I was single and at that time and in that place, single women seemed slightly suspect; when I called the local ballet company to order one ticket, I was told they were only sold in pairs.
On Memoir
Memoir writing is a much more serious task than it’s often considered to be. It’s not informal, it’s not casual. It really is the writing of history.
Writing From the Point of View of Others
Ideas are dangerous: it’s of their very nature, and it’s a danger that permeates the world of reading and writing.
Are We Sliding Backwards?
Am I pessimistic? Maybe so. But it’s a pessimism that I think is appropriate.
Woman, Writing
Writing in public insists that we exist as thinkers and creators of our own reality. It is of enormous importance.
Why Teach
I want to persuade writers to use all five senses in their writing, instead of just the visual—and to sharpen visual descriptions with fresh, unexpected adjectives.
Forgiveness
One of the problems with memoir writers, as I see it, is that we aim too low.
Taos Writers Conference
From 9am to 12pm on Saturday, I’ll be teaching a workshop entitled, Notching it up: Using reading and writing to sharpen your writing skills. This brief video chat has more information about the content of the workshop.
Who Was Magnolia?
A short course in how a short story might be made.
The Best Photos of the Year
These are my favorite photos of the last year, with links to their blog posts (if any)—Sallie Little brother made up for Christmas play, my next book…: This Writer’s Life