"If You Find Reading Boring, You're Not Doing It Right."
I have been reading seriously for a long time. And I can’t imagine a life without books. As someone wise once said, “If you find reading boring, you’re not doing it right.” Which begs the question, what does it mean to “do it right?” I think the first thing a reader must do is to…
Read MoreThe Woman in the Work in Progress
Some time ago, I found this photo on the web and for the life of me, I can’t remember where, or who the woman is, or who took the photo, so if you happen to know, please tell me. Her face was exactly the face I’ve been looking for, as was the attitude she has…
Read MoreJournals & A Writing Exercise
I have a lovely writing journal. It’s leather bound and has my name embossed in gold on the front. I resisted such a journal for a long time, preferring to write in little throw-away notebooks. However, the reason I love this one is that the pages themselves are refillable, so I can write as much…
Read MoreBooks, books, and . . .
I was teaching a writing workshop on Saturday and the subject of reading came up, as it often does. Students are not surprised when I suggest that, if they really want to be writers, they also have to be readers. What does seem to surprise some of them, though, is how much reading I suggest…
Read MoreThe Despair of the War Journalist
I watched a truly dreadful film on HBO recently, called “Hemingway & Gellhorn.” Sadly, a more laughable portrayal of the two writers in question cannot be imagined. This was doubly sad because I am quite a fan of Martha Gellhorn’s journalism and she was done no favors by this ridiculous film. However, I am happy…
Read MoreCreativity Boost
Students and readers often ask me how I keep my creative fires stoked, so here’s a list I’m working on. They are primarily for writers, but would work for anyone seeking to be more creative. I’ll post more as they occur to me: Listen to new-to-you music. Close your eyes, lean back and dream. Write…
Read MoreWe Remain Faithful
“Talent is long patience.” — Gustave Flaubert A few years ago I lay on the couch in my living room, curled up into a fetal position, intermittently groaning and blinking back tears. I felt as though everything I had worked for had been ripped away from me, as though I had arrived at the party…
Read More"The Beginner's Goodbye"
In case you’re interested, my review of Anne Tyler’s new novel, “The Beginner’s Goodbye” is up other at Truthdig.com. You can click here to read it. I just got back from Ottawa, where I was at the “Politics & the Pen” gala dinner, which raises money for the Writers Trust of Canada, and then over…
Read MoreMusic Of The Spheres (cerebrally speaking)
Students often ask me how I manage to get to the page. They want to know if I light candles, do yoga, drink coffee, read poetry . . . I answer yes to pretty much everything, although I do none of those things consistently. (And besides, I’m not sure any such advice is helpful to…
Read MoreThe Dirty Dozen
I was asked by OPEN BOOK TORONTO to share 12 unexpected things about myself. Here are the first three: I cook a really mean lamb tagine (and will share the recipe if you want it.) I have a secret crush on Vin Diesel. I also have a secret crush on Jeremy Irons. I think there’s…
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