Category Archives: Writing
Presumptions
A few weeks ago, Dean Kahn from the Bellingham Harald wrote an article on the Victims of Ted Bundy: Washington State and Oregon. Dean Kahn is a good writer and a thoughtful individual. He interviewed me thoroughly for the article. … Continue reading
The Routines of Other Writers
Writing is not a job with hours or even deadlines, unless you count the self imposed one. Because of that I have always been fascinated by the routines and daily schedules of other writers and artists. There is so much … Continue reading
Finish Line
In school you know that your essay will be as good as it will ever be on the day it is due. After you hand it in you will move on to future essays, that may be better or worse. … Continue reading
Unsubstantial Poetry and Academia
What I am planning to write about is something I have not entirely figured out. I say this as a person who has many outspoken opinions on differing things: backpacking (good – just not in Europe), ketchup (disgusting), bacon (delicious), … Continue reading
Writing At Home & Ritual
For years I wrote in coffee shops, often twice a day, with a gym and lunch break in between. Then I started commuting to work in Manhattan and the idea of writing in a crowded coffee shop instead of spending … Continue reading
W.H. Auden
“May I, composed like them Of Eros and of dust, Beleaguered by the same Negation and despair, show an affirming flame” September 1st, 1939 – W.H. Auden The above excerpt was from the poem that initially drew me to Auden’s … Continue reading
To MFA, or not to MFA?
I have a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. I loved Sarah Lawrence. The Professors truly helped me improve and explore as a writer. I used my degree to start down a career path … Continue reading
Excercise and Practice
There are a lot of writing exercise out there. However unlike physical exercise which I am addicted to, I have always struggled with using writing exercises on a daily basis. Or even a yearly basis. Until recently when my good … Continue reading
Practice
I have been reading a good (if uneven) book entitled Talent is Overrated, which is actually less about talent and more about practice, which is something that is very important to me as a writer. I feel like practice is … Continue reading
Class
One of the best experiences I have had this year is teaching a poetry class. I have been an English professor for over a year now, and while I have managed to sneak poetry in to most of my classes, … Continue reading