Writing

Poetry is a powerful genre because it allows self-expression and thus can increase your sense of well-being. In addition, reading and writing poetry not only leads to healing and transformation, but it can make you a better writer. In general, writing poetry fosters the development…

Over the last decade or so, memoir has grown into one of the most popular reading genres. But the truth is, personal stories have been part of the human DNA for a very long time. We have been telling our tales to each other for centuries. But in modern times, more…

On a recent trip to Ireland, Wales, and England, I was hoping to keep a daily travel journal. Although, I’m a writer by trade, it seemed a daunting task. Taking the time each and every day of the trip to consider what I had seen and experienced is one…

As Flannery O’Connor famously quipped, anyone who has survived childhood has enough material to write for the rest of her life. That’s good for us because memoir writing is one of the most popular pursuits in retirement, but also daunting for many people…

There probably has never been a better time to become a published author. Just 15 years ago, your best chance of getting published meant submitting to traditional publishers and keeping your fingers crossed while you wait months for them to respond with whether…

So you want to be a writer? Well, after having written for over 20 years, I can say it is the best job in the world. There is nothing more thrilling than not only seeing your words in print, but hearing from people who have read them. It is one of the most humbling…

Imagine yourself at a casual social gathering, where you find the courage to share a life event that deeply affected you. This simple act becomes an icebreaker, and soon, you’re bombarded with comments like, “You should write a book!”

I have always loved to write. Should you give it a try? The answer depends on what you want to do – and be. Many people think that this is a glamorous activity, but I can assure you that it is not. You sit at home on your own, in your own world…

I’ve heard it many times in my classes: Your family and friends want you to write your memoir. They say you’ve had an interesting life, and you have such great stories to tell. They want it all in writing for their kids, your grandkids. But who has the time?

You’re a Boomer, so what? So you’re retired, or at least retirement is on your radar. Studies have shown that the average retired person has 7.5 hours of leisure time every day. It’s a beautiful thing if you’re a golfer or live in a climate where you can putter…