I have been editing and writing all day today and I am tired now. I saw several students and am wrapping up my online class through Story Circle Network. Plus, I have several high school seniors with college essays that need to be edited, as well. I was up at 5 am working, then took…
Tag: Writing
Why I Write…
I periodically have to remind myself why I write. Tonight is one of those occasions. It certainly is not for the money, by the way, or the fame. So, why do I write? Let me think about that question for a minute. I write because: 1) I often express myself on paper better than through…
My Mother’s Gift
I was twelve years old when I scanned through the beautifully bound books that comprised our family library. I don’t know why I decided on that particular day to look through these volumes. Perhaps it was cold outside and the idea of curling up with a book in a cozy room was alluring. Whatever the…
What to Wear?
Today I have tried on my three “nice” outfits, attempting to figure out which one might be right for a “dressy chic” event on Wednesday evening. A friend of mine is being honored at her temple where she will receive the Humanitarian Award. If ever there was a person who deserved it, it is this…
Two Short Entries: 4 pm and 8:45 pm
I am sitting with my 6th grade student, Charlotte, and it’s time for a “quick write.” This is when we do free-writing for usually 10 minutes, but in my case it’s 6 today because I made Charlotte popcorn, and got her a glass of iced water while she started her quick-write. So, now she is…
Tricksters in Stories and a Few in My Life
I am sitting with one of my students, Aaron. He is taking an online class on mythic structure and today’s lesson is on the trickster archetype. According to Christopher Vogler’s book, The Writer’s Journey, a trickster “embodies the energies of mischief and desire for change.” Tom Sawyer is a trickster we all know. Who else…
Lessons from John Steinbeck
I have just begun reading John Steinbeck’s Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters, a compilation of Steinbeck’s letters to his editor and friend, to whom he addressed a journal entry every day before writing his manuscript pages for his novel. East of Eden is one of the first books I read years ago…
The End of a Busy, Happy Day
I’m sitting here with our guests – or at least the ones who are still awake – Liz; boyfriend, Ron; Ron’s friend, Kevin; my niece-in-law, Karri; and Ray. A Food Network show is on television and we’re all sitting around telling jokes – mostly off-color – and laughing. Our Thanksgiving dinner was a resounding success….
Flash Essay: A Mish-Mash
It is 11:20 pm. I’ve just come back from a writing group with friends I’ve known since I participated in the John Rechy Master class. A good evening filled with talk of the woes in the publishing industry, the merit of self-publishing, along with critique of novels-in-progress. I like my writing friends. We’re cut from…
Back to My Blog
Back to regular postings. Glad to be back home to my blog. Aware that while I like presenting information, I love plain ole writing more. Not that I have much to say tonight. Have been talking all day. Glad to have friends and family to talk with; happy too to end the day in silence. …
20 Minutes a Day 