Blog
Can We Have a Little Tolerance, Please?
Wow. On Facebook yesterday, I asked for suggestions for the name of an organization that would support gay and lesbian youth and that would form a good acronym. (The organization is created by a character in my work-in-progress.) I received tons of great responses. . . and a few not-so-nice retorts as well. I don’t…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Saying Goodbye
It may have been the day you left your five-year-old at the kindergarten door. Or it may have been that long embrace before your husband–or wife–was deployed overseas. Or may be it was the time you hugged your grandmother goodbye, knowing it would be the last hug you’d ever give her. What is your Goodbye…
Read MoreStory Weekend: What Brings You Comfort?
Do you have a story about something or someone who’s brought you comfort? We’d love to hear it. Last week’s Story Weekend topic of “names” really took off. I hope you’ll share your stories on this topic as well. It’s so much fun to connect with one another this way! If you’re new to Story…
Read MoreLibrary Love
When I first started writing fiction, I’d take my notepad to my local library, which was then in San Diego. There was no Internet. I’d never heard of a laptop. It was just my notepad and me. . . and joy. Every true writer knows the thrill of having an idea and a pen and…
Read MoreStory Weekend: What's in a Name?
How did you get your name? How did you choose your kids’ names? Your pet’s? What’s the story behind the names in your life? Names are on my mind, since I have a new cast of characters to christen. I often pick a name, then audition it by writing a few scenes using it to…
Read MoreMusical Nostalgia
I’m sitting in Starbucks (what else is new?) and they’re playing a song called “I Can’t Get Used to Losing You.” I just Googled to find out who’s performing it– a group called The English Beat. Has a bouncy little ska rhythm. And it’s bringing back memories that put a smile on my face. All…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Home Decor
I just read in a home decor magazine that after years of popularity, the satin nickel finish on home hardware is giving way to brass. Hooray! I don’t have to replace all my brass doorknobs and fireplace surround after all! John was right that if we just waited long enough, it would come back in…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Dream a Little Dream
It’s been strangely quiet on Story Weekend the past couple of weeks, so today I’ll pick a topic I know we can all relate to: dreams. Have you had a dream that came true? A recurring dream you can’t shake? A nightmare you still remember from your childhood? Tell us! If you’re new to Story…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Public Speaking
Sunday afternoon, I’ll be speaking to a group at the West Regional Library in Cary, North Carolina (come join us if you can!). I was thinking about that talk this evening when I suddenly realized it’s time to write my Story Weekend blog post. So that’s the genesis of this weekend’s topic: Public Speaking. The…
Read MoreStory Weekend: What's Your Sign? Your Astrology Story.
Yes, there was truly a time when that was a serious pick-up line, though I don’t think it worked very often. Even though I don’t put much stock in astrology, I have to admit I am such a Pisces! I have all the good parts—empathy, sensitivity, sensitive, caring, creativity—along with all the not-so-good parts I…
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