Writing from the Womb

I read a post recently on agent Rachelle Gardner’s blog about not saying in a query how long you’ve been writing unless it’s relevant. Apparently, some people like to include that they’ve been writing since birth, thinking that will impress an agent, or that it serves as valid publishing experience. I [...]

Enthusiasm

I learn so much from my kids.  My three-year-old shows such enthusiasm for things that seem minor and mundane to us grown-ups. 
Here’s a conversation I’m sure you are all familiar with, but with my son’s special twist: 
“Mommy, what’s for dinner?”
“Sausage, peppers and onions,” I say.
“Sausage?” he squeaks, with eyebrows raised all the way up to [...]

On Vacation

Silly me.  So much for techno-savvy.  I had a post prepared for this week then forgot to make it accessible for posting while on vacation.  That wonderful post about my youngest child is still on my laptop at home, and I’m not.  We will have a blog break for the week and I’ll post it [...]

Rwanda FYI

The New York Times reported on August 12th (click here to read the article), that indicted Rwandan mayor, Grégoire Ndahimana, was finally captured, after 15 years.
He is accused of conspiring to kill 2,000 Tutsis taking refuge in a church and ordering a bulldozer to raze the church to end a siege, during the 1994 genocide [...]

Trekking in Rwanda

Imagine climbing through cold, misty potato fields in the early morning toward a thick bamboo forest. Scrambling across slippery nettles I accidentally touch a leathery leaf and get stung.  I climb farther between massive, moss-covered East African rosewood trees (also called hagenia trees) with reddish bark and a wide canopy of foliage that blocks out [...]

Serendipity and Creativity in the Writer

Today we have a special treat – a guest blogger.  Suzanne Lilly is a writer and an elementary school teacher (and an awesome critique partner) who finished three novels, Gold Rush Girl, House of Chimes, and Blooming with Hope, and is busy writing another.  When not busy writing, she enjoys swimming, knitting, reading, fine arts, [...]

Speak

I recently recommended Laurie Halse Anderson’s powerful book, Speak.  I have just discovered a movie was made in 2004 based on the book, starring Kristen Stewart – now of Twilight fame.  The movie will be shown on the Lifetime network this Saturday at 9 pm (EDT).
Would love to hear from others who have read the [...]

Marie-Josee

I have written before about my amazing friend, the nurse and widow, who worked with me in Rwanda and supported her children, sisters and nephews.  I don’t know how Marie-Josee and I became such good friends.  I think it started with a sick visit.
One of our Rwandan colleagues, Francis, was sick in bed for a [...]