Sunday Ramblings: The Girl in the Hat
CLICK HERE TO SEE MY TALK WITH RAINA. Sunday Ramblings: The Girl in the Hat. Raina and I had a fun chat. Our talk made me take myself much more seriously for a moment. I’m feeling very, very serious. Just
Sunday Ramblings: The Girl in the Hat
CLICK HERE TO SEE MY TALK WITH RAINA. Sunday Ramblings: The Girl in the Hat. Raina and I had a fun chat. Our talk made me take myself much more seriously for a moment. I’m feeling very, very serious. Just
An Aha (HahahaWaaah!) Moment
Recently, I have found myself doing something I have no word for. Maybe the word doesn’t exist or maybe I just don’t know it. Perhaps you could help me figure this out. Example #1: I’m at the park with
An Aha (HahahaWaaah!) Moment
Recently, I have found myself doing something I have no word for. Maybe the word doesn’t exist or maybe I just don’t know it. Perhaps you could help me figure this out. Example #1: I’m at the park with
self-reflection
I didn’t know what my novel What Would Water Do was about until I finished it. Because Averil asked, and because of recent conversations with Raina and Josey, I will tell you specifically what I learned. My writing (at
self-reflection
I didn’t know what my novel What Would Water Do was about until I finished it. Because Averil asked, and because of recent conversations with Raina and Josey, I will tell you specifically what I learned. My writing (at
dead baby (#17)
The other day, I found this dead crow in the middle of the road, just outside my daughter’s school. I suspect, given the time of year, that she was a young one, fairly fresh from the nest, still learning to
dead baby (#17)
The other day, I found this dead crow in the middle of the road, just outside my daughter’s school. I suspect, given the time of year, that she was a young one, fairly fresh from the nest, still learning to
happy ending (last, last part of last chapter)
(static eye screen a video by B.S. Wise on Flickr) * It wasn’t until ten years after we broke up that I finally understood what an asshole my first boyfriend was. Dancing is fun. Why don’t I dance? I used
happy ending (last, last part of last chapter)
(static eye screen a video by B.S. Wise on Flickr) * It wasn’t until ten years after we broke up that I finally understood what an asshole my first boyfriend was. Dancing is fun. Why don’t I dance? I used
bomb
It happened again. When will I ever learn? This is how it usually goes: I accidentally spill some jam on the floor, so I bend over to wipe it up and while I’m down there, I notice all the other
bomb
It happened again. When will I ever learn? This is how it usually goes: I accidentally spill some jam on the floor, so I bend over to wipe it up and while I’m down there, I notice all the other
shut the door (chapter 31, part 3)
the golden curtain a video by B.S. Wise on Flickr. “Finishing a book is just like you took a child out in the back yard and shot it.”-Truman Capote That sums it up. Thanks, Truman. * Drew pulled up Mae’s
shut the door (chapter 31, part 3)
the golden curtain a video by B.S. Wise on Flickr. “Finishing a book is just like you took a child out in the back yard and shot it.”-Truman Capote That sums it up. Thanks, Truman. * Drew pulled up Mae’s
role-play (chapter 31, part 2)
I wish I were an actor. I think it might make me a better writer. I’d role-play my characters to get to know them better. I’d understand them viscerally, from the inside. My story is about a writer who
role-play (chapter 31, part 2)
I wish I were an actor. I think it might make me a better writer. I’d role-play my characters to get to know them better. I’d understand them viscerally, from the inside. My story is about a writer who
my mother
My mother raised me with the proverbial single hand while her other hand was busy making money for us to live on and trying to keep me pointed in the right direction. She needed another hand. She taught me to
disintegration (chapter 31, part 1)
Here it is, the first part of the last chapter of my novel, What Would Water Do. After this chapter, it’s done, I’m done, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. A mixture of amazement, sadness, and boredom,
disintegration (chapter 31, part 1)
Here it is, the first part of the last chapter of my novel, What Would Water Do. After this chapter, it’s done, I’m done, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. A mixture of amazement, sadness, and boredom,
the loving
I was reading Courtenay Bluebird’s blog and I came across a beautiful poem she wrote called Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Bluebird, an homage to Wallace Stevens, or what CB calls an “English-to-English translation.” I loved it so much
