Our creative obstacles often seem as big as the supervillains in the James Bond films. They sit in their evil electric chairs, pet their evil white Octopussy, and plot the end of the world for no more reason than “HAHAHA! I am EVIL!” And James…

In the past week, Christmas cards have begun to arrive which means the influx of the inevitable “Holiday Newsletter.” You know what I’m talking about. Sheets of brightly colored paper filled with a single-spaced, double-sided missive detailing all of the events and accomplishments of the…

In the book, Madeleine L’Engle: Herself, Ms. L’Engle talks about writing fantasy with this recommendation: “Before you take your flights of fantasy, before you explain what a tesseract is, you have to make the reader comfortable in something homely, as the English use the word…

Stephen Sondheim, that giant of musical theatre, wrote song after song remembered as classics. With lyrics and music that revealed ourselves to us, these works transformed the way we look at the stage. If you take a moment to delve into his archive, you’ll find…

Many people are traveling again, and even if you aren’t sitting in busy airports, I’m betting that you are finding yourself surrounded by unfamiliar people at some point in your day. So, let’s have a little character study. While in a busy environment, select a…

Over the past weekend, I picked up Roy Blount, Jr.’s book, “Save Room for Pie.” Amongst the giggle-worthy essays, little poems and songs were scattered. They inspired this creativity exercise. Specifically, this one short ditty: “The neighborhood stores are all out of broccoli Loccoli.” So,…

Does this happen to you? When I talk to my cat, she talks back. Well, I talk back for her. As in… “Would you like a little pet?” (Me in a slightly higher squeeky voice.) “Oh yes, Mama! Give me belly pets. Mmmmm. That’s nice.”…

Calling all Halloween fans! Searching for a great costume this year? How about dressing up as your own muse? Take a moment, close your eyes and bring your muse into your mind. Now, dive into your closet and grab your “Muse Clothes”! Sheets make good…

When you are stuck for ideas, sometimes you need to call in the cavalry! Blocked for new ways to market my Diary of a Lesbian Housewyfe newsletter (Subscribe here for my humorous housewyfely adventures!), a friend suggested a brainstorming session and I quickly gathered the…

Are you ready to begin this marketing journey? If so, consider selecting a reward for doing it. When you put yourself out there in such a vulnerable way, a reward at the end of the experience can make a HUGE difference. Simply having a prize…