Routine is the elusive siren song that's good for us, yet we often struggle to believe in it enough to make it stick. This beguiling song is not sexy nor exotic, but oh so practical and beneficial. Without it, the hopes of any creative will simply smash into pieces upon the rocks where the siren… Continue reading The Iciness of Routine
If you’re a writer, a dedicated fiction reader, or have otherwise enjoyed the work from one of America’s finest writers, then you’ll probably really enjoy watching Ken Burns’ latest documentary, Hemingway. I felt I knew his work and life fairly well (one of my favorite books on authors in my library is Hemingway In Cuba).… Continue reading Hemingway
One of the most famous writers from Texas passed away this week. Larry McMurtry was a rare breed who charted his own path, committing every day to spend hours writing, no matter what. Fame and notoriety mattered little to him, yet likely that determination plus his natural character endured him to many people. His passing… Continue reading Meeting Larry McMurtry
In my writing practice (and tea making!) I use several electronic timers, and sometimes my iPhone's clock app, to ensure I don't forget to stop. A favorite for writing work is this countdown/count-up one I got because it has a switch to change from beep to vibrate. So nice to avoid an obnoxious, harpy-like beep.… Continue reading Gotta Love Analog Timers
I'm working on a piece about the creative muse, and recalled this fun piece I wrote back in 2011. Thought I'd dust it off and reshare. Enjoy! She sits there drinking beer, slumped in my papasan chair, leg bouncing up and down hinged at the knee, while staring out the window in feigned boredom. Some… Continue reading Writer’s Muse
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