What Lies Beneath

As much as I like pretty things, I’ve always prided myself at looking past the surface and really seeing what’s lurking beneath. I read the back cover of books, I make friends based on personality, and I think all dogs are adorable. But a recent change in my life has changed all that. You see, …

Repost: Being Authentic

I first posted this on March 10, 2010, and thought it was worth repeating. I wrote this while working on my second novel, so while that part is a bit outdated, the rest still applies. Do you ever have random words just pop into your head? Words that you rarely use but make you giggle, …

Unattainable

“The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” “You can look but you can’t touch.” “We always want what we can’t have.” I’m beginning to think you should start calling me Jack Handy because I seem to be overflowing with deep thoughts. I guess that’s what happens when I’m not writing. …

A Different Pair of Shoes

This past Sunday was rough for me, but through the tears and what-ifs and despairs that strikes too easily at times, I took comfort that now my friend Craig will never be forgotten. Every 9/11 for the past ten years, I’ve done a little navel-gazing and thought hard about the kind of person I am …

Can a Letter Be Cursed?

Or more appropriately: That letter B is cursed! I’ve had a heckuva couple days, and I’m blaming it all in the letter B. Take note: Sunday morning I loaded up the car to take Owen to the dog Beach, and on the way I hit a Baby Bird. I’m talking POOF! Feathers everywhere. After a …

Creative Stuff

Writing has dominated my posts lately (which is ironic considering I’ve barely written a word this year) but I’ve been busy doing other stuff, too. First, I have a new blog header! Y’all on readers, come take a peek. I hated the previous one because I flipped the picture and I could never get used …

Just Do It

There’s a saying: “You know what you call people who wait until the right time to have kids? Childless.” This particular saying doesn’t apply to me, but the thought behind it does. All too often (always) I have ideas for things I’d like to do, but rather than take the initiative to just do it, …

Perspective

When you’re too close to something, it’s hard to see it for what it truly is. Whether it’s writing, a relationship, or a group of pictures you’re trying to hang on the wall and just can’t get to line up (they STILL aren’t perfect), taking a step back and looking at things from a new …

Leading by Example

In early spring of 2009, my friend Stacey Graham mentioned an idea she had for a new humor blog. Our group of friends continuously amused each other, so why not spread that joy throughout the internet via essays written in the spirit of Erma Bombeck? Thus was born An Army of Ermas. Our ranks have …

Nitpicking

I love to pick at things. I won’t disgust you with the details, but if my fingernail can pry it loose, you can bet I’m going to try. I also apply this obsessiveness to theories, plots, and pretty much any story that a person can invent. I often have to warn people that I play …