When In Doubt, Do What You Know

I’ve been sharing a lot lately about hitting a wall creatively, because I’m in one of those uncomfortable places that all creative people reach at some point. I’ve actually reached this point many, many times in my creative career. This experience feels similar to wandering through desolate prairie lands (not that I’ve ever wandered through desolate prairie lands, but I can imagine) and finally reaching a lonely outpost, only to find that this outpost offers no real direction. At some point, one just has to decide whether to go back from whence they came, or pick a direction and move forward without any clear answers. As I’ve been dancing in front of this creative wall for several months now, I’ve been coming up with all kinds of ways to do things differently this time, because my default has always been to pack up shop, jump ship, and quit my practice, only to return again after several months of tortured guilt, uncertainty, and restlessness. But no, not this time. This time, I’m going to pick a direction and see what happens. I believe only good can come from this. But wow, it’s tough, and these bleak Lonesome Dove vibes are no joke! … More When In Doubt, Do What You Know

Episode 45: Third Grade Writing Wisdom with Miss “O”

In this episode, I’m with my co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and my delightful daughter, Miss O. Miss O shares a personal narrative that’s she written as an assignment in 3rd grade. And then she tells us what a hook is and what she’s learned about drawing in an audience by using one. She fills us … More Episode 45: Third Grade Writing Wisdom with Miss “O”

Episode 44: Hot Tips For Writing About Family with Brian Hannon

In this episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, I’m with my co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and writer and author, Brian Hannon. Brian is one of our colleagues on the Heart of the Matter blog and we love the inspiration he brings forward about writing and creativity on a regular basis. In … More Episode 44: Hot Tips For Writing About Family with Brian Hannon