A short story

Since I've been struggling to fully delve into writing a new novel, here is my back-up plan: a short story. In fact, based on the advice of an author I love, I'd set out to write one short story a week about three weeks ago. That hasn't happened. However, yesterday, after taking my dog for a walk on the beach, and after my daughter's work ended over an hour late, I forced myself to write: my goal was to scratch out a short story on paper, no matter how terrible it was. And I had a half hour to do it...read at your own risk.

When if feels like grit punches you in the face

Grit, with its intensity, diligence, perseverance, and passion-against-all odds qualities, is a character trait I most heartily pursue and value. I have tried, not only to apply grit to my relationships and dreams, but also to nurture it in the lives my children and students. At times however, it feels like grit punches you in the face. Some weeks, its not just one punch, but many-like grit's suddenly turned into Cobra Kai's John Kreese and is relentlessly driving fists into you without mercy.

National Suicide Prevention

September 6th through 12th was National Suicide Prevention week. Many times I've heard this about suicide: "how selfish." But during National Suicide Prevention week, a post from TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms), really stuck with me and challenged that line of thinking. I forget the woman's exact words, but they went something like: … Continue reading National Suicide Prevention

Writing Journey Update

Sorry for the lack of updates. Thank you to those of you who have asked about the blog, and encouraged me to maintain it. Since Nanowrimo last fall, this is what's happened: I've revised Mirror of Sparrows twiceI participated in a fantastic plot workshopI submitted what I have to my freelance editor This is what … Continue reading Writing Journey Update

Scythe and Thunderhead, by Neal Shusterman

IIn many ways, these books are disturbing reads, and for that reason, I would not recommend them for most people. However, I find them worth commenting about because they tackle with death, artificial intelligence, God, and human brokenness; Shusterman has found a way to create a fascinating framework from which to wrestle with these subjects.

Updates on the writing journey

Here's an update on the different facets of the Mirror of Sparrows writing journey. As always, thank you for reading and caring! #RevPit If you read my last post, you'll know I participated in #RevPit - a Twitter writing contest during which editors select writers they would like to give free editorial services to. It was a fantastic, … Continue reading Updates on the writing journey