I demand a lot of the books I choose to read. Over the last decade my reading has become more directed–possibly narrower. When I reviewed books for a newspaper, I read widely: biographies, memoirs, literary fiction, history, commercial fiction. While I still read from all of those categories, most often I’ll read literary and commercial …Read More

One of my writing role models is Margaret Atwood. Did I say “writing role model?” That seems such a trivial phrase compared to the actual influence she’s had on my life and writing. From poems to essays to short stories to novels and children’s books. She’s done it all. And that’s where she’s had her …Read More

  I always thought J.D. Salinger was kind of a jerk. Salinger ostensibly wasn’t interested in the fame that came with writing one of the 20th century’s bestselling novels. Living as a recluse for most of his life, he shunned being viewed by or interacting with the general public. Though I gather he enjoyed the …Read More

If you know me, you know what a sucker I am for Project Runway. Actually, the whole family is addicted–even Bengal, our eight year-old, will comment on the challenges. He knows that one really should stay away from produce during the Make-an-Outfit-at-the-Winn-Dixie challenge. Though it worked out for Korto last week. (Love the kimono look, …Read More

It’s chilly outside this morning, finally full-on fall. The leaves are late this year here in southern Illinois, but they had already changed and started to fall in Virginia and West Virginia where I was at this time last week. So I get to experience the changing colors twice, which is not a bad thing. …Read More