There’s a common misperception about writing that is pervasive. I lived it for many years, and it thrives in popular culture: that we write from our minds. Turn on a TV channel and there it is – a writer at his desk, a look of puzzlement and consternation on his face (to convey all that hard thinking), and then he ... continue reading
Embracing Summer’s Pleasures
It was one of those weeks. Our air-conditioning had broken, and tempers were rising along with the heat. In addition to hot, fitful sleep, I had awakened to a looming deadline. Finally I headed outdoors to see if I could at least catch a breeze while I worked. As I was writing, I saw something in my peripheral vision. It ... continue reading
The Benefits of Hermit Mode
My daughter and I just returned from a trip to New York City. Usually when I visit a big city, I feel energized, stimulated, almost high on the sights, sounds and textures. But this time was different. Although spending time with my daughter exceeded my expectations, rubbing up to the Big Apple didn’t. There were the ... continue reading
Do We Need a Big Dream?
You see it all over: Find your passion! Live your dreams! Create the BIG life you’ve always wanted! Arg! It seems we are all about “living our dream” nowadays, but there’s something about that wording that puts many of us on edge. We feel there is something wrong with us if we haven’t crystallized some big vision for ... continue reading
Balancing the Yin and Yang of Writing
When my neighbor hollered at me over the fence, I was annoyed. Couldn’t she see I was deeply in my writing process? As the calls persisted, I realized what she was seeing might be a bit misleading. I wasn’t at my computer or furiously scribbling on paper. I was sprawled on the hill in our backyard with my eyes closed, the ... continue reading