I’m so excited and honored to launch this new feature—Writing for Change—with John’s story. He lost his daughter, Casey, to suicide in 2008. He has since become an advocate for suicide prevention, and shares Casey’s story in his book, The Girl Behind the Door. My family had a pretty blessedContinue Reading
As writers, we can’t completely control how our writing will be received. We can work to get better at the craft, write and submit frequently, and market to the best of our ability, but in the end, whether our books hit the bestseller lists may depend just as much onContinue Reading
It’s not your imagination—your computer is hurting your eyes. If you’ve been using more eye drops lately or wondering if you may have dry eye syndrome, it may have nothing to do with aging. According to a recent study, it could be that you’re just staring at the computer forContinue Reading
I have to sit in place for hours on end. I don’t mind sitting, but I have spondolothesis category 5, and my L4 to L5 lumber region of my spine is over 80% off track. Most people with my condition elect surgery, but there is a 25% chance of paralysis.Continue Reading
I enjoyed Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Great fun! But that’s not what inspired this post. It was actually a PBS special entitled, “The Ape Who Went to College.” In case you haven’t seen it, it told the story of Chantek, a baby orangutan raised as a humanContinue Reading
Forest bathing—it’s something I’ve done many times, but I didn’t realize I was doing it. You don’t need a washcloth, soap or shampoo—just a good pair of walking shoes, some comfortable clothes, and all your stress and anxiety. That’s because forest bathing—or as it’s more commonly known, “taking a walkContinue Reading
Are you facing a decision but just aren’t sure which way to go? Here’s one thing that may help: calm any emotions you may be feeling. Emotions have a way of interfering with the internal signal from your inner voice, or intuition. Think of your mind as a radio, andContinue Reading
I have to admit it. Sometimes I wish I didn’t have a body. Then I could work on a project as long as I wanted to without worrying about a sore neck, sore back, tight hamstrings, sagging muscles, dry eyes, and all the rest. This is especially true when I’mContinue Reading
Surely writing isn’t one of the most dangerous professions? Most people probably think writing is a pretty cushy gig. Kick back in your easy chair with your bon-bons and jot down a few words when the inspiration strikes. Go for a walk in the park. Enjoy the sunset from aContinue Reading
You know, I’ve found a lot of physical challenges in writing, but perhaps not along the lines of what you might envisage. I know there are all sorts of carpal issues and back issues, and lord only knows that a bloody good seat is absolutely essential, but I find thatContinue Reading
You’ve got thirty minutes of uninterrupted time, but you can’t focus. You stare, shift positions, and heave a big sigh. A minute passes, and then another. Maybe you write a word or two, or pull a few brush strokes across the canvas. But then you stop. Your mind is mush.Continue Reading
Famous writers have known throughout the centuries that walking is a great exercise for many reasons. Research has linked it to a lower risk of diabetes, stronger bones, a healthier cardiovascular system, reduced body fat, increased energy, and a more focused mind. Long before modern studies revealed these benefits, though,Continue Reading