the loving
I was reading Courtenay Bluebird’s blog and I came across a beautiful poem she wrote called Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Bluebird, an homage to Wallace Stevens, or what CB calls an “English-to-English translation.” I loved it so much
what a story looks like
“What does a story look like?” It’s an intriguing question, rather cryptic and zen-like, not unlike the sound of one hand clapping. If ideas were candies, this one would be a jawbreaker. Whatever your answer, it’s probably poetic, deep, and
what a story looks like
“What does a story look like?” It’s an intriguing question, rather cryptic and zen-like, not unlike the sound of one hand clapping. If ideas were candies, this one would be a jawbreaker. Whatever your answer, it’s probably poetic, deep, and
how to make friends with a crow (#16)
what you’ll need: food. peanuts. boiled eggs. kitchen scraps. kibble. keep it in your pocket or in the passenger seat. never leave home without an offering. place it in a safe place where the crow can see
how to make friends with a crow (#16)
what you’ll need: food. peanuts. boiled eggs. kitchen scraps. kibble. keep it in your pocket or in the passenger seat. never leave home without an offering. place it in a safe place where the crow can see
water dream
at night i dream water big water, unruffled as glass and as clear blue spanning from feet to horizon world open wide as a mouth tilted up to the sky. i pause at the edge, frozen under my umbrella, cold
water dream
at night i dream water big water, unruffled as glass and as clear blue spanning from feet to horizon world open wide as a mouth tilted up to the sky. i pause at the edge, frozen under my umbrella, cold
update: rape is no joke
Because the last post elicited such an outpouring of support, I feel I must not leave you hanging. In a nutshell: the issue is bigger and more complex than imagined but so far, I am cautiously optimistic that everyone involved
update: rape is no joke
Because the last post elicited such an outpouring of support, I feel I must not leave you hanging. In a nutshell: the issue is bigger and more complex than imagined but so far, I am cautiously optimistic that everyone involved
casual rape
Last Friday at school, a boy walked up behind my daughter, put his hand on her shoulder and said, “Did you know that 99% of all rapes begin with some kind of casual contact?” Pause for a moment. Let it
casual rape
Last Friday at school, a boy walked up behind my daughter, put his hand on her shoulder and said, “Did you know that 99% of all rapes begin with some kind of casual contact?” Pause for a moment. Let it
ablutions
It’s early morning. A shapeless form lumbers along the sidewalk, dragging a loaded cart on tiny wheels. I sit sipping tea at the front window of a café on Shattuck Avenue, pretending to be busy my pile of papers and
ablutions
It’s early morning. A shapeless form lumbers along the sidewalk, dragging a loaded cart on tiny wheels. I sit sipping tea at the front window of a café on Shattuck Avenue, pretending to be busy my pile of papers and
Xanax and Underwear
Last night, I did my first reading. As in standing-still-on-shaky-legs-in-front-of-strangers-while-trying-to-appear-clever-and-writerly and keeping-my-chin-from-quivering-and-my-dinner-from-spewing-across-the-lectern-while-I-read one of my short stories. And let me tell you, I was so fucking nervous, I almost forgot my name. Of course, I went online before hand to
Xanax and Underwear
Last night, I did my first reading. As in standing-still-on-shaky-legs-in-front-of-strangers-while-trying-to-appear-clever-and-writerly and keeping-my-chin-from-quivering-and-my-dinner-from-spewing-across-the-lectern-while-I-read one of my short stories. And let me tell you, I was so fucking nervous, I almost forgot my name. Of course, I went online before hand to
out of context
Where the hell have I been? Not writing, that’s for sure, and I feel oddly guilty, like I should offer an accounting of my activities. (What, are you my boss or something? Am I sleeping with you? No, no, no,
out of context
Where the hell have I been? Not writing, that’s for sure, and I feel oddly guilty, like I should offer an accounting of my activities. (What, are you my boss or something? Am I sleeping with you? No, no, no,
calling crows (#15)
The other day my 75-year-old father came for a visit. My father and I have always lived close by but we’ve never been close. After my parents divorced when I was 6, he remarried and started a new family. I’d
calling crows (#15)
The other day my 75-year-old father came for a visit. My father and I have always lived close by but we’ve never been close. After my parents divorced when I was 6, he remarried and started a new family. I’d
