The fog has lifted and a pale sky revealed, the tall firs that ring the neighborhood still. Looking out it seems as if the world is holding its breath. I’ve written here before about following Shakespeare’s  advice in Macbeth to, “Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak whispers the o’erfraught heart and bids […]

There’s  often gloom outside my windows as I sit here lately, punctuated with storms and downpours. Sun breaks do occur, but mostly I’m grateful for this infernal wet after last year’s droughts and too-close-for-comfort wildfires. And these smudgy skies are good for reflection and planning. Now that the holidays are over I’ve been shoring up […]

With the holidays upon us, I’m especially grateful  for all the good things and people in my life, the small joys that bring so much simple pleasure. A walk with a friend, an engrossing novel, spring blooms, autumn leaves, watching seasons change, the first sip of tea in the morning, dinner simmering in the kitchen. […]

With apologies–an early draft to this article was mistakenly published before it was completed. Updated November 17. Obviously I’m not alone in declaring this a humbling, angst-filled, anxiety-inducing year. Did I mention fattening?  Like many millions around the world, I’m following the COVID numbers with growing horror and paranoia. I’ve been wearing a mask and […]

There are still fires burning in beautiful Oregon and 5 million acres in the West have been incinerated. My house is no longer in an evacuation zone for which I’m grateful. However, the air is still hazardous and I’d really just like to step outside. Hoping it’s sometime soon. One technique that  all writers need […]

A bit cooler today I’m happy to report, but more blistering temperatures on the way. Awhile ago I posted this example of introducing an unforgettable  secondary character from the great Leif Enger’s novel Virgil Wander. You can find my column here in case you missed it. I’m going to talk about it during my virtual […]

How are you doing out there in Writing Land? Can you believe it’s August? We’re in the midst of another heat wave in Oregon today (insert profuse sweat and gnashing of teeth) which is beyond unwelcome since we need rain and forest fire season is upon us. I rose early to water, so ended up […]

If  you’ve been stopping by, thanks for doing so. My pause here is ending and I’m going to start posting helpful advice and inspiration for writers again. I’ve been bumbling, enjoying, deploring, gardening, cooking,  chafing, and pondering my way through our current state of at-home uncertainty.  Also dancing in my living room, connecting with friends […]

The weather is warm these days, but bearable and I’ve got a sprinklers running. My tomatoes are ripening so fast I need to check them every morning. Which isn’t that easy because one bed is an untidy jungle of branches, no matter how often I trim suckers.  I love the smell of tomato leaves on […]

Dialogue electrifies and ignites fictions. It brings characters and conflicts into focus, especially when characters argue, coerce, and threaten. Here are a few reminders about how to keep dialogue sizzling: Skip the throat clearing, greetings and pleasantries. Don’t warm up; jump right in. Ditch the names. Write dialogue that creates consequences. If there are no […]