I’m still working on re-entry. The thing about Nimrod is that there is always something to see. Here is a selection of things you might use as writing prompts: The frog statue is supposed to be Elvis. You know the story of the princess kissing a frog and turning him into a prince. Who […]
Energy is always high when I arrive at Nimrod on Sunday: getting settled, reuniting with friends, meeting the new writers, and getting the schedule for the week ahead. I was in Square House again this year, my favorite room! It’s downstairs, dim, and I know where my things will fit and how many extension cords […]
What a week it’s been! Where to begin? Well, I guess with this message: So, how about walking through a typical day? As you know, I’m fond of before-breakfast walks—usually damp and misty. But glories abound, from wildlife and flowers along the way, to the little graveyard up the hill, to the Cowpasture River down […]
I treasure the constancy of Nimrod—all the things that stay the same. The physical surroundings have been spiffed up a bit from five or so years ago, but it’s basically unchanged: the main building, where hummingbirds gather and people wait for meal bells… . . . the Old Post Office—which is the only pace where smoking […]
That’s an announcement I’d dearly love to see! Last night was her first reading and signing in Richmond and I, for one, want more. She read from her two newest books. She started with a selection from lost places: on losing and finding home which was released in April. It is a memoir in essay form. […]
The upside to writing is almost limitless! Which is fortunate, because few of us gain significant income for our efforts. Here are some of the best things about the writing life for me. 1) It’s good for your brain. Writing requires rational thought, planning, focus, and practice, all of which is good exercise for maintaining […]
I’m always in the midst of one book or another, but I’ve recently come to appreciate all the rich reading out there that comes in small portions. For example, the September issue of Smithsonian Magazine included an article about Benjamin Lay, “The nation’s first radical abolitionist [who] was one of the most dramatic outspoken figures of the 18th […]
Each summer for more than ten years, I’ve attended Nimrod Hall summer writing workshops. Unfortunately, I cannot attend this year. But you could! There are still a few spaces left. Why am I recommending Nimrod? You could see my blogs from years past. But here is a brief overview. Excellent writing teachers. I’ve worked with […]
One of the best things you can do for yourself as a writer is to join a writing group or workshop. The people you meet can offer fresh perspectives on your writing and help you evolve in your genre and beyond. Not only is it great to have another set of eyes look over your […]
Yes, the Radford Reads Festival had the expected panels, speakers, and workshops (which I’ll get to soon), but it had so much more–just ask any of the attendees who came for the classic cars. . . . . . or the blacksmithing, music, quilters, or Civil War reenactors. There were crafters selling soaps, lotions, jewelry, […]