Story Weekend: Money

My bookkeeper’s on her way over to help me get organized. I can’t wait (I’m being facetious). So of course I have money on the brain, bringing back memories of having no money, having little money, having what felt like lots of money and then spending it too quickly, etc. The tooth fairy, allowances (never…

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Story Weekend: Your Childhood Kitchen

I’m a little late getting Story Weekend up this weekend due to company, but here we go! Sometimes when I teach workshops on characterization, I have participants do an exercise I always find helpful. First, I have them close their eyes and then remember the kitchen from their childhood home–everything they can see and hear…

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Story Weekend Theme: Sewing

I’m a Project Runway fan. That’s a bit odd, since I couldn’t design something wearable to save my life and I really don’t care that much about clothes to begin with. Give me jeans and t-shirts and a comfy sweater. What more do I need? But I still get a kick out of watching Project…

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Story Weekend: Ghosts

I’ve spent the last week with five of my writer friends at the beautiful Weymouth Mansion, where serious North Carolina writers are allowed to stay and work for up to two weeks each year. We try to come each spring and fall and we get so much done on our works-in-progress. The mansion has a…

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Story Weekend: Earrings

Wow, the last Story Weekend really got to me. Your stories–and your openness–touched me deeply. I think many of us have a need to share those “what if” moments in our lives. I think we need a lighter topic this week, though, so here it is: earrings. I look forward to reading what you do…

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Story Weekend Theme: What if??

  One of my Facebook friends suggested this Story Weekend theme and it’s a great one. We all have at least one of those “what if…” questions in our lives. I have several a day! So here we go. If you’re new to Story Weekend, here’s how it works: I pick a theme and you…

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Thoughts from the Carolina Coast

Yet another gorgeous day on Topsail Island. The photo is one of many John made on “our” beach yesterday. I just came in from sitting on the deck, staring out to sea. It’s the sort of view that makes nothing earthly matter. Not the dirty carpet, the door that sticks, not rheumatoid arthritis or the…

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Story Weekend: Most Embarrassing Moment

I’ve hesitated to use this topic as a theme for Story Weekend because I really hate to remember my own experience, but here we go. A prize to the first person who can remember an embarrassing experience that doesn’t involve nudity, because I can’t! If you’re new to Story Weekend, here’s how it works: I…

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Story Weekend: Leaving Home

It’s that time again! Another story weekend. I’m watching the TV series Friday Night Lights on Netflix instant play and wow, what a great show. Tonight’s episode is about leaving home, so I thought that would be a good theme for us this week. If you’re new to Story Weekend, here’s how it works: I…

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