These are trying times. A microscopic virus has transfixed the nation in fear. Our parents and grandparents are at risk, even as the government shares mixed messages about what is safe. Institutions of all kinds must step up and preserve the American way of life against the viral threat. One institution has failed us. Scrabble….
I write, ghostwrite, edit, and advise writers. I also coach them. Coaching is the hardest, and the thing I have the most trouble with. The challenge is the mindset. I have a project and problem-solving mindset. This is why I like writing and editing projects. The to-dos look like this: How can I help my…
Deep in Philadelphia’s South Street neighborhood is a structure — or piece of art, I’m not sure — that absolutely should not exist. It makes no sense. It boggles the mind. And it inspires. But what is one to do with the inspiration? How the magic gardens came to be In 1968, the city of…
Over the holidays I’ve gotten to spend time with the sweethearts of my two adult children. They are lovely people. The question of how you treat your children’s chosen lovers reveals a lot about yourself and your own prejudices. What is in your rational mind is not always the same as what your habits reveal….
Once, about 33 years ago, I spent Christmas in the dumps. I’d been married in the midst of a blizzard. Four years later, I’d bought her rabbit-fur earmuffs for Christmas. But the marriage was failing and we didn’t make it that far. Instead, we had a big fight, and that was the end. I had…
I’ve been working for 45 years. Every one of those jobs — and they were pretty diverse — taught me something. Often it was something I never realized I’d be learning. I decided to look back and catalogue all those things I learned. If you know anything about my career, you can see a lot…
I was recently in a competitive situation for an editing job. A first-time author with a book contract was seeking an editor, and someone she trusted had recommended me. She was also considering others. Strange as it may seem, this doesn’t usually happen with me. Usually, people who pick me want me. And I flubbed…
I’m working with about ten clients right now on various projects. And I’m dealing with a personal family issue that makes it challenging to work quickly or steadily, at least for a few days. Most of my clients are authors. A few are corporate folks, but they’re folks I’ve spoken with, folks I’ve worked with,…
Yeah. These doctors are good people, at least the ones I know. There are a lot of doctors in America. They’re in every available specialty. And I’ve interacted with a bunch of them lately, both for my family and personally. I’m sure there are doctors who don’t know what they’re doing or don’t give a…