The Long and Solitary Trip

Author Dani Shapiro, author of the novels Black & White and Family History, the bestselling memoir Slow Motion, is coming out with a new memoir, this one about her spiritual journey, called Devotion. Recently she wrote a terrific piece in the LA Times about the difficulties facing writers today. I wish I’d written it myself. …

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Clearing out the mental/spiritual closet

Lent begins today, which is, in Christian tradition, the period leading up to Easter and is intended as a time of reflection, of going within to hear the small still voice, and to take stock of who we are, to face ourselves and not be afraid of our imperfections. On the Explore Faith website I…

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Why some critics drive writers to a cabin in the woods

I’m fascinated by curious juxtapositions, which always get me thinking, and this week presented an intriguing one.  First, and most sadly, J.D. Salinger passed away, a man as famous for hating being famous as he was for writing “The Catcher in the Rye.”  Second, Martin Levin, Books Editor for The Globe and Mail, wrote an…

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A humble life, dedicated to great purpose?

Last night I watched Stephen Colbert skewer fame, God bless him.  Here’s the clip: The Colbert Report Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c The Word – Cognoscor Ergo Sum www.colbertnation.com Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Economy Everyone loves me, says Colbert. I am known, therefore I am. My life has meaning because everything I…

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