I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions. ~James Michener (1907-1997), American author I read that quote by James Michener and thought: Yes! Yes! Yes! I love writing too — even on the days I hate writing. You know what I mean: the days when the words won’t come. …
In Others’ Words: Joy
“I’ve grown to realize the joy that comes from little victories is preferable to the fun that comes from ease and the pursuit of pleasure.” ~Lawana Blackwell, author, The Courtship of the Vicar’s Daughter, 1998 Little victories. What do those look like? Getting to the end of a long day … maybe not finishing everything … crawling into bed and …
In Others’ Words: Ears
“Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble.” ~ Frank Tyger (1929-2011), nationally published editorial cartoonist & columnist Don’t you relish a truth wrapped in just the right amount of laughter? Listening is an art, really … but even more than that, listening is a gift. It’s such a beautiful way to consider someone else more …
In Others’ Words: Dirty Business
“Writing is not a genteel profession; it’s quite nasty and tough and kind of dirty.” ~Rosemary Mahoney (1961-), American non-fiction writer There is the dream of the writing life … and then there is reality. I bet you think I’m going to say I prefer the dream. Nope. I will take the nitty-gritty reality of the writing life …
In Others’ Words: Hero (Guest Post)
To celebrate her latest book release, Lakeside Family, my friend, Lisa Jordan, shares a quote with us today. “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” ~Christopher Reeve (1952-2004), actor In Lakeside Family, Nick Brennan feels like nobody’s hero. After his father abandoned his family, Nick promised …
In Others’ Words: Wake Up (Guest post)
Today I’m at the MOPS Convention in Dallas, teaching a workshop on cyberbullying. So writer Susannah Friis shares a favorite quote with you. “I wake up every morning determined to both change the world and have a [heckuva] good time. Sometimes that makes planning my day difficult.” ~ EB White (1899-1985), American writer I love this quote because …
In Others’ Words: Writing … and Reading
“The unread story is not a story; it is little black marks on wood pulp. The reader, reading it, makes it live: a live thing, a story.” ~ Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-), American author I call myself a writer — an author even. But long before I morphed from a wish-I-may-wish-I-might wannabe writer to “the real deal,” I …
In Others’ Words: Now
Living the past is a dull and lonely business; looking back strains the neck muscles, causing you to bump into people not going your way. ~Edna Ferber (1885-1968), American novelist I can’t transport myself to the future, except when I escape in the pages of a spectacular novel. And I know I can’t go back to days past. But …
In Others’ Words: Teachers
I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework. ~Lily Tomlin as “Edith Ann” (1939), actress I registered my caboose kiddo for school this week. We bought school supplies weeks ago. Today she went with her BFF and got locker supplies. Middle school, here they come! Funny, I never bought locker supplies when …
In Others’ Words: Trust
“One must be fond of people and trust them if one is not to make a mess of life.” ~E.M. Forster (1879-1970), English novelist As a novelist, I spend a lot of time with imaginary people. I don’t just hang around with them — I actually expend many hours and much energy getting to know these fictitious characters. I …