Everyday Stuff
Why We Get So Much Done on Writing Retreats
I can tell you why in seven words: There is no Internet in our rooms. I’m with my usual writing friends (Mary Kay Andrews, Margaret Maron, Katy Munger, Sarah Shaber, Alexandra Sokoloff and Brenda Witchger) at our usual writing retreat locale (the Weymouth Center for the Arts) and we’re getting tons done. Every morning, Mary…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Dance!
I sit all day long when I’m writing, which is not good for the old bod. I used to set my alarm for every thirty minutes and when it buzzed, I’d get up and walk around the house before returning to my chair and the computer screen. When the new Springsteen Wrecking Ball album came…
Read MoreEntering the Crazy Time
I’m in the final three-month stretch to my deadline, which means little sleep and an excuse to eat badly. I was one of those people who loved cramming for exams. So exciting! What makes it even crazier and more fun is having a new book, The Good Father, out at the same time. So I’m…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Bridges
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_RCXOuwugU Driving onto Topsail Island yesterday, I was stuck in traffic because the old swing bridge was open to let boats pass through on the intracoastal waterway. It’s the one place I don’t mind being stuck. Sitting there, I could already feel my body shifting to island time, even though I was accompanied by my…
Read MoreSome Pictures from the Launch at Quail Ridge Books
Thanks to everyone who joined me last night at Quail Ridge Books! It was so much fun for me. Here are some of the pictures John took. I’m in love with the cake! The three women in the shot below are my neighbors, Amy, Kathy W. and Kathy C. (Kathy W. is also…
Read MoreYikes, it's Tuesday. . .
. . . and I still have Story Weekend up on the blog! Bear with me. This is a busy week. Wednesday is my book launch at Quail Ridge Books, so if you’re in the Raleigh area, please join me to celebrate The Good Father‘s publication. I’ll be speaking and we’ll all eat cake and…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Insomnia
The theme for this Story Weekend is driven by the fact that it’s 3:13 am and I am still awake. I can’t seem to turn off my mind. I’m thinking about my work in progress, a sick friend, how badly the house needs vacuuming, the video John and I are making tomorrow, etcetera etcetera. So…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Jewelry
I don’t come from a big jewelry family. I own one diamond, and it’s in my mother’s engagement ring, which I treasure and wear on my right hand. Other than that, my jewelry is the fun variety—mostly cool earrings that I usually forget to wear. I come by this “whatever” attitude about jewelry honestly. My…
Read MoreWho Wants Dinner?
Making Keeper dance for his supper. (Sorry I haven’t figured out how to properly hold my iPhone video camera yet!)
Read MoreLet's Have Some Gratitude
Today was one of those days where lots of little things went wrong. We’re at my beach condo where I’ve had to replace a bunch of appliances recently, including several parts of my air conditioning system. Today I learned the entire system needs replacing. In addition, my Rheumatoid Arthritis is flaring a bit and my…
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