room
My family and I live in a small house in a smallish city. Our home was built in 1903 with two stories, wood shingles, and a garage too small for our car. When friends visit from Tokyo or Manhattan, they
room
My family and I live in a small house in a smallish city. Our home was built in 1903 with two stories, wood shingles, and a garage too small for our car. When friends visit from Tokyo or Manhattan, they
the after party
This is me, writing: Aha! Hunched over, fingers flying ticticaticatic over the keys, it’s hot in here and I’m on fire, sizzling, the epitome of a supercharged poet, burning literary rubber, Kerouac’s got nothing on me, and the words
the after party
This is me, writing: Aha! Hunched over, fingers flying ticticaticatic over the keys, it’s hot in here and I’m on fire, sizzling, the epitome of a supercharged poet, burning literary rubber, Kerouac’s got nothing on me, and the words
sounds like love (14th log of my friendship with crows)
The other day I heard a crow make a very strange noise, nothing like the usual long caw or the chuck-chuck sound or even the k-k-k-k rattle I’ve heard them utter. This sound was soft and throaty, melodious, almost a
sounds like love (14th log of my friendship with crows)
The other day I heard a crow make a very strange noise, nothing like the usual long caw or the chuck-chuck sound or even the k-k-k-k rattle I’ve heard them utter. This sound was soft and throaty, melodious, almost a
45 Degrees
(image courtesy Michael W. May) (for PKD, of course) Those who have been following know that I have been on a major Philip K. Dick kick lately. This short story is the grand finale of my obsession, at least for
45 Degrees
(image courtesy Michael W. May) (for PKD, of course) Those who have been following know that I have been on a major Philip K. Dick kick lately. This short story is the grand finale of my obsession, at least for
solicited
“Solicit” sounds salacious and illicit. It’s word redolent of streetwalkers and door-to-door salesmen. But it also means “to ask” and asking doesn’t have to be nasty, does it? For example, what if writers were solicited? Even unknown writers, I mean.
unrecognizable (chapter 29, part 3)
If there was a lineup of body parts, could you pick your own ear out of the crowd? Is that really your voice on that recording? During an argument, did your lover swear you said something you didn’t? Did you
unrecognizable (chapter 29, part 3)
If there was a lineup of body parts, could you pick your own ear out of the crowd? Is that really your voice on that recording? During an argument, did your lover swear you said something you didn’t? Did you
the stanchion (chapter 29, part 2)
I invented The Girl in the Hat and started this blog because not only was I not published, I also couldn’t persuade an agent to take me on. I wrote What Would Water Do after my first novel, Nothing
the stanchion (chapter 29, part 2)
I invented The Girl in the Hat and started this blog because not only was I not published, I also couldn’t persuade an agent to take me on. I wrote What Would Water Do after my first novel, Nothing
pool of sweat (chapter 29, part 1)
A mental list of Drew’s symptoms, in case they rush her to the emergency room: dizziness, lack of oxygen, cold sweat, nausea, and a trembling numbness in her hands and legs, but she’ll have to write it down because
pool of sweat (chapter 29, part 1)
A mental list of Drew’s symptoms, in case they rush her to the emergency room: dizziness, lack of oxygen, cold sweat, nausea, and a trembling numbness in her hands and legs, but she’ll have to write it down because
picking cherries (Happy V Day)
It was a special occasion: the first Valentine’s Day since my second child’s birth and my husband wanted me to have a treat. “How about a spa day?” he said. “Don’t women like that sort of thing?” What the hell,
picking cherries (Happy V Day)
It was a special occasion: the first Valentine’s Day since my second child’s birth and my husband wanted me to have a treat. “How about a spa day?” he said. “Don’t women like that sort of thing?” What the hell,
elevator
They’re on the elevator on the third floor, trying to get to the basement. He pushes the button for the lobby, realizes his mistake, and hits the basement button. Only the lobby button lights up. She says, “That’s the wrong
where am I and what the hell am I doing? Philip K. Dick’s Exegesis
In February and March of 1974, Philip K. Dick, my favorite science fiction writer, had a revelation. Whatever that means. If you prefer, call it a vision or a lucid dream or a stroke or a near death experience or
where am I and what the hell am I doing? Philip K. Dick’s Exegesis
