Joyce Carol Oates, Alice in Wonderland, and Bad Writing Teachers

As mentioned in the Writer’s Almanac, yesterday was Joyce Carol Oates 72nd birthday. It said the book that influenced her writing most was Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. The reason was “she loved how Alice was calm and rational when facing nightmarish situations.” Alice left a BIG impression on me as a child as … Read more

The Bloody Sunday Truth: Irish = Innocent; British = Murderers

Well, well, well….looks like what the Irish have claimed for the last 38 years has finally come to light. Yesterday the British Parliament released the Saville Report that unequivocally states that 14 unarmed Irish civilians were shot to death by the British Army on Sunday, January 30, 1972 in Derby, Northern Ireland. The British government and military … Read more

Rush Limbaugh, Pebble Beach Golf Course, and Me

I’m NOT a fan of Rush Limbaugh’s radio show. I’ve listened to it only a couple times—for a few minutes—and that was enough to be grossed out. As much as I find him offensive, my Dad finds him terrific. No shock there… A few years ago I attended a PGA golf tournament, the AT&T Pro-Am … Read more

Follow the Scent – Follow My Life

[Part 1 of a 3-Part Series] I can chronicle my life through many things, like the music I listened to; or the styles of clothes I wore; or the cars I drove. I can also trace my life is through the perfumes I have used over the years. The olfactory bulb is included in the … Read more

Why Write: Thoughts on Purpose, Motivation, and Encouragement

I can’t be the only writer out there that questions his/her act of writing. The why? The value? The time? The internal disappointment? The external grief? But most of all, the TOTAL VACUUM. At this point in my ‘esteemed writing career,’ I am pretty much writing for myself. I have no audience, let alone “fans.” … Read more