My mom raises goats. She enjoys most parts of the process, but there are a few things that get her frustrated. One of the biggest ones is when one of her goats gets out of the field. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s usually because of oneContinue Reading
There’s a lot of talk about authenticity these days. “Be real,” they tell us. Show your true self. Be honest in your writing. Take away the masks. I’m all for being authentic. In fact, I have a hard time being any other way. When I was a teenager, it oftenContinue Reading
I attended a writer’s conference in Boise back in May 2015. One of the speakers at the event reminded us that writing is supposed to be fun, and that sometimes, we take it far too seriously. I latched fiercely onto that statement. With my first book about to be released,Continue Reading
Maybe you’d like to work with a writing teacher, but you can’t afford it right now. What if there was a cheaper way to learn more about writing? I made a trip to Colorado last month. From my place, that’s about a day’s worth of driving. I’m not big onContinue Reading
Who are your writing heroes? Can you name them—right now? Do you know who they are? Does it matter? I’ve asked a number of people these questions. I’ve been amazed by how many blank looks I’ve received. Maybe it’s because my writing heroes are so important to me—and I believe,Continue Reading
She’s been one of my favorite authors since I was in my early 20s. I couldn’t believe she was coming all the way from Toronto to Idaho. I’ve attended readings/lectures/signings with several of my writing heroes, including Andre Dubus III, Dennis Lehane, Ann Patchett, and Daniel Woodrell. They were allContinue Reading
A Valentine’s Letter from Your Writing I’m sorry, but it’s just not working between us anymore. I’ve lost the feeling, and I haven’t been able to get it back. It’s not you, it’s…well, yeah, it’s you. You’ve killed the spark between us. Me? You’re blaming me? Well, whatever. If that’sContinue Reading
There are a lot of blog posts published at this time of year telling us how to set goals. It’s rather of a useless activity, though, if you’re doing it simply because you think you should, or because everyone else is doing it, or because you did it last year.Continue Reading
We’re knee-deep in holiday season this week. Are you still getting your writing done? It’s probably one of the most difficult times of the year to stick with a daily writing practice. Most of our routines are completely upended, and routine is the writer’s friend when it comes to gettingContinue Reading
At this time of year, I always find myself slipping into a period of reflection. How has the year gone? Where am I, in terms of my professional and personal growth? How did I do on my goals? Underneath all of this is perhaps the biggest question on my mind,Continue Reading
I was slumped against the passenger side door of our old Dodge station wagon. Its claim to fame was that it resembled the Ghostbusters’ prized vehicle, minus the sirens and lights. My younger brother was extremely proud of that. My mom, on the other hand, wasn’t so thrilled. Like it’sContinue Reading
Are you a grateful writer? I believe that our thoughts and words can create our reality. Too much wallowing in the difficulty of our chosen occupation and pretty soon that’s all we see—how difficult it is. It’s only a short step from there to seeing ourselves as unable to overcomeContinue Reading