Everyday Stuff
Brainstorming Brilliance
Omigod, what a great brainstorming session! I finished the draft of the first half of my work in progress today, knowing it was just not right, but keeping my writing friend Mary Kay Andrew’s words of wisdom in mind (“You can’t rewrite what you haven’t written”). Then I gave it to my sig other John…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Your Earliest Memory
I can’t really pinpoint my own earliest memory, so I’m always fascinated when someone tells me theirs. I’d love to hear yours. If you’re new to Story Weekend, here’s how it works: I pick a theme and you share something from your life that relates to that theme, however you interpret it. Thanks to all of…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Spiders
I was out of town last week and when I returned home, I drove my car out of the garage only to discover it was covered in cobwebs and a million baby spiders! Shudder. We live in the woods and this is the price we pay. If you’ve “known” me long enough, you might remember…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Reunion
I’m in New York for a “mini reunion” with some folks from my high school class. (I went to school in New Jersey, but we’re meeting in the city). Reunions can be powerful events as we revisit the past with the wisdom—one hopes—of the present. I’d love to hear your reunion story! If you’re new…
Read MoreCan 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 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…
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