Writers need to be editors but the reverse is not true. What you write won’t make it to a real editor unless you’ve edited it first. Toggling between writing and editing requires both parts of the brain: the mystical part,… Read More ›
Seth Godin
Why we have idols
When I started following Seth Godin’s blog in 2009, I wanted to connect with him personally. Something in what he was saying made me to want to tell him that. But I didn’t, because making a connection with him drew… Read More ›
Attachments (the transience of creation)
I lay myself open with arms splayed out, waiting. Whatever comes out of me can only come from within. I look at my fingers on the keyboard, waiting to be told what to do. Mind and Eye discuss the look of Hands…. Read More ›
The Empty Vessel
Woody Allen didn’t read his film reviews, which suggests two things: 1. He didn’t care what the critics thought, and/or 2. He didn’t want the critics to influence his work. It’s important to know who your customers are and what… Read More ›
Dreams and Despair
Dreams and despair are inseparable, that’s the contract. You want to dream? You get the risk that comes with it, that you won’t make it. You don’t like the risk? Pare back the dream or leave it, and get nothing… Read More ›
How’s my driving?
I needed an invoice to get paid while I was gone from work. I asked James and Lisa to coordinate. When I came back, a copy of the invoice was on my desk, indicating “paid.” I contacted the vendor just… Read More ›
Just Right
When I was living alone and first writing, I used a Smith Corona manual typewriter I bought on Capitol Hill. If I got stuck, or didn’t like what I was writing, I pulled the sheet out of the roller and… Read More ›
Cave
I bought a collection by Rilke at Darvill’s bookstore on Orcas Island, hoping it would free me from a year without writing. The store is small, warm, and jam-packed with books. A chime goes off when the door opens, and… Read More ›
Bill Pearse 