A number of years ago, environmental groups went to war with the lumber industry over the plight of the snowy owl. It nests in redwoods, and people wanted its habitat protected. People climbed and camped in trees. Some chained themselves to redwoods. Eventually, they won and lumber mills were shut down in northern California. Some …
“We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” Winston Churchill “The power to tax is the power to destroy.” John Marshall
No one likes paying taxes, but they’re necessary to keep the country going. However, the last thing we want to see is a bunch of IRS workers doing line dances and dressing up as Trekkies on taxpayer money at conferences that tally up to $50M. And we don’t want to hear the IRS targeting any …
“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Yogi Berra “Thanks to the interstate highway system, it is now possible to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything.” Dave Barry
Over the years, Rick and I have played tourist wherever we’ve lived. Sonoma County is no different, except that people come from around the world to visit the wine country, redwoods and Pacific coast, and we have it close at hand. When I’m neck-deep in a project, I don’t have time to wander too far …
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” Colin Powell “Out of clutter, find simplicity.” Albert Einstein “Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.” J.M. Barrie
After numerous reader critiques in-house and a conference call between agent and editors, the comments and concerns were compiled and made ready for presentation to the writer – me. I got the call early Monday morning and already knew what to expect. Too long. Needs major cutting. This seems to be a common thread in …
“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” Proverbs 15:31-32 “Commit yourself to instruction; attune your ears to hear words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12 “Be strong …
I’ve been writing for over thirty years and still get nervous when I turn in a manuscript. Have I succeeded in bring the characters to life? Will the story comfort, encourage, challenge readers? Is there any “take away” value? While waiting, I tend to go into a reading frenzy, enjoying the books I’ve been stacking …
I remember this line from “Poltergeist” years ago when the teenage daughter was standing on the street as an entity was wreaking havoc inside the house and everyone was fleeing. I’m beginning to feel that way when I read the newspaper and wonder. Is the “affordable” health care program going to help? I have a …