I have questions, too


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…
I have an idea! It’s a great idea! Unless it’s not!
I see these memes going around: “At age 30, JK Rowling was depressed and wanted to give up, but she didn’t and now she’s worth 15 kajillion dollars, so you shouldn’t give up either!” And I just . . . think that’s bullshit. It’s not helpful. In fact, I think it’s discouraging. You’re more likely…
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…
So you know that I have been trying very hard to learn how to relax, which isn’t easy WHEN THE FATE OF THE FREE WORLD DEPENDS ON YOU, or at least, you know, someone has to buy the groceries around here. It is a curious fact of my life how often these two things feel…
In remembered rapture: the writer at work, author bell hooks says, “It takes critical vigilance not to be swept away by all the forces of materialist greed that encourage any writer eager to be more successful to dispense with integrity in the interest of making the big deals.” She says, “Young writers . . ….