Writing Blog
Chasing perfection
“None of my work has met my own standards.” -William Faulkner Hard to believe one of my favorite authors could be so critical of his masterpieces. William Faulkner (1897 – 1962), one of the great American writers in the southern tradition, was a prolific novelist, short story writer, playwright and essayist. He was the recipient…
Read MoreIt’s Friday. What’s on your reading list?
The weekend is upon us, and it’s time to turn to serious topics. What books do you have on your nightstand? The weekend is always a good time for me to catch up on pleasure reading – and I’m always up for recommendations, so do share what you’re reading now. Here’s what I’ll be reading…
Read MoreWriting as a way to free your mind
“A writer should be able to express himself easily, naturally, copiously in a form that frees his mind.” —Saul Bellow Wise words by Canadian-American author Saul Bellow (1915-2005), and I’m certain a concept with which most writers are familiar. As writers, how many times do we struggle with a story we’ve had simmering away in…
Read MoreBook review: A Gentleman in Moscow
I adored this novel, the story of “former person” Count Alexander Rostov. In 1922, Count Rostov – recipient of the Order of Saint Andrew, member of the Jockey Club and Master of the Hunt – is declared an enemy of the state and informed he will be shot if he ever ventures out of his…
Read MoreSeven year itch?
No, I’m not actually writing about the film perhaps best known for this iconic subway grate scene with Marilyn Monroe. No, my seven year itch post refers neither to the Monroe film nor marriage (I’ve been married much, much longer that seven years), but to blogging. I received a little reminder from WordPress.com that it…
Read MoreNovels in the mountains
I always love reading, but there’s something special about books I take with me to read when I’m out in the mountains. I spend a lot of time out in the mountains, both in the spring and summer for hiking and in the winter for skiing. On a recent skiing escape in Abruzzo, I read…
Read MoreAnother year, another Goodreads Reading Challenge
The champagne bubbles are flat. Work replaces holiday days. Your regular exercise regime kicks back in, replacing those holiday excesses. But the one bright light in the return-to-business- as-usual (and the only New Years’ Resolution you actually enjoy keeping) is the new Goodreads Reading Challenge! Why not take part this year? I’ve been doing this…
Read MoreGreetings from the slopes
With any luck, when this post goes out I’ll be here. Looking forward to a little time relaxing on the slopes. I so love being out in the mountains, enjoying fresh, mountain air, feeling that nagging pain on my muscles after the end of a long day of skiing, and enjoying a good book in…
Read MoreBaby, it’s cold outside…
It’s not just that today’s the shortest day of the year, and that it feels as cold and dark as it’s going to get. It’s not only that in Rome – after a balmy autumn – we’re now experiencing chilly temperatures. The real reason I constantly finding myself humming what has become a Christmas classic…
Read MorePirandello in the ER
I had to take my younger son to the emergency room this past weekend. Luckily, we were able to rule out more serious concerns with exams, but – until we got the good news that all was well – we had many hours to spend in the ER. I had thrown into my bag the…
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