Calling all writers—get out. Stroll, pace, or wander. We give the page a piece of our mind, let’s give our bodies a push out the door. Even a quick fifteen-minute walk can bring unexpected writerly gifts. Note: I have mixed feelings about this post. As I write, fires and floods devour parts of the country. Hawaii’s recent volcanic eruption is producing toxic air. Some people are in respiratory crisis, making a leisurely walk outdoors prohibitive. In other places on the … Read More »

Breaking up is hard to do, even with a story. Have you ever watched a movie and two-thirds of the way through wonder how in the world they’re going to end this story? Or read a novel and asked the same question? Let’s face it. Endings are hazardous terrain filled with landmines. Finishing with a flourish means avoiding unforeseen crevasses or loose gravel and leading our readers into a final landscape where the story ends well. So, the question—what makes … Read More »

In 1988, I took my first, full-blown creative writing class at Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida. Our teacher rushed into the room with a huge smile, muttered a brief hello, and launched into the session. “Let’s start with the basics. First, what is the writer’s sacred duty?” he asked, peering at students in the front. Bushy eyebrows bouncing up and down, he gripped the small brown podium. I panicked. I’d recently returned to college after more than a decade, … Read More »

Do you feel overwhelmed as I often do by the swirl of writerly information? Where have you discovered sound writing advice? The best advice I ever received was NOT from a writer-focused resource. In tenth grade at James M. Bennett Sr. High, I joined our school’s first women’s track team and learned what it took to write. Mrs. Tucker, our physical education teacher, inspired enough of us wannabe female track stars to make up a real team. Heady with excitement, … Read More »

If you’re an author, do you give book talks? I know, they are full of wildcards and unexpected questions. A bit unnerving. So far I’m finding that most people showing up for my book events are friendly (knock on wood) and interested—except for that one woman who accused me of not believing in anything and stomped out of the room (not at Rollins) … we had good reason to suspect she’d had too much to drink. Oh well. **it happens. So, about giving talks … Read More »