New beginnings, renewed hope and energy. A steadfast commitment to the years ahead and to the work they will require. I think of all these things on this inauguration day. As a writer, my thoughts turn to my chosen profession, and its particular challenges –...
The answer to that question has changed for me over the years. In the beginning, I told myself that writing was my calling, a destiny I had to follow, lured on by the love of language. Writing was a magic power to capture some little...
I went on vacation a few weeks ago – eleven whole days away from home. With me were my husband, son, daughter, daughter's best friend, and three off-kilter dogs. Up on Orcas Islands in the San Juans of Washington State, one isn't exactly cut off. ...
When I write fiction, I look for truths not yet revealed. Not always about deeds committed or intended, some truths are simply revelations a character will have, often about his own soul. Today I take specific examples from the pieces in my story collection, All...
Every writer knows that getting the attention and respect of editors, publishers, agents, and readers can be hard. It take a lot of work, a lot of patience, and a lot of heart. But what about from the people you're close to? Your friends, people...
In about ten more minute, the President will address the nation. The media has been buzzing about it for days, and the Republicans have taken every chance possible to make sure we all understand how weak and incompetent the President is, and how wonderful, brilliant,...
Today I consider the anxious personality – he who is overwrought, nervous, always on the move, casting quick, desperate glances out of windows. This is one who stays at home, a shut-in for all intents and purposes, who draws fresh air but twice a day,...
Here's Congress trying to come to terms with the deficit. The deficit Republicans are blaming on the Democrats, specifically President Obama and what has been perceived as lavish and irresponsible spending. Just to set the record straight, between 2000 and 2008, it was the Republicans...
[caption id="attachment_155" align="alignright" width="235" caption="Our Reunion Organizer"][/caption] I recently did something I've never done before. I went to a class reunion. Not my class, however. My husband's law school class. He graduated twenty-five years ago. The reunion was held at the law school he attended. The...
Well, you did it, you nitwit voters. Called them all back to spew more of their nonsense about taxes and the evils of government spending. You, the great middle-class, whose numbers are far larger than any other strata of our country, you're the ones to...