You’re invited to join me on my new adventure, something I’m calling my “joy project.” It’s all about writing, birding, walking, and learning – and you can come along with me even if you’re not in Pittsburgh. Let’s go Birding the Rachel Carson Trail! Every season for a full year, I’ll walk the… Read more »
Inspiration
October To Do List
October used to be the eighth month in early calendars. Here are eight things to do this month. Read a banned book during Banned Book Week (and all year). Catch a lucky leaf. Go on a run and if you catch a falling leaf midair, make a wish! It’s dew season. That means it’s cool… Read more »
Virgos
I turn 50 this month! Yes, I have a summer birthday and don’t you forget it. You may know I’m a Virgo, but I’m not super mystical about it. However, there are some attributes that seem to ring true. “…perfectionism and criticism…complex and demanding…can be difficult to live with, but no one can doubt their… Read more »
Three Things I Learned in Japan That Changed My Perspective
It’s a big milestone year for us – several notable birthdays, graduations, and celebrating 25 years of being married to my best friend and love of my life. When my son suggested we travel to Japan to honor such a momentous year, we said “hai!” For the next several months we planned the trip, researched… Read more »
Three Things My Kids Taught Me This Year
Things in Pittsburgh come in threes. Three rivers, three eagles on the city coat of arms, three kids in our family. Each of my kids is in a different stage of their educational journey. My oldest is midway through the traditional four year college experience. My middle just graduated high school. My youngest completed his… Read more »
Three things I Learned Teaching an After School Writing Club
Every spring, I teach a four week after school writing club at a local elementary school. We read picture books and discuss what makes each book special. Maybe it’s a funny character, a unique setting, interesting vocabulary, or a seriously surprising ending. Then, the kids write and illustrate their own books. I’m there to teach… Read more »
Maybe You Can
We’ve all had those days…weeks…where it seems like nothing is going right. You’re not just pushing a boulder, you’re pushing it uphill in an ice storm. You think maybe you can’t. It’s OK if it feels hard. It’s OK to take breaks. But if it’s something you care about, you have to adjust your grip… Read more »
Savoring Every Page
I read around 200 books a year. I read for research, especially if I’m working on a project for a client. I read many books for pleasure, and many books to learn what’s working the market this year. Most of the time, those categories overlap. I read each book thoroughly, but quickly. I need to… Read more »
Things I Learned from Running that Help Me as a Writer
I’ve been a writer for a long time. I have bags of old journals and bins of old stories. I’ve also been a runner for a long time. I’ve learned a lot from both that help me with both passions. Here are some things I’ve learned. There’s always someone faster. This is true about running,… Read more »
Gifts for Writers
It’s the time of year for gift giving. And it’s not always easy to find great gifts for writers. How do you wrap up a publishing contract? So I’ve gathered up twelve wonderful pieces of writing advice that I’ve gathered in notebooks over the years. Hopefully these carry you through the next year of writing…. Read more »