Reading

We Shall See: Write Your Story, “Right” Your Life

Recently I was honored to be asked to deliver the keynote address at the Learn More Center commencement in Wabash, Indiana. Having taught there in the past, I was delighted to speak. These students are some of the hardest working I have ever seen. In case you weren’t able to attend, below are my remarks.Continue reading “We Shall See: Write Your Story, “Right” Your Life”

Announcing: Writing All the Things!

After nearly a year of plotting, planning, and tweaking, Barry and I are happy to announce the launch of our website, Writing All the Things! You can explore our (evolving) website at writingallthethings.com. There you’ll find a slowly unfurling study on writing and reading literary fiction, a bit about us and the writing services we provide,Continue reading “Announcing: Writing All the Things!”

Something Borrowed…

There’s something special about reading a borrowed book. I don’t mean a library book, although that can be special too. I mean reading a book pressed into your hands by someone who can’t wait for you to read it, because they know you’ll love it. Someone you trust to know your tastes enough that youContinue reading “Something Borrowed…”

A Backrub Book Review: Amy Tan’s The Valley of Amazement

I adore Amy Tan. There. I said it. Call me biased, but there isn’t a word she has written that I don’t just love. And in case you doubted her coolness ratio, she’s also in a rock band! Her latest novel, The Valley of Amazement was a Christmas gift from my husband, Barry. We wereContinue reading “A Backrub Book Review: Amy Tan’s The Valley of Amazement”

Julie Brickman’s Two Deserts

Julie Brickman’s Two Deserts draws us into exotic worlds — both foreign and domestic — that slowly reveal to us the unacknowledged and unknown layers of life in and around us all. Brickman’s well-crafted stories expand exponentially with their deft movement, bittersweet insights, and unexpected humor. The book’s titles are often darkly humorous and always intriguing:”The Cop, the Hooker, andContinue reading “Julie Brickman’s Two Deserts”

“Swift” Speaking by The President of Ireland

When our daughter was young, Barry would often read aloud to her. He once read an excerpt from “Gulliver’s Travels” and she giggled incessantly upon realizing what “making water” meant, bright child that she was. The next few hours found her laughing and repeating the phrase. I’m not entirely sure that’s what we wanted herContinue reading ““Swift” Speaking by The President of Ireland”

I Want to Launch a Little Free Library!

Do you know about Little Free Libraries? I first read about them in Writer’s Digest, and then again at a conference I went to last Friday. I was lying in bed reading WD and was so charmed by them that accidentally woke my husband by exclaiming over them. Now I want to put one up! WhenContinue reading “I Want to Launch a Little Free Library!”