Ah, the holidays. A chance to let go, unwind and too often fall into a lazy comfort that can be hard to arouse oneself from. I started the holidays busy, busy, busy… and by the end it was trashy novels and Christmas cookies. Sigh. There’s nothing wrong with this – I need that mindless downtime as much as the next person. ... continue reading
Demystifying the Solo Writing Retreat
While many of us sigh longingly about wanting to go on a solo writing retreat, usually it ends there. Better to keep it a far-off fantasy than an up close reality, right? If we actually GO, who knows what might happen! It could be uncomfortable, the writing might be terrible, or we might stare into space and do ... continue reading
How Have Things Changed for You?
A question I’ve been asking people lately is this: “How have things changed for you since the pandemic began?” Often I get a list of all the things that have been hard – and yes, there are plenty of those -- or a puzzled look. Yet whether we are essential workers or have had the luxury of more time, how many of us have ... continue reading
The Three Words that Free Us
Last week a family member shared some upsetting news, and I just lost it. I couldn’t be “strong” or “hold it together.” So, I did what I do when I need healing – I took a walk, even though it was late and dark outside. I started thinking about all the things that were tilted in my life, from the pandemic to the ... continue reading
Who Have You Had to Become?
Why do we write? It’s an age-old question, but I found a good answer recently. “The purpose of being a serious writer is to keep people from despair,” says Sarah Manguso. “If people read your work and, as a result, choose life, then you are doing your job.” When you think of it, whether reading for entertainment or ... continue reading