page contents Google

THE INTIMATE PERSONAL, BUT WHY?

The intimate personal is the #1 Rule of memoirists, novelists, poets, playwrites, noodlers, doodlers, and bloggers. Their readers want to know things, not necessarily first hand. Something on a page, or screen, is more than enough. But, someone’s still got to get it there. Some of my favorites:

FAMILY HISTORY FROM BOTH SIDES

Family history comes in two varieties: The first: We don’t talk about that side of the family. The second: We can’t say enough about that side of the family. That’s the starting place for going off the rails.

HAWAIIAN REVIEW WITH ONE MORE WAKE UP

This Hawaiian review includes Puff The Magic Dragon. Every baby boomer born, and those who self-identify as baby boomers, knows Puff. Puff the Magic Dragon slumbers at Hanalei Bay in the mountain profiles framing Hanalei Bay. It’s said to be only a coincidence that Peter, Paul and Mary mentioned a dragon in a land called […]

WRITE SOMETHING WORTH READING, DO SOMETHING WORTH WRITING ABOUT

‘Write something’ is the alarm clock for every writer, Daylight Savings Time or not. What that ‘something’ might be? That’s the challenge. Everyone who has taken an English class, had an English segment, or passed a love note, has done it. But not you? Here’s my favorite writing lash:

BREAKDOWN BLOGGER BREAKS IT DOWN

The Breakdown Blogger understands you. They’re not breaking down, but breaking down big things into smaller bits. Not everyone is strong enough to carry the big things all at once. Call it a fact of life. Or call it nonsense. But before you call it anything, consider the weight.

FAMILY ROADSHOW WITHOUT THE ANTIQUES

The Family Roadshow is the same as the show on OPB but with livelier stories. Instead of, “This belonged to my great-great grandmother and it’s been handed down generation after generation,” why not The Truth? “I stole this off my grandpa at his wake,” Or, “This book used to be my Mom’s. She’s still looking […]

SEATTLE FREEZE WARMS TACOMA

The Seattle Freeze in February isn’t about the weather. It’s not about the weather in July or August, either. If it’s not freezing weather, then what is it? Attitude, a chilly attitude.

WRITING SUCCESS THAT DOESN’T SUCK EVERY DAY

Asking anyone about their writing success is like asking if they won anything on their trip to Las Vegas. Everyone’s a winner when they get back home. “Best trip ever. Paid for itself.” Along with other various and assorted bulls!t. Writing success is easier to track, easier to explain, yet still a gamble.

LOVE LETTERS WRITTEN AND READ

Who saves love letters? Better yet, who writes love letters? I’ve done both, and if you’re older than thirteen, so have you. So, where are they? Try and remember.

FACEBOOK WRITER, BLOGGER, OR SCROLLER?

You know a Facebook writer when you read them. The work seems too good for the platform, too permanent for such a temporary view. But Facebook is inviting, available, and free. So why not use it as a primary outlet?