First Word

I had an interesting conversation with my best friend's teenage daughter about writing. Gena who is exceptionally bright excels especially in math and science. I was urging her to pursue a career in this male-dominated field and make her mark as a remarkable female. I strongly believe we need to push our girls in the math and science areas. My own daughter Cambria loves geology and science, but she's also extremely creative. While we were talking the subject of English vs. math came up. It was interesting how (like many people) Gena saw English as being more open to interpretation and not as "black and white" as math.   I've thought about this a lot since I am an editor and writer. What most people don't realize is that grammar is finite. Once you determine your style rules (AP Style, Chicago Style, Strunk and White), you then have to play by those rules. Grammar though while driven by different styles is precise. I sometimes think people ...

I used to not really believe in writer's block. I thought that was for wimpy writers who cried like pansies over doing what could hardly be called "work" (by my standards anyway). Oh, I was sanctimonious about it. Who could be blocked? Come on! It's writing . It's my favorite thing in the world. Then ... oh, then it happened! I got a bad case of it. I've now come to redefine what "I" think writer's block really is ... a bad case of something we'll aptly describe as a combination of "I don't feel like it" and "I don't feel it." The first descriptor is really better defined as apathy. Back in the day, I could barely muster a sentence let alone a whole novel. The second descriptor is related to inspiration and creativity -- and when both don't exist in the same brain, it's blocked. Inspiration turns into creativity when confronting the writer's process. But if you're not feeling inspired you'r...

You can't teach creativity. You can stimulate creativity, but you can't teach it. You can inspire it. Some people are either super creative and some people are super scientific or math oriented. Did you realize though both disciplines can be creative. Thinking out of the box is creative. It's also inspired. What inspires an artist or scientist though is not definable. How do you inspire? I think inspiration or motivation can come from example. You can be inspired by someone else who leads the way. I find inspiration in other artists' and authors' works. I am fortunate to read other authors' works all day long. But a really great story -- whether a story, movie or narrative -- can be inspirational. Anything that makes you think or question life in general can motivate you to be creative and put the ideas through your own lens. I always say surround yourself with the very best people. People around you can inspire you on a daily basis. They can influence you. ...

I am looking forward to the book festivals getting started. The funny stories await me. People are really something to watch, and book festivals almost always supply the "moments". Speaking of the moments ... so I meet 3L Publishing author Scott D. Roberts for lunch to discuss his forthcoming book Hidden Agenda . We're both kind of wise cracks, and he comes up with the absolutely best line that is what they call in the commercial "priceless". So here is why if you're a creative person you should always either keep a notepad (albeit your cell phone works too) by your bed (you know to capture dreams) or at least keep one in your pocket. Three days later, he texts me, "What was that line again?" It's a great line and now he wants to use it in the book -- and he can't remember. I couldn't remember the exact words, which were succinct and crisp. Lesson numeral uno: you never know when greatness will strike so you better keep a pen and paper...

Decided to have some mindless fun and visited this place in the Palladio called Painted . I'm trying to decide if the painting looks good or like my 4th-grader painted it. I naturally don't care. It was really relaxing mindlessly painting it. For you wine lovers, Painted also serves a glass of wine with your artistic efforts. I don't drink very often so I didn't imbibe, but I did enjoy the relaxation. Apparently, few painters visit the studio on a Friday afternoon. I visited at lunch time. My companion in tow decided to stroll the Palladio and eventually draw ... out of boredom. I wasn't bored. I was happy and relaxed. I liked the distraction away from my daily stressors. Hobbies are like that -- they provide wonderful distractions. So while my "work of art" may be comparable to my 4th-grader's efforts, I'm still happy about it.