Some years ago, a famous editor invited me to lunch at a Manhattan restaurant. She brought along her top publicist, and, over ridiculously over-priced food (I was glad it wasn't on my dime), they began to talk about me as if I wasn't there. Most memorably, the Read More
Born to Write
In Sinc with Nature
July 20, 2012
Like many writers working at home, I spend a lot of time staring out my office window or lounging on my deck. Sometimes I'm looking for inspiration; at other times, I'm just taking a mental break, but the result is that I feel I've come to know each and every one of the critters Read More
What Role Does Luck Play in a Successful Career?
July 13, 2012
What is luck? And how important is it? I keep running into people who claim that we make our own luck in this world, but I think that's too simplistic. Some stuff just happens, that's all. Call it luck, or call it God's will. And yet, at the same time, I have observed many Read More
Longing for Mayberry
July 7, 2012
When Andy Griffith died this week, the news coverage brought many recollections of small-town life as envisioned on his much-loved show. I watched the show first-run as a child while living in South Carolina, and the characters did not seem at all far-fetched to me. We didn't live in a small town - we Read More
How writers help other writers
July 1, 2012
While I was busy at Book Expo America recently, my local writers' group had a breakfast meeting. Sometimes we kvetch, sometimes we actually accomplish something. This must have been a great meeting, because one of the members was so inspired that she went straight home and got to work Read More