Skip to main content

My New Righting Group Book

Y’all, I’ve been so busy getting my new book into the hands of folks who can use it, I haven’t stopped long enough to tell you about it. Most of y’all know for 8 years I was part of a weekly writing group of Memphians who had personally experienced homelessness. We wrote; we held public readings; we hosted full-day...

Continue reading

Spring Cleaning, Writer’s Style

In a type of spring cleaning, writer’s style, I’ve freshened up a couple of pages on the website. My Home page is more direct and shorter (you’re welcome.) Same goes for the About Me page, which is also more personal. Previously the page was all about my writing career, leading me to ask, What, you have no you other than writing?...

Continue reading

Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: Goodbye

Today, with our contemplative writing prompts for Lent, we say goodbye. Goodbye to the old way of looking at the world. So long to believing in violent retribution. And, most immediately, goodbye to each other. Well, I’ll still be here, but no more contemplative writing prompts for Lent. Because we won’t be with each other tomorrow...

Continue reading

Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 39

When it goes dark, how do you hold onto hope? Today, with our Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 39, we’re on Good Friday. On this day, Jesus lay in the tomb with everyone believing him dead. When we don’t know a favorable outcome is in the offing, how do we hope. Write into your source of hope? When the pain in your abdomen...

Continue reading

Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 38

Today is Maundy Thursday (don’t ask me what that word means.) The traditional ritual associated with today is foot washing, because Jesus did that at the last supper which happened on a Thursday, apparently. Some churches–not many of my Episcopal tradition–recreate this experience on this Thursday of Holy Week. A church I belonged...

Continue reading

Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 36

On this Wednesday of Holy Week, we are about to begin an incredibly human time. Yes, events end with the astonishment that is God. But first we have disappointment, betrayal, bullying, calculation, and violence. The underside of humanity. That truth will inform our Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 36, For our contemplative writing prompts...

Continue reading

Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 35

Today’s Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 35 is inspired by Ordinary Time. There’s actually a liturgical period called that. Don’t ask me anything else about it. But it’s the in-between times. The period when no big thing is happening, liturgically. That we honor it with its own name and recognition satisfies my soul....

Continue reading

Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 34

When we return to former places, is it with a sigh of relief? Or with deep regret? This is the question for our Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 34. Make a list of times you returned to a former hometown, a known rhythm of your days, an exercise routine you abandoned, a project you let slip away. When your list is complete, write...

Continue reading

Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 33

The world is about to change. Our Palm Sunday service tomorrow is the fulcrum. From joyful entry into Jerusalem…to “Crucify him!” Today for your Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 33, write for ten minutes on a happy memory from childhood. Put down your pen or take your fingers off the keyboard. Sit for one minute. Now write...

Continue reading

Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 32

Just a reminder about these Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 32. I’ve done my best to offer prompts to help us see anew. That includes re-seeing ourselves, the world around us, and the act of writing. You can read more about this practice at the School for Contemplative Living website. Seeing anew doesn’t require a big shift....

Continue reading

Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 31

I’m holding on to Saturday, y’all. By which I mean, my fingernails are digging into the wood as I try to hang onto this cliff of offering Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 31. Easter is in sight. The end of Lent is coming. (Y’all are saying, she does so much bitching about this offering, she’s not gonna get any credit...

Continue reading