Boo! Did I scare you? It's hard to believe that this Saturday is already Halloween. I hope you'll have a wonderful day, whether you're getting into costume and going to a party or just hanging out at home, passing out candy. For me, this Halloween will be a quiet one, but that's how I like … Continue reading What Writing About Immortality Has Taught Me About Time
writing life
The Art of Noticing: Why Writers Should Pay Attention to Ordinary Things
Recently, I’ve been writing about Thoreau and Oliver and how they remind me to pay attention to the world. There’s magic to be found in the ordinary world, even if we don't always take the time to recognize it. We walk through our days surrounded by small but still remarkable things: the way the afternoon … Continue reading The Art of Noticing: Why Writers Should Pay Attention to Ordinary Things
An Afternoon at Walden: What Thoreau Taught Me About Paying Attention
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
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 Research Rabbit Holes I’ll Never Forget: What Biblical Jerusalem Taught Me About Writing Historical Fiction
As a historical novelist, I’ve been able to time-travel to many different times and places. One of my favorite eras to visit has been Biblical Jerusalem, and I discovered one research rabbit hole after another when I was studying this fascinating era in history. The idea for Woman of Stones came after I read The … Continue reading The Research Rabbit Holes I’ll Never Forget: What Biblical Jerusalem Taught Me About Writing Historical Fiction
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 Know a Story is Finished (Or Not)
Since I finished The Professor of Eventide, I’ve had some time to think about how I know when a book is finished. At what point is the book done done and at what point am I still tinkering just for the sake of changing things? I’ll start with the obvious answer: every author is different … Continue reading How I Know a Story is Finished (Or Not)
How Summer Affects My Thinking and Creativity
I know I always say that autumn is my favorite time of year, and in many ways it is. I’m not a huge fan of the 100+ degree summer heat we get here in Southern Nevada, especially not the 100+ degree days that are also humid. However, I do get time off in the summer, … Continue reading How Summer Affects My Thinking and Creativity
Remembering Gratitude: The Secret Weapon for Every Creative Soul
Discover how gratitude can transform your creative practice. Learn why thankfulness isn't just feel-good advice—it's a powerful tool for overcoming blocks, sustaining motivation, and deepening your craft as a writer.