Lately people have been asking me for advice, and I have not once but twice in a row now made the rookie mistake of actually giving it. I know that most people want to hear, “you go grrrrl!” even when they swear they’re seeking my best, most realistic counsel. But I didn’t say, “you go grrrl!”…
Tag: Making a Creative Life
On God the novelist
My worldview has been shaped by the novels I’ve read. I’m the author of many, many how-to and self-help books, so I appreciate the irony of that statement. It wasn’t The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People that taught me to work on my priorities, not someone else’s; to do my work, not whatever shows…
On giving your future self a break
Last week was one of those weeks where I had about twelve minutes for my creative work, and the rest of the time was spent on commitments I made months ago—the day job, teaching several classes, a book project. My present self always has so much confidence in my future self. Yes! my present self…
On half-assed efforts
Over the Labor Day weekend, Jess and I stayed at a hotel where we were given a handicapped-accessible room. We hadn’t requested one and didn’t need it, and the hotel did not appear full, so why we got it when someone else may have needed it is a question for another day. Today’s question has…
Facing fears
Ever since Jessica started middle school, every morning I have parked in the parking lot and walked to the front door with her. In the afternoons, I stand by the front door to pick her up and we walk to the car together. Everyone else, of course, drops their kids off; they just wait in…
On getting things done
A friend of mine always teases me about being held hostage when Jess is with me (as opposed to when Jess is with her father), because I answer the phone less and don’t talk as much. It’s absolutely true, and if said friend were to make an issue of it, my response would be, “Have…