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,…
Tag: writing discipline
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…
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…
Rachael’s 21st Birthday and The Story of Her Birth
Today is Rachael’s 21st birthday. In the spirit of tradition, I am going to chronicle on paper what I usually do in person with each of my three children on their birthdays, which is to recap my pregnancy with them and the events surrounding their births. Their birthdays, after all, are not only important days…
Chigger Relief, Jet Lag, Traffic and a Birthday
Thanks to everyone for the chigger help. I found Gold Bond Medicated Ointment in my medicine chest when I got home and it seems to be doing the trick at this point. Though I definitely will be investigating some of these other recommended treatments. More than anything now, I’m just TIRED. We got up this…
Heading back to LA with Chiggers
Today I got to spend time with my girl, Sarah, here in Corpus Christi. The U-haul is loaded and Ray and I are heading back to CA early tomorrow morning. I have a student with a senior thesis for his B.A., who is awaiting my return. His deadline is next Monday. It rained here today….
Prompt: Austin
Just a quick note to say I have made it to Austin. I am staying with my cousin Lee, his wife, Elaine, and their kids, Nicki and Sam. We ate a delicious dinner together at their home and spent the evening talking outside on their back patio. It’s very comfortable to be here with my…
20 Minutes a Day 