I hate losing stuff. I hate losing valuable time. I hate losing friends. I hate losing money. But most of all, I hate losing freedom. I would give up stuff, time, and money for freedom. I’d give up friends who threaten my freedom. Losing my freedom is unacceptable. Pure and simple. But then again, we give […]
For Readers
Starting to Forget, A Wake Up call?
A Wake Up Call Dorothy Skarles has been one of my critique partners for some time. She has also been a teacher and a great supporter of my writing. Two years ago, she lost her husband, and as a result, her will to write. I considered this a shame and a great loss, not only for herself, but for all […]
Miracles All Around Us / Why I Write Fiction
The December issue of Oprah Magazine has a special feature called Miracles All Around Us. It introduces miracles “easily missed if you’re distracted,” and marvels “hidden in every corner of our lives.” It begins with “The Awe Tour,” which takes you to spots on Earth where you can see, hear, touch, and smell mysteries and curiosities “dreamed up by nature” […]
Bereavement / Are You a Couch Potato?
Today, guest blogger Dorothy Skarles shares a note she received from her brother-in-law that relates to all memoir writers. To this, she adds another installment in Dash Off a Memory, Create a Memoir, by revisiting a subject she knows well–Bereavement. Welcome Dorothy. Are You A Couch Potato? This morning, my brother-in-law sent me this little note, and since I feel the sentiment goes […]
Generating Ideas for Your Memoir / Create a Memoir
Today guest blogger and memoir writing teacher, Dorothy Skarles, is doing double-duty. First she provides a list of ideas to help jump-start your memoir. Then she incorporates one of these ideas with her own life experience to offer an example of how it’s done. Welcome Dorothy. Generating Ideas for Your Memoir To get to the […]
Serendipity
Do you believe in serendipity? While I was writing my first novel I did. No matter where I went, no matter whom I met, it seemed messeges came my way that directly related to the theme and plot of my story. It was eerie. It was mysterious. It was exciting. It made me feel as […]
