We met at a meeting involving a nonprofit where I once worked. Strangers, yet both of us committed to helping this nonprofit thrive. Both of us single moms who wanted to help other single moms and their kids. She listened carefully to my introduction and to the presentation I gave. But I noticed a frown …
As an author, I always hope my words will impact my readers. But sometimes this goal reverses. Sometimes I find myself changed by another writer’s work. For me, that writer is Anne Lamott. Several years ago, I was thrilled to attend a presentation by Anne Lamott. She was, as I expected, witty as well as …
With the beginning of a new year comes a time for new goals. Short-term goals usually work best, because we more quickly see the results. And micro-steps are more manageable than giant chunky steps. When I earned my certification as a life Coach with a specialty in Communications, I was excited about the possibilities of …
When I bought the sketchbook, I intended its pages for the drawing, a true sketch. A long-held dream, urged by a traumatic childhood memory. “Draw a tree,” said the art teacher. My ten-year-old self gathered a fat pencil and my Red Chief tablet, then followed my classmates outside. What a glorious assignment in early fall! …
During the Christmas season, writers always hope for extra sales. We market our books on social media and ask for reviews. We may even write a special holiday book such as my Holiday Tips for Caregivers. Image by Willgard / Pixabay As creatives, it is also important for us to enjoy the holidays and nourish …
Sometimes life throws us into situations where we need to release. These situations force us to look at our personal environment, evaluate any toxic spaces, and reflect on how we really want to do life. We learn to release in tiny increments, as needed. Then those steps represent monumental heart blips which propel us onto …
Every now and then, writers need to tweak what they are working on or revise one of their tools. Tweaking a manuscript makes it better, more readable, and sometimes — more publishable. Tweaking also gives our creativity a boost, especially if we seem to be in one of those slumps that creatives sometimes experience. Like …
It felt ugly and sent me into several days of discouragement. A verbal attack — probably not intentional. But to be my authentic self, I must admit it hurt. The words questioned my blogging skills, criticized word count and focus, suggested that another direction would be more effective, violated several of the blogging rules I …
“Can I really make a living as a writer?” The recent graduate with a creative writing degree asked. “Yes. Depending on the type of writing you do and how disciplined you are. But if you’re expecting to get rich by writing books, you need a different plan.” We spent the next Coaching sessions working on …
“So . . . what can we do? How can we help them understand without preaching at them?” “Well . . . what if we write a book together and explain it in clear language, without any put downs?” And so we did. My son and I had this conversation in 2019, a few months …