This is my handout from the workshop I conducted at the Story Circle Network Writing Conference in Austin, Texas 2 weeks ago. Some helpful hints on overcoming writer’s block and establishing good habits, writing and otherwise. Benefits of Writing 20 Minutes a Day: Increased fluidity, developing voice, discovering who you are and how you think,…
Author: lenleatherwood
I am a native Texan who has lived for the past 30 years in Southern California. I am a published author of both short memoir and fiction, a two-time Pushcart nominee, a nationally award-winning writing coach, an editor, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. In addition, I am the mother of three grown daughters of whom I am extremely proud, a grandmother of four darling children and the wife of a man I still love after 44 years.
A Memory of My Brother, George
One early evening in summer, my older brother George and I headed off to the Little League baseball field where he was going to play a game and I was going to watch. He was eleven and I was eight. I was barefooted and wore shorts and a thin top; he had on his baseball…
The Key to Happiness: Marry Something.
So here I am, stumbling along. Not sure what to say or do. Not clear when or where to go. Maybe it’s time to just recognize that silence is an acceptable alternative. Except when it comes to commitment. After all, there is that moment when you just have to say, “No, I’m here. I’m not…
Catnapper in the Neighborhood?
This morning at 6 am I looked out my front window on the porch and there I saw Charlie, our tabby cat, who disappeared six months ago. By the time I deposited Cordelia out back and ran back up to the front porch, Charlie was gone. Again. I was elated, however, since Charlie was not…
At This Very Moment
My dog is lying at the back door looking out into the dark The street in front of my house only has an occasional car going by The stained glass lampshades here in the living room glow red and green A helicopter hums far overhead My cat meows from the chair in the other room…
Precious Moments
My sweet Sarah is safely in Sherman for her last rotation in family medicine before finishing her 3rd year and I, who came late last week to help get her settled, am heading back to CA for work tomorrow. It is hard for me to express how wonderful it is to have unhurried time with…
Poem: Street View
Sometimes life feels off Passing by without a nod Tail lights in the night What is the secret To make that reconnection? A glance of “Oh,yes.” Life changes so fast The moon rises many times New friends become old
What Matters
As usual, it is late. What is there to say at the end of the day? This was a good one. Working with two long term students I love, the satisfying completion of my help on a senior thesis for another student who couldn’t have been sweeter, a wonderful visit with one of my daughters…
Gratitude
My older sister died recently from complications from dementia, which developed as a result of a severe concussion from a bike accident 25 years ago. I expect if she could talk to me now, she’d say that she’s grateful to have died when she did since her health over the past eight years had slowly…
The Gift of Calm
I am sitting in a cocoon of a room, the moss-green curtains drawn, shutting out the night. Ironically, the back door is wide open. Crickets are chirping in a steady endless rhythm. I am breathing deep as my week draws to an end. A too-full schedule that let’s me know that slowing down is a…
