Sunday Inspiration: A Chautauqua Prayer
I was inspired this week by the Civil Rights leader, Rev. Jesse Jackson, who spoke at Chautauqua as we celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 40th anniversary of his assassination. Jackson ended his speech with this moving prayer. I was in the amphitheater but unable to hear it, so I…
Read MoreNight Magic: Whys, Wherefores and Giveaway
Night Magic is finally at bookstores today, completing the New Orleans Nights trilogy at last. Today I’ll answer some of the questions I’ve received since announcing that Night Magic was coming. And at the end? A giveaway announcement. Why did I write Night Magic? Lady of the Night and Bayou Midnight were two of my…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Passion is one great force
“Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you’re passionate about something, then you’re more willing to take risks.” -Yo Yo Ma Yo Yo Ma, one of the most renowned musicians in the world, spoke here at Chautauqua this week and played his cello along with the Silk Road Ensemble. A spellbinding speaker,…
Read MoreBook or Blog? What Should I Write Today?
Usually the middle of a book is the hardest part to write. Endings have so much momentum that they almost write themselves–maybe not well, but still… Beginnings are so fresh, so exciting. If we begin well, we are hopeful we’ll continue that way, too. Right now I’m in the middle of my next book for…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Don’t Postpone Joy!
“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen The photo above is in a Chautauqua front yard that I pass at least once a day. I am always inspired. How about you? Are you, even now, postponing something wonderful that you…
Read More2018 Reading Challenge Suggestions
Are you reading along with the Read Along with Emilie Richards Reading Challenge 2018? To make it easier and more fun I asked my faithful Read Along With Emilie Richards Facebook Group for suggestions for the next three Reading Challenge categories. You’ll find suggestions for the first two here. And help with the third category and the word…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: A Compassionate Heart
Imagine you are walking in the woods and you see a small dog sitting by a tree. As you approach it, it suddenly lunges at you, teeth bared. You are frightened and angry. But then you notice that one of its legs is caught in a trap. Immediately your mood shifts from anger to concern:…
Read MoreNovelists and Grandmothers
This is grandparents’ week at our cottage. Instead of writing, blogging and Facebooking, I’m indulging in Super Diaper Baby, Uno, and watching my six year old grandson ride the big yellow bus to Children’s School and then sit quietly at Chautauqua’s historical amphitheater as he takes in ballet and orchestra with a child’s enthusiasm—and longer-than-expected…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: The Original Program
One thing I love about Chautauqua Institution — where I spend the summer — is that it’s ecumenical and multi-faith, as you tell from the photo above. Though I’m not Catholic, one of my favorite members of the clergy is Father Greg Boyle, a Jesuit priest who founded the Homeboys Industry, which gives jobs and…
Read MoreWhat a Difference Titles Make
Yeah, yeah, I hear you. I talk about titles a lot. It’s true. I posted about titles here, and here, and even another one here. That last link goes to a blog entitled Can You Abide Another Post About Titles? Well, can you? Because that’s what the last two weeks have been all about for…
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