Malcolm Gladwell, in his book Outliers, suggests that practice is more meaningful than underlying talent. He theorizes that it takes about 10,000 hours of doing something—deliberately, not casually—to become good at it. Other thinkers have since attacked that idea, but in general outline it certainly makes sense. The more time I spend playing a game or baking pies, the more opportunity I have to find out for myself what is the best way to do it. When it comes to … Read More »

Success. One of the most frequent subjects of books, workshops, presentations, and blogs. As an educator, I am often reading articles and research on success for insights, approaches, and strategies that I can bring into the classroom to ultimately help my students become successful. I also admit to being a bit of a self-serving junkie. I hope these insights will help me with my roles outside the classroom as well- my life as a writer, speaker, and presenter. I love … Read More »

The name of Marjory Stoneman Douglas entered the news this year with the tragic loss of seventeen lives in a South Florida high school, so this is a good time to remember her for arguably the most important book ever written by a Floridian. The Everglades: River of Grass (1947) almost singlehandedly launched the modern conservation movement in America. A sample: Clouds and the smoke of fires stand far off and are sunk in it, like the smoke of ships … Read More »

Let’s clarify something right away. I’m talking about killing in our story. Please don’t call the cops or report me to the FBI. I don’t want to go to prison or be added to the no-fly list. Now that we’ve that put to rest, I want to tell you how hard it was for me to initiate my most recent character killing. The first took place in book one of the series, and Lyle had it coming. It was difficult, … Read More »

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 »

I never know where or when I’m going to find inspiration – does any writer? Sometimes I go looking, or will it in my mind, but I seem to have the best luck when I leave the door wide open and welcome inspiration on its own terms. I’ve gotten into the habit of taking a photo and posting it every morning on my walk from my car to the building where I work. I see it as a transition from … Read More »