In February and March of 1974, Philip K. Dick, my favorite science fiction writer, had a revelation. Whatever that means. If you prefer, call it a vision or a lucid dream or a stroke or a near death experience or
truth or dare- guest blog with Averil Dean
There is a fabulous reason why Girl in the Hat looks suddenly sexy.Today, I gleefully introduce to you the incomparable Averil Dean, my esteemed writer-friend who agreed to play a game of literary truth-or-dare with me. She picked dare (that daring
truth or dare- guest blog with Averil Dean
There is a fabulous reason why Girl in the Hat looks suddenly sexy.Today, I gleefully introduce to you the incomparable Averil Dean, my esteemed writer-friend who agreed to play a game of literary truth-or-dare with me. She picked dare (that daring
The IQ Test (making friends with crows #13)
This is the 13th installment of my friendship with crows. Click here to start from the beginning. Watching an excellent PBS documentary about crows, A Murder of Crows, I was intrigued by Anna Braun’s study to test crows’ reasoning abilities. She
The IQ Test (making friends with crows #13)
This is the 13th installment of my friendship with crows. Click here to start from the beginning. Watching an excellent PBS documentary about crows, A Murder of Crows, I was intrigued by Anna Braun’s study to test crows’ reasoning abilities. She
there’s a leak somewhere (chapter 28)
For those who have not been following along, this is chapter 28 of my novel, What Would Water Do, which was inspired by the birth of my second daughter and Kate Chopin’s Awakening, a story about a woman torn between
there’s a leak somewhere (chapter 28)
For those who have not been following along, this is chapter 28 of my novel, What Would Water Do, which was inspired by the birth of my second daughter and Kate Chopin’s Awakening, a story about a woman torn between
blog faces
There’s a little song my girls like to sing that goes, “Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver and the other’s gold.” Today I’m going to tell you about some new and old blogging friends. Two new
blog faces
There’s a little song my girls like to sing that goes, “Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver and the other’s gold.” Today I’m going to tell you about some new and old blogging friends. Two new
lost in space (with philip k. dick)
Something strange is going on and I’m not sure what to think, because I haven’t been writing at all. I fiddle around, revise a couple pieces, throw together some fluffy bits, but haven’t tackled anything substantial for more than a month.
lost in space (with philip k. dick)
Something strange is going on and I’m not sure what to think, because I haven’t been writing at all. I fiddle around, revise a couple pieces, throw together some fluffy bits, but haven’t tackled anything substantial for more than a month.
How to Fly (Making Friends with Crows #12)
The other day, the stars magically aligned (empty house, hour to spare) for a miracle and I had the time and space to jump onto my spin bike. And it was good. Which is nice because it’s not always good;
How to Fly (Making Friends with Crows #12)
The other day, the stars magically aligned (empty house, hour to spare) for a miracle and I had the time and space to jump onto my spin bike. And it was good. Which is nice because it’s not always good;
Playing (with Cindy Sherman)
As some of you know, Cindy Sherman is one of my favorite artists. Because today is her birthday, I’d like to share a piece I wrote about her, originally published on Satsumabug. Happy birthday, Cindy Sherman! * Once upon
Playing (with Cindy Sherman)
As some of you know, Cindy Sherman is one of my favorite artists. Because today is her birthday, I’d like to share a piece I wrote about her, originally published on Satsumabug. Happy birthday, Cindy Sherman! * Once upon
more than enough (chapter 27, part 3)
I must confess, I have stolen many things in my lifetime: mostly books or little things I thought no one would notice, sometimes because I really wanted the object but other times because I wanted to keep a little bit
more than enough (chapter 27, part 3)
I must confess, I have stolen many things in my lifetime: mostly books or little things I thought no one would notice, sometimes because I really wanted the object but other times because I wanted to keep a little bit
Tossing Nuts Out the Window (Making Friends With Crows #11)
While driving my 11-year-old to her before-school chorus class, I spy a solitary crow atop a telephone pole. I keep a bag of roasted, unsalted peanuts in the car so that if we see any crows while we’re out, I
