I have to share a revelation that has changed me as a writer. Novel writing is a very individual process. Not one writer has the same system or method, which is why it is one of the most difficult forms of creative expression. Writers learn from other writers. And each writer must figure out what…
Okay, so now I’m officially an ice skating fanatic. I’ve always loved the sport, but since my daughter has been on a synchronized skating team, I’ve become so passionate about the sport that I am moved to tears at every competition. And, I’m not always crying because my daughter’s out there. No sir-ee. I am…
While throwing a tennis ball to my dog last week in a snow storm, I came up with a list of reasons why I’d rather be a dog than a human when it snows: Dogs don’t ever have to shovel. You can play in the snow for a really long time and never get cold.…
On my first day of Kindergarten, at Our Lady of Perpetual Hope Catholic School, Sister Irene called out, “Shari.” I didn’t respond. Shari is my mother’s name. She didn’t come to Kindergarten with me, did she? Sister Irene called out my mother’s name again. I turned around and looked past the ginormous red apples made…
Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I went into a rant. Not about the turkey being too dry, or the fact that it took me hours to locate and dispose of all the hair balls from Betty Queen Elizabeth, so my guests wouldn’t find black hair floating in their gravy. I went on a rant about my…
Last week I was tagged by a friend/fellow blogger with the following questions. The first question deals with superpowers and so I immediately thought of my favorite superheroes Batman and Robin (60’s TV show). I’m not really a big superhero/superpower fan but I loved watching Batman when I was a kid and not because of…
I’m very excited to have been accepted into the Certificate of Creative Writing program at the University of Chicago. Once a week I hop into my car and head into the city to indulge myself in the study of creative writing. It’s exhilarating to go into Chicago once a week. I spent most of my…
The start of a new school year always means exciting new beginnings and back to work for our household. But for our family dog, Betty Queen Elizabeth, the start of a new school year means a big let down. As the kids ran out to the bus stop last week, Betty’s head hung low, while…
10. She’ll steer you away from suits that are “way too young” for you. 9. She’ll keep you from trying on/going near any suits that could possibly embarrass HER if she’s seen with you. 8. She knows whether tank-ini’s are in or out this season. 7. You can be the first to explain to her…
Last night my son decided he didn’t want to be an artist anymore. I’ve been encouraging him to take an art class for several years, but he resisted, choosing to work on his art in private, in a bubble, without anyone telling him how to draw and without having to compare his work to others.…