I never used to be a runner. In fact, I used to think runners were crazy. As in, certifiably insane. I wanted to attend races with a sign that read, in big red letters, “WHAT ARE YOU RUNNING FROM?” So, I state sheepishly that I have become a runner. It started with 5Ks. That 3-mile — Read More
Category: Nuggets
In memory of my kitty
My beloved kitty, Roxy, left this world last week. I wrote this little tribute to her on Facebook (because that’s where people write tributes these days; I have mixed feelings about this): Roxy. I got you when I was just 18. I saw a sign for free kittens on the side of the road and — Read More
Words of wisdom from Neil Gaiman
Need some inspiration on a Monday? Try this: Two of my favorite excerpts: …”a life in the arts is sometimes like putting messages in bottles, on a desert island, and hoping that someone will find one of your bottles and open it and read it, and put something in a bottle that will wash its — Read More
Christmas, writer style
Call me a cynic, but I agree with E.M. Forster on this one: Every year, I wrestle with the meaning of Christmas. I get so overwhelmed and stressed out by the notion of “the perfect gift” for all the people I love. My usual fantasy is of going on a trip during Christmas, to avoid — Read More
What you might not know about Salinger
A few days ago, I watched the documentary “Salinger”–about the life of J.D. Salinger. It’s become overly common these days to say that Catcher in the Rye changed my life, but whatever–it changed my life, as a writer and a person. Before I read that book, I didn’t know writers and characters could be so — Read More
On gratitude
I should have posted this a few days ago, but I was happily occupied with Thanksgiving festivities and then occupied with Christmas shopping. Needless to say, I didn’t do any writing over the holiday weekend. I did, however, decide that I should commit to writing at the desk in our office/third bedroom. Writing in front — Read More
My grandma, writer?
About a month ago (my how time flies), my grandma passed away. She took her health very seriously and we all used to say, “If anyone is going to live forever, it will be Grandma Helen.” So, on the day she died, we were surprised. Outsiders may think it wouldn’t be a shock because she — Read More
Marilyn Monroe, poet?
Did you know Marilyn Monroe was an avid reader? I’ve seen her photographed with books, but I thought she was just trying to negate her image as a “dumb blonde.” In truth though, her personal library contained over 400 books–from Dostoyevsky to Hemingway. And she took night classes at UCLA. Who knew? Not me. I — Read More
Authors in the awkward years
I started writing when I was in elementary school. I remember those pages with the wide margins very vividly. But it was when I was a teenager that my writing became less about fun and more about necessity. Those adolescent years are hard for anyone, and especially hard for a quiet, skinny girl who did — Read More
Ten Writers Whose Success You’ll Resent
A great writing friend sent me this article from The Toast. Hilarious. I suggest you click over to nod along to the list. Here are the ones I appreciate most: 10. The Maddeningly Gentle Food Blogger With The Completely Unjustified Book Deal Whose Posts You Read Every Day “This is so stupid,” you tell your best — Read More