Monthly Archives: September 2026

“Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.”Mark Twain Back when Mark Twain was a riverboat pilot, steamships ruled the Mississippi. When a railroad decided to build a bridge over the river, the steamboat … Continue reading →

“Our fears are always more numerous than our dangers.”Seneca, ancient philosopher and statesman Seneca was a wise man and a wise writer. Though he lived in a very different age, the challenges he faced are much the same as those … Continue reading →

Blackberry Eating I love to go out in late Septembeeramong the fat, overripe, icy, black blackberriesto eat blackberries for breakfast,the stalks very prickly, a penaltythey earn for knowing the black artof blackberry-making; and as I stand among themlifting the stalks … Continue reading →

Writing takes focus, mental and physical stamina, and will power. Research shows that food has an enormous impact on our focus when working on projects needing concentration and discipline. Foods that supply our brains with steady doses of glucose boost … Continue reading →

I have always been a good editor of my own work. I’ve tried to teach my writing friends that there are two arts: number one, getting a thing  done; and then, the second great art is learning how to cut it so you … Continue reading →

Character — it’s one of the cornerstones of spinning a good yarn. In Since character is key, whether you’re writing a novel, short story, film script, some reflections by seasoned writers: “Writers aren’t people exactly. Or, if they’re any good, … Continue reading →

“Writers are people for whom writing is more difficult than itis for other people.”Thomas Mann I was sitting in a café at a book event when one of the authors who was reading shared this quote. What a great statement … Continue reading →

“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.”Jack London As an author, you may not have the opportunity right now to devote your days to writing and courting your muse. Well, you’re not alone. … Continue reading →

Indian Summer From gold to grayOur mild sweet dayOf Indian summer fades too soon;But tenderlyAbove the seaHangs, white and calm, the hunter’smoon. In its pale fireThe village spireShow’s like the zodiac’s spectral lance;The painted wallsWhereon it falls,Transfigured stand in marble … Continue reading →

Remember Remember me when I am gone away,Gone far away into the silent land;When you can no more hold me by the hand,Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.Remember me when no more, day by day,You tell me … Continue reading →