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WRITER ENCOURAGEMENT: WHY IT MATTERS

Writer encouragement works like this: “I just read a book so good I will stop writing forever.” That’s encouragement if you read between the lines. Read a book that moves you to feel something. My favorite book?

UNBROKEN CYCLE FROM HEARTS TO HIPS

I’ve been on an unbroken cycle of excellent Iowa-connected people in Oregon, which is not a comparison. The last guy helped heal a broken heart; the latest was the orthopedic surgeon who replaced my hip yesterday.

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:

HOPE IN ONE HAND, AND IT’S ENOUGH

Art is defined by hope. As in, “I hope people like my work.” Turns out people like Grant Wood’s American Gothic just fine.

FRENCH TRAVEL WITH OREGON AND IOWA

French travel started out bumpy. I found my seat on the second plane, the long haul plane out or Minnesota. But it was occupied. That’s no way to start. Simple adjustment, right? But the lady had the same ticket for the same seat. At least that’s what she said. Then we all looked at our […]