Ever feel like you’re the only one who isn’t in on the cosmic joke? I take a walk every morning in one of the handy patches of urban wilderness nearby. Usually, it’s a peaceful reprieve from the daily insanity; a way to reconnect with my thoughts and watch the squirrels, get my blood coursing, and […]

Let me preface this by saying that I’m a pragmatist when it comes to the creative process. Often, I hear friends talk about characters who want to do this, or refuse to do that, as if those fictional beings held the reins. I might give a knowing smile or nod, but down deep I’m thinking […]

I found myself in a curious position this week. My writing partner and I are expanding our fiction critique group, and as part of that I posted an announcement in the weekly email blast by Willamette Writers, our local writing association. No sooner had the announcement run than writing samples from eager group participants began […]