One of the wonderful things about residency is meeting the Writers in Residence.  A few days ago, Peter talked about visiting author/illustrator Marla Frazee. Today, I will bring you highlights from a Q&A that I did with Libba Bray last week in which she talks about writing process, humor, and the well-plated NECI food. What [...]

What happened at the Vermont College of Fine Arts yesterday? The day began with two wonderful lectures by graduating students. Listening to my peers always blows me away. The writers in this program know so much, and they have so many ways of tackling craft issues. It’s a very humbling, yet enlightening experience. Next on the [...]

I am sore! Nothing major… just an old VCFA injury acting up again.  My arms are stiff, my shoulders ache, there is a kink in my neck and my back is throbbing.  It seems to happen the first few days of every residency.  I thought it would be better during the winter semester where I [...]

May your happiness grow exponentially in 2012. I’m not sure mine will and, anyway, predicting the future feels jinxy. But one can be optimistic at the New Year. Heliotropic, say. A professor of mine once called Anne Elliot in Austen’s “Persuasion” heliotropic; Anne always turned toward the light, she said. I would like to be [...]