I confess that I have a love/hate relationship with being seen. Part of me wants to shout what I’ve learned about creative freedom from my rooftop, while another part wants to hide in bed. But I figured it was time to throw off some covers and properly introduce myself. Maybe if you know me, I’ll also get to know you. That would be sweet.
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I recently found this photograph of me taken in 2008, when I published my first book, Secrets of My Sex, a poetry collection. In the background, you can see the photo I used for my book cover, a snapshot taken after a flamenco show in Spain circa 1982. After the dancers and audience cleared, my girlfriend and I commandeered the stage for an impromptu photo shoot.

​[Two seats left! Enrollment closes Saturday, January 21]

Is it hard for you to ask for help? It is for me. I think I should have my shit together; I should know what I’m doing by now. I believe I shouldn’t need help—and on and on. 

On New Year’s Day, 2023, I revisited my journal entry from January 1, 2022. 
 
I’d forgotten and was surprised to see I’d done an extensive year-end review and goal setting for the new year. 
 
When I looked at my fourteen hefty goals, I thought I’ve done none of them! 

​A few weeks ago, I woke up to a triggering text message. Its content doesn’t matter. But my reaction was a doozy. As with many life lessons, the hard stuff often becomes most instructive—if we’re paying attention. 
 
After indulging my negative thinking, I dashed off a snide text response. Then I joined my husband in the sauna and spewed self-righteousness and judgment. I tried to get him to agree that the sender of the text message was wrong, and I was right. He didn’t bite. So, I got mad at him.

Here’s the last video of my three-part series, “Overcoming Writing Obstacles.” I hope you enjoy it!
 
Enrollment for my fall writing circles is now open! If we’ve spoken and you asked me to save you a seat, now’s the time to claim it. I have one opening each in the Monday and Wednesday circles and several in the Thursday circle. I expect these seats to sell out quickly—first-come, first-served. Enroll today!

For years I suffered under the weight of a story I created in my mind about not being a good enough writer. I took rejections personally. I felt like I was failing at work I deeply loved and felt compelled to do. 

If that wasn’t painful enough, I felt like I was a failure. But failure is not an identity. It’s a fact of life. We all fail. When babies learn how to walk, they stumble and fall. The same is true for us when learning any new skill. 

Two things writers need are patience and faith. Many writers underestimate how much they'll need of both. In my first vlog, I talk about writing as a personal transformation and growth tool and liken the creative process to excavating treasure. Enjoy, and please let me know if you have any questions or comments. I'd love to hear from you! New Write Where You Are Community Writing Circles begin September 26. Come excavate your treasure in a safe, intimate group of curious and devoted scribblers!

​​Ten years ago, one of my favorite yoga teachers told me it was time to “pop that turtle shell off your back.” She wanted me to straighten my hunched shoulders, unfurl my sunken chest, and open my heart.