I’ve always believed everything happens for a reason. Whenever I had a setback, I always tried to find the positive consequence it brought and, usually, I found it. I could see how that bad moment led to everything that came after, the sequence of events that unfolded as a result. Then in 2012, I moved …
I recently entered a writing contest for the sole purpose to be reviewed. As part of the process each entrant was given two reviews from various people in the industry: published authors, unpublished authors, previous contest winners, etc. If the score was high, you were pushed forward in the competition to an agent and …
I love new writers. Naïve, passionate, slapping words together at a feverish pace. Often pantsers, their unbridled confidence is awe-inspiring. I wish we remained in that glorious state, certain we are writing best sellers and that readers will love us. For most writers authordom is a long hall. Seasoned writers find themselves in deep ditches …
The television program, “This is Your Life,” a jewel from the fifties, lured unsuspecting famous folk in studio. Audio clips touting their achievements followed. Next, those who’ve witnessed the celebrity’s accomplishments were paraded in. Hugs, sometimes tears, followed. Presents, including jewelry, a memory scrapbook, a 16 mm projector and camera, were presented to the honored …
Betsy Ross came into the spotlight recently. I’m not going to succumb to the political dialogue. Betsy Ross deserves better. She was a grand woman that is due more credit than just being a target for an ideological debate. She was an inspiration and her story should be a reminder that hard work, a faith …
The blank page is a writer’s worse enemy. How many times have we sat frozen, staring at a blur of white space? It amazes me to hear famous authors have suffered this fate. The whole “get back on the bike” analogy doesn’t apply, or maybe we get back on-write a few lines-only to fall off …
WRITING FORMALLY vs FREELY As a college professor, I wrote three successful textbooks and many scholarly articles. Quite frankly, I found academic writing to be tedious. Still, from the drafting, editing, redrafting and proofing, I learned the discipline to pace myself, accept criticism, and write clearly and concisely. Once retired, my audience and focus changed. …