I just returned from a conference in New York City. While I learned a lot, was presented with some excellent opportunities, and enjoyed the experience, it didn’t take much of all-night noise, bustling crowds, loud voices, honking horns, sirens, and words that came at me faster than my southern ears could process to know New […]

As a writer, I’ve learned to expect critique and editing of my writing. At times, I don’t agree with the comments or the edits, but I try to take a step back, get an overview of my words from the editor’s perspective, and be receptive to the editor’s changes. Often, the edits improve my work, […]

Recently, I celebrated a new-decade birthday. I happily assumed successful navigation into this next tens bracket with a low-key family dinner and a minimum of fanfare. When my daughter called a few days later and suggested getting together for casual dinner at a local restaurant, I didn’t think the invitation was anything unusual. She met […]

When I was a child, my uncle had an in-ground swimming pool. At the time, this was somewhat of a novelty. I had taken swimming lessons and was confident swimming in the shallow end of the pool, but was afraid to venture beyond the line that separated shallow and deep water. I watched my cousins […]

Recently, I arrived at the gym for my usual morning workout and realized I didn’t have my phone. I changed my normal routine that morning, and instead of going straight to the gym, I searched the house for something I needed later in the day. When I realized I was phone-less, I thought about going […]

I love spring, that time of year when a dull, bleak landscape puts on a new outfit. Bareness gives way to an almost imperceptible green. Daffodils show sunny faces among brittle leaves. The dead-looking sticks of the hydrangea bush are suddenly dotted with specks of growth. Birds chirp a tune—a one-note drone alternating with a […]

Storms are a common occurrence in the south. A blue sky suddenly grays, darkens to black, and produces a storm that includes thunder, lightning, and high winds.  Often the storm is over in a half hour or less. The sun reappears and there is “enough blue sky to make a cat a pair of kitten […]

Although this week officially ushers in spring, we’ve experienced spring-like weather for weeks here in South Carolina. Our climate often mirrors the phrase, “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes,” because frequently spring temperatures span a 50 degree range within a few hours. But there is one thing I’m reminded of every year: […]

Recently, I participated in a writers’ conference. Conferees gathered to learn, gain inspiration, acquire information, and access publishing opportunities. Appointments with editors, agents, and professional writers occurred. Manuscripts were critiqued. Excitement was palpable. Over the years, I’ve attended and taught at numerous writers’ conferences, and at each one, editors and agents report only a small […]

It’s interesting, yet incredibly sad, how often you hear of fractured family relationships or long-standing friendships that suddenly dissolve. What causes that to happen—a perceived slight, deliberate wounding, abuse, indifference, thoughtless words or actions? Whatever the inciting incident, unresolved hurt shapes lives. Let’s look at what happens when you don’t deal with hurt: Anger controls […]