Books can change the world, but not by preaching at people…

Why did Jesus teach in parables? Why do we tell children fables and fairy tales? Why do we use terms like cautionary tale, morality tale, allegory? Because stories help us understand other people. Stories help us remember things. Stories open a window to understanding that preaching at people does not. When you listen to peopleContinue reading “Books can change the world, but not by preaching at people…”

Going on a Personal Writing Adventure, part 2

Last summer,  I decided I wanted to attend a writing retreat, and I had very specific goals in mind for this retreat. As luck would have it, my amazing book coach Robin Henry, announced in January that she was offering a personal writing adventure in Estonia. (see the previous post)  In this post, I wantedContinue reading “Going on a Personal Writing Adventure, part 2”

Craft Book Review: Story by Robert McKee

Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee is a little older, but it was recommended by Jane Friedman, a publishing professional for whom I have a great deal of respect.  I am SO GLAD I read the book.  It is insightful about what makes a story work, helpful in explainingContinue reading “Craft Book Review: Story by Robert McKee”

Book Review: Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka

WARNING:  there are spoilers…and there is a Howler 🙁 This book is classified as literary suspense for those of you keeping score. It is Kukafka’s second novel and now I will probably have to go read the first one. (!) The question she is asking here is all about power.  Why do we insist onContinue reading “Book Review: Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka”

What is a Personal Writing Retreat and Why Should You go on One?

Dear Readers, this is a guest blog post from a client who recently attended a personal writing retreat here in Estonia with me. If you are curious about what you might get done on such an adventure, read on!         “ I’m offering a personal writing adventure to all my existing clients.  Let me know ifContinue reading “What is a Personal Writing Retreat and Why Should You go on One?”

Sometimes you just have to keep going, or how I finished the Prague Half Marathon

Most of you know by now that I am a runner.  I do not claim to be fast or particularly good, but I find it a useful time for reflection, it gets me outside in all weather, and weight-bearing exercise is good for your bones! Earlier this month, I ran the Prague Half Marathon.  ItContinue reading “Sometimes you just have to keep going, or how I finished the Prague Half Marathon”

Part 2 of the Interview with Colin Mustful, Publisher…

Part two of my interview with Colin Mustful, this time, his perspective as a publisher.  One thing he did not mention, is that he signed NYT bestseller, Alina Adams, author of Nesting Dolls for her book, My Mother’s Secret, which is for sale at his website here:  https://www.historythroughfiction.com/my-mothers-secret  Look for a review on Readerly soon,Continue reading “Part 2 of the Interview with Colin Mustful, Publisher…”

Interview with author Colin Mustful

This interview is in two parts, because Colin is both an author and a publisher.  This week, we hear from Colin the author: Colin Mustful is an independent author, historian, editor, and publisher. His writing helps readers learn and understand the complicated and tragic history of settler-colonialism and Native displacement in the Upper Midwest. HeContinue reading “Interview with author Colin Mustful”