You go to your editor because you're confused about how to best approach an upcoming story. Instead of providing guidance about the story's frame or talking you through possible sources, the editor says they aren't sure who you should interview and asks your opinion. They also say they're uncertain if the story is worth writing, ending the … [Read more...]
My Favorite Books of January
There was a lot of therapy happening in my favorite fiction books of January, which is not all that surprising, given how much I love a thriller. I read 16 books in January, which was a lot, even for me. Of those, I gave three fiction and two nonfiction books perfect grades. Below are my reviews of my favorite books of January, fiction … [Read more...]
31 Books I Quit in 2020
It seemed difficult to concentrate in 2020. I discussed this with friends and others online, so I know I'm not the only one who couldn't seem to focus on much among the racial injustice, civil unrest, political chaos and the pandemic. Just like many of you, I assumed being stuck at home would mean I would read a lot more, and I did. I finished … [Read more...]
My 37 Favorite Fiction Books of 2020
Murder, rape, a couple of plane crash survivors, a boogie man, a bunch of missing children, a ghost or two, a vampire, tons of lost memories, and a whole pack of creepy stuff happening in small towns. Those were just some of the subjects of my favorite fiction books of 2020. I read 150 books in 2020. Of those, I gave 37 fiction books … [Read more...]
My 20 Favorite Nonfiction Books of 2020
I know that 20 sounds like a lot of books. Like I couldn't choose my favorites, so I choose them all. But that's not true. I actually narrowed the list down a lot. I read 150 books in 2020. I've only read that many books one other year in my life. In 2014, I challenged myself to read 150 books. I barely finished by the new year. Being at … [Read more...]
What a Tik Tok Star Reminds Me About Self Care
I'm obsessed with a Tik Tok star. It happened embarrassingly quickly. I found myself going to the app every day to see what "Gregism" posted. Greg Kata, an acting and voice teacher in NOLA, is incredibly funny, but he also has a key message I relate to on a deeper level. At the end of each daily video, Greg encourages his audience to "Find … [Read more...]
The Kids Are (Still) Not Alright: How COVID Impacts College Students
The kids are still not alright. I wrote "the kids are not alright" in April to explain how COVID-19 would impact college students. At the time, I wrote: COVID-19 is different than any other type of traumatic event we’ve experienced because of its longevity... We’re ready to adjust, be resilient and return to normal, but the pandemic is still … [Read more...]
