My step dad just passed an important anniversary—a year ago, he went through a double knee replacement. I remember that day well. One of the things that struck me as particularly challenging was the near endless process of medical-record-taking, from the initial registration to the consistent stream of nurses andContinue Reading
I’ve received a lot of writing critiques over the years. I’ve come to believe that critiques are both a writer’s blessing and a curse. After so many, I think I’ve figured out how to sort through them in a way that makes them mostly beneficial, most of the time. ButContinue Reading
I hate morning people. Not literally, of course. In fact, as long as they don’t bother me, I don’t mind them at all. But every once in awhile, if I spend time with friends or family, I’m reminded how very violent I can get if people bother me in theContinue Reading
Believing in ourselves is essential to living our best lives—we hear it all the time. “Believe in yourself!” we’re told. Then everything will magically work out. Still, it’s often easier said than done, so I gathered some tips to help you out. If you have more, please share! 1. DoContinue Reading
Most of the time, when I take time off, I spend it with family or attending some sort of writer’s event. But there’s one week a year when that’s not the case. A precious few days that I get all to myself. It’s a vacation for one. The Bliss ofContinue Reading
As writers, we can’t completely control how our writing will be received. We can work to get better at the craft, write and submit frequently, and market to the best of our ability, but in the end, whether our books hit the bestseller lists may depend just as much onContinue Reading
In my own struggle to do the work I’m compelled to do, I’m often reminded of the idea that we must “battle our own demons.” American novelist and screenwriter William Goldman once said, “…the haunting Demon never leaves you, that Demon being the knowledge of your own terrible limitations, yourContinue Reading
Have you seen the Robert Duvall movie, Get Low? I’ll leave the discussion of the movie itself to the critics, but one thing struck me as applicable to the idea of listening to your own inner voice. In one scene, Duvall’s character—an old hermit—is catching up with an ex sweetheart.Continue Reading
You sense a glimmer of an idea, something new you want to do with your life. You mention it to your spouse, your colleague, or your best buddy. Instead of the supportive response you hoped for, you get: “What? Why would you want to do that?” Maybe the person laughs.Continue Reading
I heard a radio commercial the other day that got my attention. I remember little about the product they were advertising, other than it had something to do with RVs, but I do remember one line: Do you look forward more to starting your day, or to ending it? IContinue Reading
Are you facing a decision but just aren’t sure which way to go? Here’s one thing that may help: calm any emotions you may be feeling. Emotions have a way of interfering with the internal signal from your inner voice, or intuition. Think of your mind as a radio, andContinue Reading
I’ve got a few potential changes coming in my life, and I’m super excited. The idea of learning something new, meeting new people, and shaking up my daily routine a bit has always made the future a little brighter for me. But I have to admit—like many people, I’m notContinue Reading