In one of my recent e-mails to my subscribers, I asked my readers to share what they’re struggling with creatively. One reader said she has trouble getting to the Work (painting, in her case) — not so much because of time constraints, but because she can’t get past a paralyzing inner fear. She has creative…
A writer friend of mine called me “prolific” recently. Well, he said I was more prolific than he is, but still. I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I don’t feel prolific. I never have. I’ve always felt like I’m not doing enough. Whatever I’m doing, I could be doing more. I should…
Are you on the hunt for good fiction? Are you finding yourself lost, staring at the shelves, not sure where to turn? Are you feeling like there used to be so much great stuff to read, but now … most of the books you look at just seem … shallow? Yeah, well, me, too. I…
If you’re working a day job or going to school AND making art, you’re my hero. If you stay positive about it most of the time, you’re my even bigger hero. Seriously. I know how tough it is. Every day, it hurts you. It drains your energy. It makes you drag your feet. You’re…
There is a story of Ray Bradbury’s that lives just under my skin, ready to be brought out at any time to be marveled at, nodded in agreement with, and used as a reminder. It’s not fiction; it’s an anecdote from his childhood. It’s about having a hero and abandoning him. From Zen in the…
If you’re looking for motivation and inspiration, following other creators on social media and their blogs can be a great way to feed your soul. Their work keeps you in touch with the beauty others are creating, reminding you what’s possible to you and giving you fuel for your struggle, while their striving shows you…
All I ever wanted in life was to tell stories. To make up big, wonderful, grand adventures and get lost in them. That’s it. Growing up, I put reading and writing first. Over everything. And everyone. I decided at age 9 that I didn’t want to have children, and as I got older, that if…
Let me tell you a story about a weekend adventure I put together for some friends of mine. I know, I know, you want the secret. Just trust me for a minute; it will be worth it, okay? A group of my friends had planned to go hiking and peach picking on a certain summer…
“You’re not scared of anything, are you?” “You’re so brave. I wish I could be like that.” “It’s so easy for you to do scary things. I’m not like you.” People have made comments like this to me on many occasions. They think that having courage means not feeling fear. It doesn’t. It means feeling…
Digital Book World reported in October 2014 that young adult and children’s books are the biggest factor driving the growth of trade publishing. Hollywood’s been snatching up YA and middle grade titles at an unprecedented rate. So what gives? How come the whole world is suddenly paying attention to books written for teenagers? Because they…