reading Writing Inspiration: Writing a First Draft Part 5
The Unexpected Gift of Letting Go
A Faint Hint of Autumn In Southern Nevada it takes a little longer to feel the cooler weather. Though we’re into September and school started more than a month ago, the temperature is still well above the 90 degrees Fahrenheit mark, certainly cooler than the 100 plus degrees Fahrenheit we experience in July and August, … Continue reading The Unexpected Gift of Letting Go
Room For Freedom When Writing Fiction
Photo by Patrick Tomasso from Unsplash I Was a Guest Speaker for the Lit Mag Love Course! For my first bit of news, on Tuesday, 3/1, I had the chance to participate in a Q&A for Rachel Thompson's course Lit Mag Love, which helps writers who want to submit their work to literary journals. I … Continue reading Room For Freedom When Writing Fiction
Living the Writing Life: Dare To Do Nothing
Photo by Jonas Leupe from Unsplash Seeking a Simpler Life As I've been embracing a simpler writer's life, one of the things I keep hitting against like a brick wall is the pressure I put on myself to create a miles-long to-do list. There are so many things I want to write and edit and … Continue reading Living the Writing Life: Dare To Do Nothing
What Can Coloring Books Teach You About Writing?
This is definitely one of my better pieces, maybe because I love peacocks. I've Always Loved Coloring Books I loved coloring when I was a kid, and as it happens I still love to color. I consider myself a wannabe crafter. I used to dabble in painting with acrylics, and while coloring in a coloring … Continue reading What Can Coloring Books Teach You About Writing?
What is the Spark of Creativity?
The History Quill's Convention for Writers of Historical Fiction On Saturday, February 5, 2022, I was invited to speak at The History Quill’s convention for writers of historical fiction. My topic was writing and publishing short historical fiction. I had a lot of fun speaking to the attendees and sharing my presentation. All Creatives Need … Continue reading What is the Spark of Creativity?