Coincidence

Last week in my class at the Writer’s Center, I read a selection from the middle of my book. As usual, I received very helpful comments and suggestions ranging from conceptual to craft. Perhaps because the story I told had to do with the twenty-year span involving my...

Confirmation Bias

I like rules especially the ones that help me find my generic-looking car in a parking lot (always try to park in the same spot) or ease me through a multitude of routine tasks. The problem is that I tend to latch onto rules, sometimes without much thought. Last week,...

Radio Essays

“You’d think I’d asked to sleep with the football team.” “Ok, Tweeple, let’s clean up the language.” “I became a vegetarian in Africa.” “You might not know, but I’m watching you.” Sitting around the seminar table, Keith and I listened to opening lines written by...

Pride

Last Thanksgiving, I wrote about pride and humility. Today, with yet another graduation speech trending on the Internet, I’m thinking about self-conceit in a different context.   Earlier this month, Wellesley High School English teacher David McCullough,...

Fourth Drafts

Whenever I sit down to write a first draft or begin any creative project for that matter, my first effort is usually a childish mess that only a mother could love. Out of that mess comes something that might be good enough for a high school assignment, maybe even a...