In all the recent conversations about The Cornell Seven and sexual assault, one question stays with me, and rings like a loud and rusty bell: Why didn't anyone do anything. The period says how cynical I am. To say, Look how dulled your senses are. Why didn't anyone do … [Read more...] about The Nerve
Reflections
Write like it’s your last day.
Today I stared at the green-green leaves of oak and pine and hickory and I gave the breeze a listen and felt the cool surprise of a gray and rainy North Carolina May day. For a whole two minutes, I was not productive. I was not efficient. I was not worthy of the free … [Read more...] about Write like it’s your last day.
I’m Building a Bot, But Not for Books.
Authors are asking big questions these days, such as whether they'll ever use AI to write a phrase or more of their books. Maybe you saw that New York Times article about the romance author who wrote 200 books last year. Yep. Did it all with AI, and proud of it. She’s teaching … [Read more...] about I’m Building a Bot, But Not for Books.
Brand Obsessions: Definitely an ’80s Thing
Can you guess the '80s brands? First, Some Background My novel Here Comes the Dog Parade is set in 1982. If you were around and conscious of that moment in time, let me know what you remember. There are some loosely autobiographical references in the book--basically to … [Read more...] about Brand Obsessions: Definitely an ’80s Thing
Stranger Things and Novel Things
'80s nostalgia in my books: what's that all about? Find Your Inner Sorcerer I love ‘80s stuff so much, it’s all over my books. As I’m finishing revisions of my novel set in 1982, Here Comes the Dog Parade, it’s no surprise that Stranger Things is on my mind. Maybe … [Read more...] about Stranger Things and Novel Things
What’s in Your Writer’s Shrine?
Welcome to my writer's shrine. We all need hope, faith, and love as writers. We all need to believe in the power of our words, even if everything else in our life is telling us "nah." Talismans, symbols, icons, saints. Gifts from friends who love us well. From … [Read more...] about What’s in Your Writer’s Shrine?