Research shows that practicing gratitude brings deeper and more lasting happiness than, well, just about anything else. Among the many things, people, and experiences for which I am grateful this year, a few strike me as worth sharing. Terrific local, independent bookstores like Jerrol's and A Book for All Seasons, whose support for local, independent … Continue reading Grateful new year
books
Taking stock
I've posted the NaNo novel through November 15. It ends with Amy June, Geoffrey, and Bow sitting in a Denny's, taking stock. After all, is there a better place to take stock than a Denny's? They are, after all, "Always Open." **** “Okay. We’ve got to get back to Licky soon. So let’s take stock. … Continue reading Taking stock
Because of books.
World Book Night 2013 is over, and it was sheer joy from start to finish. Here are some reflections on the day in Ellensburg, meeting people and giving away books at the senior center and food bank. Volunteers gave away something close to 200 books in our town yesterday. An old man plays "You Are … Continue reading Because of books.
It’s World Book Night!
In a couple of hours I'll meet up with a group of other book lovers from my town to give away free books as part of the World Book Night event. Thanks to our wonderful organizer, we have several locations around this community to visit today: our senior center, food bank, student union building at … Continue reading It’s World Book Night!
At the right time
Has a book ever come into your life at just the right time? That was the topic of my post this month on The Writers Vineyard, the blog for Champagne Book Group authors. I'm conscripting it into double-duty as this week's Project Create. Here's the link and an excerpt: At the Right Time In last … Continue reading At the right time
Would you read this?
"Would you want to read this book?" On August 6 that's the question I'll be asking as I meet literary agents and publishers at the Pacific Northwest Writers' Association conference. It doesn't matter to me if they are only being polite when they say "send it to me," as long as they say it. Time … Continue reading Would you read this?
Go read Sherman Alexie…now
Hearing Sherman Alexie (http://www.fallsapart.com/) speak about life and writing and books and read from his upcoming sequel to The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian tonight was a healing experience - he was funny, irreverent, touching, gifted, and above all generous. Alexie is one of the finest writers working today. Go find anything he's written … Continue reading Go read Sherman Alexie…now