Monthly Archives: June 2020

From Edith Wharton’s slim and provocative guide, The Writing of Fiction: “At every stage in the progress of his tale the novelist must rely on what may be called the illuminating incident to reveal and emphasize the inner meaning of … Continue reading →

For the longest time, I wrote in fits and starts — whenever inspiration struck. A great idea would hit me, I’d jot it down, then tuck away my piece of paper with a feeling of accomplishment. However elusive my thought, … Continue reading →

“Accept the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.”   Ralph Waldo Emerson Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day. A.A. Milne Patience – it’s one of those traits that’s often undervalued and yet it’s … Continue reading →

I May, I Might, I Must If you will tell me why the fen appears impassable, I then will tell you why I think that I can get across it if I try. — Marianne Moore    

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank Reading these lovely words made me think of the beautiful Anne, since today, June 12, is her birthday. This led me … Continue reading →

“The deadline is your friend.” When a scrap of paper with this sentence scrawled on it turned up in my office, I flipped it over. On the other side, I’d scrawled a quote from William Goldman: “The easiest thing on … Continue reading →

From the War of Art: Break through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield: “… the most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying. “Why is … Continue reading →

“The easiest thing to do on earth is not to write.”   William Goldman How true I’ve found this to be during this strange interlude we’ve been in, this pandemic, these protests, these scenes of smashing and arson. Like everyone around … Continue reading →

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”   Marcel Proust This quote always makes me think of my wonderful family and friends — and how blessed and … Continue reading →

Rain in Summer How beautiful is the rain! After the dust and heat, in the broad and fiery street, In the narrow lane, How beautiful is the rain! How it chatters along the roofs, Like the tramp of hoofs! How … Continue reading →