Monthly Archives: June 2018

This week’s “Something Wonderful” is a lovely poem in celebration of Father’s Day. It reminds me of dipping my hand into the pocket of my father’s overcoat when I was a little girl and finding all sorts of treasures: My … Continue reading →

Whenever I see a promising new contest, I like to share information about it. For any of us who might have work that we want to step out, submitting to a contest by the deadline can be a great way … Continue reading →

“There never was a moment, and never will be, when we are without the power to alter our destiny. This second, we can turn the tables on Resistance. This second, we can sit down and do our work.” Steve Pressfield, … Continue reading →

“One cold hard fact of fiction is that as we’re busy writing the most sophisticated story, we can also hear — if we listen carefully — the underlying rhythms of the fairytale. From mystery to romance, from high art to … Continue reading →

“A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a mentor, a teacher, a guidepost, a counselor.” Henry Ward Beecher My heart did a little happy dance when I came across the lovely quote above by Henry Ward … Continue reading →

“Let our lives be full of both: Thanks and Giving.” Jackie’s Grillette Today, June 8, is my beautiful sister Stephanie’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Steph! Writing is often a solitary activity, it’s easy to forget all the “writing angels” who give … Continue reading →

“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” Aristotle Needless to say, editing is challenging, but pithy pruning can energize your work. I remember reading that Joyce Carole Oates feels that putting together a first draft can be torturous, … Continue reading →

“Action defines our reality. Time passes because things happen. And in writing, the verbs carry the action. One of the keys to writing more forcefully, then, is seeking out the most potent verbs available.” Jack Hart, A Writer’s Coach Verbs … Continue reading →