I wonder how frequently writers infuse their works of fiction with memories from their pasts. Do they find it impossible to avoid basing characters, settings, or events on their own real histories? I know I’m guilty of giving in to a few memories as I’ve written fiction. My last novel, The Rules, was a memory… Read More MY OWN “REMEMBRANCES OF TIMES PAST”

Readers, are you attuned to your senses to the extent many writers are? Are you usually aware of the sights, sounds, odors, textures, and tastes that are in your midst? Writers, do you ever find yourself attaching a descriptive word or phrase to something you see or hear, as if doing so will preserve the… Read More NEWS FROM THE WORD LAB

Those who have studied World War II’s French Resistance know the movement had many faces.  Although the Nazi occupiers silenced the voices of teachers, artists, writers, journalists, and politicians, they did not succeed in dousing the efforts of resistant French citizens and their allies. Men, women and young people risked their lives in order to… Read More THE MANY-HUED VIEWS OF RESISTANCE

I am relentlessly conscientious when it comes to fulfilling obligations. When I signed on to writing a once-a-month blog, I knew I’d be crafting it at least two weeks prior to its due date. The only problem caused by my habit of being “pre-prepared”  is the number of rewrites (I convince myself that) I have… Read More A BOOK, A FILM, AND THIRTEEN INDICTMENTS

Sometimes you don’t know how fast you’re moving until an opposing force stops you. Just when you’re comfortable setting your own pace, you feel the rush of air stirred by other runners passing and leaving you in their wake. Re-engaged by the competition, you pick up your speed. As the finish line comes into view… Read More WHAT’S SPEED GOTTA DO, GOTTA DO WITH IT?

Yup, for those peeps who celebrate Christmas, it’s time to recycle the gift boxes, wrappings, ribbons, and bows. Don your elastic waist slacks and pretend you didn’t consume as many of those desserts and salty snacks as you did. If you’re returning home later today or early tomorrow, don’t forget to print your online check-in… Read More SANTA HAS COME AND GONE

It’s Thanksgiving Day in the United States, its territories, and in every country where ex-pats who celebrate the day, live. I plan to spend the holiday with family members, a jovial group that, thanks to marriage equality, has expanded these past few years. My sister will be with us for only the second time in… Read More HAPPY THANKSGIVING!