The natural world, life, and dogs.
Recently, I’ve been feeling adrift. Unmotivated. I must be leaking, I mused. When I spring a new CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) leak, or exacerbate an existing one, along with the increased headaches, tinnitus, excessive sleeping, and shortened temper, I feel unmotivated to do even simple, daily tasks. I put all but the most critical things… Continue reading Post-publishing Blues
It started when Brian, someone I grew up next door to in the 1960s and 70s, texted to say he’d found some slides when going through his father’s things. The slides showed my father standing next to his beloved bi-plane, the 1924 Boeing P-12. Did I want them? Of course! I had no way of… Continue reading Connections
Over the past year, while working on my current book, Wild Running, I've shared chapters with other writers for their feedback. I also sometimes read their works-in-progress for the same purpose. I also helped create a series of author talks at my local library, where I met several regional authors, some published by small presses… Continue reading Traditional vs Nontraditional Publishing and Why I’m Self-publishing Again
I’m getting closer to publishing my book. I can see the finish line. It feels like the final mile of a marathon. The hard work of writing, and multiple revisions, are mostly done. One final revision lies ahead. (I love revising.) Also, creating a cover, including the blurb(s) and short author bio that go there.… Continue reading Book Cover Design
There's an aspect of the memoir writing and publishing process that no one warns you about: how much patience is required. Especially as you’re approaching the finish line. You spend years thinking about your story, nurturing the concept, researching. Maybe you spend a few more years writing it, in dribs and drabs, testing ideas. Finally,… Continue reading Practicing Patience
It has been a long, cold, snowy winter in Vermont. Still is, in fact, even though the calendar says March 31st. I hoped winter would be a good time to write my book. It has been, in some ways. But I learned something about myself: I do most of my writing in the afternoon and… Continue reading More Book Progress
It's been a minute since I last posted (November 25, 2022). Happy New Year! Some of you have been kind enough to check in, see how I am and how my book writing is going. Thank you. The boys and I are doing well. Finn turned 15, Conall reached eight, and I ignored my 66th… Continue reading Book Progress
I'm writing this on Thanksgiving Day (in the US). A day of reflection and gratitude. Me? I'm most grateful for my health, including my ability run, no matter how slow, while recovering from a sacroiliac joint injury months ago. And my dogs; I'm so grateful for them. And, of course, writing. I love to write.… Continue reading Sundogs
I feel like I'm making good progress on my "wolf book." It's actually a memoir, but it will focus heavily on dogs, running, disability, wilderness, and wolves. Thus the shorthand name, wolf book. Yay, me! I recently submitted a sample (what I think will be the opening chapter) to a local nonfiction writers group for… Continue reading A Writer’s Question for Readers
Anyone following my blog for long knows I’m adept at doing all sorts of writing that isn’t my book. Occasionally I focus and work on “the wolf book” (how I think of my work-in-progress), but I’m easily distracted by other bright-and-shiny writing options. This blog is Exhibit A. My emails and Facebook posts often become… Continue reading On Writing
