“If a nation loses its storytellers, it loses its childhood.” —Peter Handke (1942), Australian novelist My childhood was full of books. I whiled away many an hour, turning pages, lost in an imaginary world. And, yes, I was one of those kids who walked and read at the same time. And who didn’t hear a word anyone was saying …
In Others’ Words: Procrastination
“Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.” ~Don Marquis (1878-1937), humorist, journalist & author We all procrastinate. Some of us are just better than others at putting things off until tomorrow, or the next day … or next month. The result? A pile of stuff waiting to be done — and it’s all got to be done …
In Others’ Words: Travel
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill (1944-), travel writer I’m writing this post while I’m still in Colorado, but right now I’m in Texas! I’m near Houston, Texas, at a planning meeting for My Book Therapy, a wonderful writing community, and then I’ll be traveling to Dallas to attend the American Christian Fiction …
In Others’ Words: Silence
“Silence is one of the most effective forms of communication.” ~ Anonymous In Your Words: When did silence speak louder than words for you?
In Others’ Words: Ain’t That the Truth
“A writer is somebody for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.” ~Thomas Mann (1875-1955), German novelist The more determined I was to achieve something concrete as a writer — publication — the harder it got to write. The bar was raised — by me and all the writers I learned from or who mentored me. …
In Others’ Words: Sense
“Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.” ~William James (1842-1910), American psychologist Whatever I lack in common sense, I like to think I make up in a sense of humor. And I completely embrace William Jame’s idea that my sense of humor …
In Others’ Words: Knowing
“I think knowing what you cannot do is more important than knowing what you can.” ~Lucille Ball (1911-1989), comedian When I was younger, I thought I had to do it all. I wasted a lot of time trying to be someone I wasn’t. Case in point: From my teens to twenties, I took three sewing classes before I realized …
In Others’ Words: Why
“Why do writers write? Because it isn’t there.” ~ Thomas Berger (1924-), American novelist One of my favorite things to do is connect with other writers. I’ll be doing just that in 11 days: traveling to Texas to meet up with other writers. Hundreds of ’em! First I’ll be in Houston with the My Book Therapy (MBT) staff, planning …
In Others’ Words: The Blues
“I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.” ~Duke Ellington (1899-1974), composer & big band leader Y’all know I love quotes. I especially love the quotes that set me back on my heels and make me go, “Huh.” That’s how I reacted to what Duke Ellington said — only I smiled when I said, …
In Others’ Words: Writing & Reading
“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” ~Stephen King (1947-), author I’m an author and, yes, I’ve heard the “To be a good writer you need to read” admonition so many times I’ve lost count. Of course, I’m lousy at math, so losing count isn’t that difficult …