Yesterday was a good day to write. And then there’s today. I was late in getting to the office, with my mind on taking up on writing where I left off. But right away I was contacted with a couple of emergencies dealing with the University’s website. In the middle of this, I remembered that … More Recluse
Even though the title is reference to a famous Gene Autry song from the 30s or 40s, I have been reading a great book about John Wayne that I will be sharing in days to come. But mostly, I am making reference to my latest bout with writer’s block. I have committed to finishing the … More Back in the Saddle Again
So here I am, sitting in my dark living room at 5 a.m. wondering why I am awake. Actually I woke up before 3:30 and have been trying to sleep since then. I’ve learned, however, that there’s a law of diminishing returns on sleep. After about 45 minutes of sleeplessness, it’s pretty much a lost … More Early Riser
I’m back in the office today; later than I should have been, earlier than I would have liked to have been. Last weekend was a quick getaway with my bride of 39 years to Broken Arrow Lake in Oklahoma, where we explored, canoed and swam for a couple of days. Before and after that, I … More Busman’s Holiday
You know how it goes with brilliant ideas. Sometimes there are…complications. I still think my concept of putting a low-cost e-book on the psychology of writing is a good idea. I think that the fact that I have been writing along those lines for five years in my blog is great. It’s even wonderful that … More A Complication with a Compilation
I find enjoyment in visiting the website Quora.com and getting the answers to my questions as well as providing answers to those who are seeking them. Recently, someone asked a question about writing that I thought I would respond to here. The question was, how do you determine which story idea you will turn into … More Whose Story Is It?
I’m sitting in the library classroom at our university, where I teach my Narrative Writing class. The final exam is scheduled for 7:30 Wednesday morning, but I have offered to let students take the final exam this morning and get it out of the way. One caveat: they have to have their final project done … More The Obstacle Course
The phrase “seeing the elephant” or “he saw the elephant” makes me think of old war movies, especially ones with the British Army bivouacked in a remote area, with references to first combat. But as I research it, it actually originates in Georgia (United States) in 1835. The phrase “seeing the elephant” was originally tied … More Seeing the Elephant
For those who have been reading my blog on a regular basis, you probably know that I have been struggling with a form of writer’s block. I have said many times that the way to deal with writer’s block is to recharge your batteries by reading and watching movies, always watching for technique and ideas. … More Baby Steps
There was a day when I could study for classes, read a book, listen to music, carry on a conversation and watch TV…all at the same time. But as I steadily become longer in the tooth, I find it harder to concentrate on things creative when other stuff is going on in my life. I … More Back In the Saddle…I Think
The Great Adventure 