Category Archives: Uncategorized

“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 →

There is having flowers in the Spring,Breezes in the SummerMoon in AutumnSnows in Winter.If there is nothing worrying over youIt will be the best season at all times. —Buddha

« The best way I ever found to help someone overcome fear and rapidly develop courage and self-confidence is by speaking before groups. I discovered that when I lost my fear of speaking to audiences, I lost my fear of speaking … Continue reading →

“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.Sir Edmund Hillary” So often, I’ve found, when writers talk about their work, they do it in an almost dismissive, self-disparaging way. This tendency takes many forms, some straightforward and some subtle. … Continue reading →

“Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own.”Carol Burnett We’ve all experienced periods when the literary landscape appears dry and uninviting. Sometimes this takes the form of writer’s block, or a long time between books, or difficulty … Continue reading →

As kids, many of us received allowances from our parents and as parents, we’ve also given allowances to (and often make allowances for) our children. As adults, however, we’re not always so generous to ourselves. We’re often caught up in … Continue reading →

“It was the month of May. From every height the full fresh steams of spring water were flowing down into the valley. The clear warm sunshine lay upon the mountain, which had turned green again. The last snows had disappeared … Continue reading →

“Dive deep, that’s where the big fish are.”Christopher Denise, illustrator “You can’t push the river.” Whenever I start trying too hard with my writing, this old river-rafting adage comes to my aid. You know the feeling: You are really “efforting” … Continue reading →

Dr. Edward Hallowell is a bestselling author, psychiatrist, and ADD expert. I interviewed him once and I’ll never forget how compassionate and insightful he was. In a blog post, he offered 10 very helpful 3-word tips on focus we can … Continue reading →

In terms of narrative … there’s nothing but the Bible for sheer storytelling. How do you get at something that has already been done so perfectly? I suppose that explains my ‘fixation’…”   Herman Wouk Some time ago, a New York … Continue reading →