My least favorite part of being a writer and creator is self-promotion. It makes me uncomfortable. I’m one of those people who finds it hard to brag and sell myself. I have no problem in selling other people’s work, promoting them and their endeavors, but for myself, well, it’s awkward. I feel that my writing…
Sweet Potato Casserole [Cooking]
My partner loves sweet potatoes. No lie, she will gladly eat them in pretty much anything, any combination, any form or shape. Sweet potato ice cream? She’s on it. Sweet potato fries? Absolutely. Sweet potato mashed with parsnips and used as a topping for cottage pie? She’ll want a second helping. And possibly a third….
Adding Excellence to Your Day [Mental Health]
“What is the most excellent thing I can do today?” – Neil Peart It’s no secret that I am a fan of the late drummer, lyricist, and writer Neil Peart. The quote above is a question he would ask himself every morning when he awoke, and I’m incorporating it into my own daily routine. I’ve…
When You Can’t Write, Write [Creativity]
Everyone has off days. You know, those days when the brain goes on strike and you can’t come up with any good ideas. Words don’t want to cooperate. All we’re left with is staring at a blank screen in frustration. I don’t consider it writer’s block. That’s something that persists. What I’m referring to is…
People Watching [Creativity]
I’ve always enjoyed watching people in public, overhearing snatches of conversation, noticing body language and movement. It comes from being a writer and trying to learn how people act and react, how they talk and move and interact. It helps me to make my characters more real. During lockdown, I wasn’t getting that immersion, so…
Birthday Thoughts [Mental Health]
So, I recently celebrated another birthday and the occasion got me thinking about myself and who I am at the moment. I consider myself a work in progress. I’ve always been of the mind that if there’s something I don’t like about myself, then I need to change it. Ask anyone who’s known me for…
The Mood of the Season [Creativity]
If you weren’t aware, there’s a medical term for when people get depressed when the seasons change. It’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and it’s a recognized medical condition. I get a touch of it in the middle of winter. I’m not a fan of the bitter cold. Toss in those gray, rainy days on…
Bradbury Challenge Update 5 [Writing]
I’m a bit late on this update, but I’ve been churning out words. The challenge has been going well and I think I’m at the point where I need to switch to editing mode. I’ve written five stories over ten weeks. That makes me happy, gives me a sense of accomplishment. I could keep going,…
The Pros and Cons of Isolation [Creativity]
It’s been nearly two years since the initial COVID lockdown here in the US. My previous employer sent me home to work March of 2020, and I only returned to the office for a couple of months earlier this year. I’m still working remote, home alone all day Monday through Friday, pounding out content at…
Another Music Moment – Jeff Beck [Music]
I’ve had a busy week and didn’t have time to work on all my projects, so for today I thought it would be fun to share another musician who both entertains and inspires me. Jeff Beck has a storied history as a guitarist. He played with the Yardbirds, the Jeff Beck Group, Rod Stewart, and…