Monthly Archives: August 2010

I was fascinated by a New York Times account of the artistic life of Mitch Miller, who passed away recently at the age of 99. What an incredibly long and rich creative career he forged for himself! He excelled in … Continue reading →

I just received a great comment from a friend, Nick Humez, that I wanted to share with you. Nick is a multifaceted fellow: he’s an author, mythology expert, musician, and an artist. He’s also a gifted and generous teacher. In … Continue reading →

“The work itself will teach you.” An old Estonian proverb I once attended an crafts fair in upstate New York, where I saw this wonderful saying carved on a stone; it’s been etched in my heart ever since. I love … Continue reading →

Here I come now, late as usual, running to catch the #5 bus for the long trip from my family’s apartment in upper Manhattan to the East side where my high school is. It’s cold outside, so I’m wearing white … Continue reading →

Did you know that Nabokov wrote Lolita on index cards? Yep, it’s true. I’m always on the lookout for tools that will make writing easier and more fun. And like Nabokov, I’m a big fan of the humble index card. … Continue reading →

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. … Continue reading →

“Be regular and orderly in your life like a bourgeois, so that you may be violent and original in your work.” Gustave Flaubert Flaubert was a big believer in having a routine as a writer — and he has plenty … Continue reading →

“Insist on yourself; never imitate.” Ralph Waldo Emerson “I don’t ride to beat the boys — just to win!” That’s how a pioneering female jockey described her style. I really love the racy flavor of this comment: it’s bold and … Continue reading →

Book readings are great places to learn about craft and the writing process from accomplished writers. Recently, I braved the heat and high-tailed it into Manhattan to hear a best-selling author named Alison Weir speak at a bookstore. A writer … Continue reading →

When my son Alex was about 6 going on 7, he was crazy about the Yankees. Even when we just played catch, he insisted on wearing his full uniform. One day as we were throwing a ball around in the … Continue reading →