Anyone who’s ever had to write a report, story, poem, speech—you name it—can remember a time when the words would not come. The blank paper stares back like a face in a mirror. You know it’s not going to go away unless you drop dead. The answer, I’m told, is to write down why you … Read more
All writers are introverts. They must be to hide themselves away for days in dark rooms, staring at little computer screens while words hop from one line to the next. It’s an old cliché and it isn’t relevant anymore. Today writers have to market themselves, meaning they have to spend time on Facebook, Twitter, … Read more
Years ago I wrote local histories for publishers like Windsor, Donning, American Historical Press, and Arcadia. The nice people in their publicity departments arranged for me to appear at book signings at places like County fairs, Costco, Barnes and Noble, and other bookshops that are no longer around. Because these publications generally were large format … Read more
When I write I have to recognize and find ways to make others feel a myriad of emotions. I want my readers to become the characters, to experience everything the character experiences, even when it’s fear or frustration. Or grief. Grief was uppermost in my mind this week as we celebrated the life of one … Read more
I love to cook, but I don’t often do desserts. My piecrusts are tough, my cakes are dry, and my puddings bland. And everything…yes everything…sticks to the bottom of the pan. Okay, I don’t ruin ice cream. But that’s about it. I shuddered with trepidation knowing I was bringing dessert to a dinner for … Read more