Tossing Nuts Out the Window (Making Friends With Crows #11)
While driving my 11-year-old to her before-school chorus class, I spy a solitary crow atop a telephone pole. I keep a bag of roasted, unsalted peanuts in the car so that if we see any crows while we’re out, I
the girl in the hat- a portrait
This year, John’s annual Christmas work party was at Teatro Zinzanni, a very fun dinner theater show in San Francisco. Of course, we all got dressed up for the occasion; I wore a 1940′s beaded blouse with shoulder pads, a
the girl in the hat- a portrait
This year, John’s annual Christmas work party was at Teatro Zinzanni, a very fun dinner theater show in San Francisco. Of course, we all got dressed up for the occasion; I wore a 1940′s beaded blouse with shoulder pads, a
Dirty Parts (Revised)
Her father doesn’t like to get his hands dirty. He’s more of a perma-press kind of guy with plastic in his collar and a sharp crease down his leg. The palms of his hands are soft and smooth as the
Dirty Parts (Revised)
Her father doesn’t like to get his hands dirty. He’s more of a perma-press kind of guy with plastic in his collar and a sharp crease down his leg. The palms of his hands are soft and smooth as the
goodbye & thanks to 2011
Ugh. *yAWn* {insert sound of creaking bones here} The holidays are over and I’m left with glut, bloat, and lingering guilt. Is this what January feels like? It’s been so long since I wrote I don’t know what to do
goodbye & thanks to 2011
Ugh. *yAWn* {insert sound of creaking bones here} The holidays are over and I’m left with glut, bloat, and lingering guilt. Is this what January feels like? It’s been so long since I wrote I don’t know what to do
he needs me (chapter 27, part 1)
It was Isabelle’s turn in writing group this week. She brought the final scene of her epic Greek erotic adventure in which all the characters come together for a final glorious orgy in the underworld, the penultimate happy ending. But
he needs me (chapter 27, part 1)
It was Isabelle’s turn in writing group this week. She brought the final scene of her epic Greek erotic adventure in which all the characters come together for a final glorious orgy in the underworld, the penultimate happy ending. But
yes (chapter 26, part 2)
When Lang opens the bedroom door, Eleanor is asleep with a smile on her face. Eleanor’s face with a man and a smile. Lang stands there gripping the doorknob, registering the small details that construct a larger impression:
yes (chapter 26, part 2)
When Lang opens the bedroom door, Eleanor is asleep with a smile on her face. Eleanor’s face with a man and a smile. Lang stands there gripping the doorknob, registering the small details that construct a larger impression:
Enormous Tree
Every year, the Christmas tree gets bigger. When our first daughter was born we got our first tree, a small one we decorated with jewelry and other shiny household whatnots since we didn’t own any ornaments. We didn’t even know
Enormous Tree
Every year, the Christmas tree gets bigger. When our first daughter was born we got our first tree, a small one we decorated with jewelry and other shiny household whatnots since we didn’t own any ornaments. We didn’t even know
Retrograde
* I’m stuck at 7:37; my watch battery croaked. One of the damn burners on the stove won’t light. When I (finally!) put the pumpkins in the compost, it knocked the shut-off valve for the gas line to the house
Retrograde
* I’m stuck at 7:37; my watch battery croaked. One of the damn burners on the stove won’t light. When I (finally!) put the pumpkins in the compost, it knocked the shut-off valve for the gas line to the house
The Big, Easy Surrender (the Thing About New Orleans)
I am a Northern Californian. Berkeley is in my bones. I like fecund, overgrown gardens and fog slinking under the Golden Gate. I like funky cafes, musty bookstores, and trails under redwood trees. I like people who care enough to
The Big, Easy Surrender (the Thing About New Orleans)
I am a Northern Californian. Berkeley is in my bones. I like fecund, overgrown gardens and fog slinking under the Golden Gate. I like funky cafes, musty bookstores, and trails under redwood trees. I like people who care enough to
hide and seek (chapter 26, part 1)
* It was the quietest part of the night, when even the insects had succumbed to silence. The long black silk robe Eleanor wore brushed each step as she descended the grand curving staircase toward the front door. Robin watched
hide and seek (chapter 26, part 1)
* It was the quietest part of the night, when even the insects had succumbed to silence. The long black silk robe Eleanor wore brushed each step as she descended the grand curving staircase toward the front door. Robin watched
