A short interlude

The other day, I made the mistake of saying the word “anywho” to a friend who is a lifelong New Yorker.  If you’ve never heard this word, it means you’re not a midwesterner, and I can’t explain it.  Anyway, my friend suggested that I should probably avoid such provincialisms in the future or else people…

The first one comes in the fall of Jessica’s junior year, a letter from the admissions office of Kansas State University. I don’t immediately recognize what it is. Once I do, for a moment hope flaps its vain and tinsel wings. Maybe it’s true. Maybe my daughter can go to college, and get a great…

Jess and I were recently on vacation, and I had no inclination to do any work. I didn’t bring my laptop, and my phone wasn’t working right so I couldn’t even check emails, so PERFECT. One rainy afternoon we stopped in at a beachside cafe to let the storm pass. Jess was watching everyone inside…

Being gone on vacation means a lot to catch up when I return. So, I do not allow interruptions.   But Jessica tries anyway.   “There’s a cute guy at the door for you.”   But I am not deterred.   “Your agent’s on the phone. Maybe she sold your book.”   But I am…

I hope your week brings you as many good books as you would like. ### Dojo Wisdom for Writers, second edition, now available on Amazon in print and ebook! (Nook and other ebook versions here) Catch a Falling Star (by Jessica Starre) and The Matchmaker Meets Her Match (by Jenny Jacobs), two of my favorite…

A blogger I follow — Laura Young at No Safe Distance — recently posted on the importance of carefully choosing role models. This got me to thinking about all of the teachers I’ve had over the years who’ve helped me to understand how to accomplish various goals. They’ve also helped me see the reality of…