As my first novel is about to hit bookstores, people are asking why I invested my time, slumped over a keyboard, pursuing this or any project for nine years of my life. In response, all the usual reasons roll off my tongue—”Writers have to write,” “I had a compelling story to tell,” “I need to […]
The Importance of Advocating for Our Kids
I loved the story of eight-year-old Ethan (posted below) whose mom granted his Christmas wish, providing him with a professional lesson in how to apply makeup. I immediately thought of my daughter, Emily, who, while attending a theatrical performance at the age of five, pointed at the stage and said she wanted to be up […]
Ruthless Editing…Your Path to Nirvana
Okay, so you had a great idea for a book, wrote a thousand words a day for three months, and are now clutching a manuscript proudly to your breast. Of course what you really want to be holding is a book, complete with a beautiful cover, a scanning label pegged to 16.95, and a sassy […]
Being Shaped By the Books We Read
I find it worthwhile to periodically reflect on those things that have most influenced my life. Books are no exception. I typically credit three with having the greatest impact on my writing: Story by Robert McKee, The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler, and On Writing by Stephen King. But long before I read those books, […]
Electricity
When the young ballet dancer in Billy Elliot is asked what it feels like when he’s dancing, he replies: “Once I get going, I forget everything . . . sorta disappear . . . feel a change in my whole body like this fire in my body . . . just there, flying like a […]
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