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what I'm reading right now
  • Wendy and the Lost Boys: The Uncommon Life of Wendy Wasserstein
    Wendy and the Lost Boys: The Uncommon Life of Wendy Wasserstein
    by Julie Salamon

    My sister gave me this biography of playwright Wendy Wasserstein for Christmas. It is a masterfully told tale of a complex woman, and a fantastic profile of what it takes to make art. I'd recommend it for anyone interseted in theater, writing, creativity and women making their way in the world.

writing in the real world ~ blog archives
my favorite books about writing & creating
  • Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
    Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
    by Anne Lamott

    The first book every would-be writer should read, because Lamott gets so much right.

  • The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life
    The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life
    by Twyla Tharp

    A really smart and practical book about how habits feed creativity.

  • The First Five Pages: A Writer'S Guide To Staying Out of the Rejection Pile
    The First Five Pages: A Writer'S Guide To Staying Out of the Rejection Pile
    by Noah Lukeman

    Excellent advice for the beginning writer.

  • The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published: How to Write It, Sell It, and Market It . . . Successfully
    The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published: How to Write It, Sell It, and Market It . . . Successfully
    by Arielle Eckstut, David Henry Sterry

    An indespensible guide for anyone thinking at all seriously about publishing -- either self publishing or traditional publishing. The authors are super savvy.

  • The Artful Edit: On the Practice of Editing Yourself
    The Artful Edit: On the Practice of Editing Yourself
    by Susan Bell

    An extremely practical, useful book on editing. Should be on every writer's shelf.

At a book club at the home of Terry Gilman, owner of Mysterious Galaxy BookstoreI love to talk to book clubs! The Threadbare Heart inspires conversation about mothers, daughters, the nature of love, the possibilities inherent in a piece of fabric and the realities of living in the tinder-dry hills of Santa Barbara. For The Last Beach Bungalow, there are so many rich topics to explore -- everything from marriage (its discontents and pleasures), intimacy, illness and recovery, the power of house and home, the midlife yearning for a life different than the one you have, even the complexities of mothering a child. The Only True Genius in the Family inspires discussions about inheritance, jealousy, what it takes to make art and the nature of genius. There are all kinds of juice mother-daughter and father-daughter topics within those themes. If you'd like me to pay a virtual visit to one of your books clubs, send me an email!

testimonials


"You were wonderful! It was so informative, and just down-right fun to be able to talk with you and hear your comments and insights to the "writer's world." We appreciate so much your taking time to speak with us." -- Sandy J., book club leader

"What a very special presentation! I must say I was a little apprehensive about a conversation with the author but she turned out to be a wonderful and informative person and I felt privileged to be able to be a part of something like that." -- Kathy, book club member

"Thank you so much for coming last night! We all enjoyed your storytelling and inspiring message. Thank you again for sharing your time with us." Becky Y., book club leader

 

reading guides still to come