Getting Paid, Part II

A few weeks ago, I was invited with several other faculty members from our university to an advance screening of “Hacksaw Ridge,” the sensational film about Medal of Honor winner Desmond Doss that was directed by Mel Gibson and which comes out in November. On the way there and back, I had the pleasure of … More Getting Paid, Part II

Bringing Back the Swagger

“Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.” -Yogi Berra Football season is almost upon us, and I am fondly watching my own Oakland Raiders getting into training camp and getting ready for their first official game in September. This, I hope, will be the year that Oakland returns to the playoffs … More Bringing Back the Swagger

First, Find the Fun

I started getting published in the 80s and 90s when I realized it was a simple as one thing: give the editor what they want. But it wasn’t until recently that I realized that there were more important things than cashing a paycheck from a publisher. I tell my students there are two good reasons … More First, Find the Fun

Dry Spell

They’re words that writers–and their audience–don’t like to hear. It’s when you can’t find the words to put on paper. Dry spell. And I’m facing that’s where I am. Last night I listened to NPR talking about the Giant Sequioas in California, many of them thousands of years old, that are in danger now because … More Dry Spell