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LEARNING CURVE? FIND TREASURES AND READ

A learning curve is not an excuse. I’ll repeat it, a learning curve doesn’t mean you’re stupid. There’s room in class for another learner. If it’s something new, you may feel a little stupid working it out, but that’s just navigating the curve. Give it a few minutes and you’ll be an expert. How? Read […]

DORK LIFE? GO AHEAD AND LIVE IT UP

I met my eventual mother in law before I was in the ‘potential partner’ picture. Her daughter was on my radar, just not the other way around. It was familiar territory. Since I had time to play the long game of love, I kept the heat turned down. To an objective outsider I was just […]

MARKING TIME WITH A GANG OF MOMS AND KIDS

I was marking time just the other day with my young kids running around like we were having the best day in our lives. Then they were at the bus stop waiting for their first day of school. I must have blinked. One of the joys of being a parent is seeing kids through their […]

WHY WRITERS BELIEVE IN READERS? IT TAKES BOTH

Writers believe the time they spend on their work is worthwhile. Opinions from others vary. Of course writers believe, but is their opinion the one that matters? After days and years of focus on a project, they’d better believe in their work. One sage said to choose a writing topic you love, because you’ll eventually […]

WRITING ROOM: FROM FAMILY ROOM TO SICK ROOM AND BACK

A writing room is any room where writing is done. It’s a bedroom, a classroom, or living room. It could be a bar or coffee house; a bus or train. Some writing rooms belong to writers who need ‘consistency of place’ to be productive. How can you be sure your writing room is right for […]

STORY CATCHER IN THE WRITING ROOM NOT SO WRY

J.D. Salinger was a story catcher who wrote books. One of them sells like new today: Approximately 250,000 copies of The Catcher in the Rye are sold each year – which is almost 685 per day! The Catcher in the Rye was first published in 1951. That’s quite a record for keeping readers coming back. […]

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT CLOTHES HANGER vs SHELF OF UNREAD BOOKS

Exercise equipment has one job, and it’s not for hanging clothes. One learns these things based on available space. Gym guys pay no attention because they don’t wear normal clothes. Their workout costume is an all day look, like they’re ready to drop and give themselves 20 pushups at a moment’s notice. Those outfits don’t […]

BOOK SEARCH FROM FIRST LIBRARY TO AMAZON

My first book search occurred in the first library I remember. It was more shock at so many books in one place than a search. In a small library in a small school in a small town, I was small and looking for a small book. I still like small books. When I was slightly […]

BASIC WRITER QUESTION: WHY BOTHER

The best writer question is the one they ask themselves before starting their daily word haul. It’s a question writers never want readers to ask, so they ask themselves: Why bother? Here’s why:

CURIOUS CAT: REPORTS OF ITS DEMISE GREATLY EXAGGERATED

A curious cat looking for the right answers starts a journey. But where does it really begin? If it starts with reading, which books give the best answers? Young parents know this drill: Ask around at the library.