Monthly Archives: May 2026

Commitment. Confidence. Consistency. In a Success Hotline message (973.743.4690), my friend and mentor Rob Gilbert identified these three C’s as the building blocks of a successful endeavor. Let’s explore their meaning to us as writers: Commitment: In my mind, a commitment … Continue reading →

Whether we’re crafting a short story, novel or play, one of the most powerful — and trickiest tools — in our kit bag is dialogue. Dynamic dialogue makes a story sizzle and gives it forward momentum; lackluster dialogue limps along. … Continue reading →

“Happiness is not a possession to be prized, it is a quality of thought, a state of mind.” Daphne Du Maurer Today, May 13, is Daphne Du Maurier’s birthday—she was born in 1907. Perhaps best known for her amazing novel, Rebecca, … Continue reading →

“Train Your Brain to Thrive from Nine to Five from the CenterforBrainHealth.org offers some techniques for venturing into our day with “renewed mental vigor.” Renewed mental vigor — sounds great, doesn’t it? Here is a simple strategy for getting the … Continue reading →

“Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love.”David McCullough “Success is blocked by concentrating on it and planning for it. Success is shy. It won’t come out while you’re watching.”Tennessee Williams “Success is shy” — this … Continue reading →

For Mother’s Day, a beautiful bouquet of words full of hope and love: “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.”Abraham Lincoln “Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and … Continue reading →

“Everything I’ve written …has seemed to me, at one point or another, something I probably ought to abandon. Even the best things I’ve written have seemed to me at some point to be very unlikely to be worth the effort … Continue reading →

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Frederick Douglass “Your dreams always lie outside your comfort zone.” Coach Mike Tully “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?”   Robert Browning A story worth reminding … Continue reading →

“The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful will win.” “The reason sport is attractive to many of the general public is that it’s filled with reversals. What you think may happen doesn’t happen. A champion … Continue reading →

Albert Einstein is believed to have invented the theory of relativity while riding his bicycle. Evidence is mounting that taking breaks from mental activity boosts productivity and creativity. The reverse is also true: Skipping breaks can create fatigue and stress.  … Continue reading →