Ever feel like the horse in George Orwell’s Animal Farm? He was a character involved in the barn yard revolution of animals against...

Ever get discouraged in your writing? Is the pope Catholic? The latest book from writing guru Larry Brooks Discouragement, not to mention...

I’m looking back this week, isn’t everybody? Here are my 2011 picks for crucial random categories like: Best conversation at a con, Most...

Every December I find myself waxing philosophical about myself, the writing life, storytelling and the perfect lasagna recipe. No, I’m...

Books are my favorite gifts to give and receive. Here are my picks from the year in books. Nonfiction 1776 – David McCullough A stirring...

Until 3/25/11, receive a gift with purchase (see below). Once in a while a writing book comes along that is so good it has to be on your...

I failed miserably this year to keep up with all the good fiction reads coming out. I was distracted by research reading, my son’s...

Dear Sumo Cat, Your housekeeper has been doing well and growing in the school of fiction. She is a delight to work with and most of her...

And the world will live as one. Pass it along. Taken by Kay in Central Park, Sept. 2009. #JohnLennon

I own a bunch of books that promise to impart wisdom on writing. They tell me to get a notebook, dive in, discover myself and have faith....

I’m now a guest reviewer for Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist. Click here for my review of N.K. Jemisin’s The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, Book One...

No one can teach you to write a really fine novel. I take that back. They can teach it, but your novel may still flounder. It’s all in...

Like most of you, I’ve read a dozen books on writing the novel. Most of them try to tell you how to write something dramatic, memorable,...

Sure, I read for pleasure. But as a professional writer, I find myself gleaning lessons from great books. If you write, I’m sure you do...

I really did care about the (slow) story problem: the plague infecting the marvelous dragons — but couldn’t believe the resolution. . ....

I have three stories in mind today, mulling over why two of them fail for me, and one succeeds. Bottom line, character appeal. One of the...

Just back from a six day stay in NYC, thanks to friends D & L, who let us stay in their Greenwich apt. while they were away. Tom and I...

Because it’s necessary sometimes. Sumo and Kay today at 1:18

Air conditioning inside, but with 100 degree heat, Sumo’s fav spot is under the hydrangea bush. #sumo

Noted with interest that the Seattle Symphony in an attempt to reach out to a younger audience last weekend played selections from the...