Life in the desert

This morning I saw three gorgeous coyotes in the scrub-filled field below my house. My dog saw them too and alerted me to their presence. I love having them here. This is what they look like: healthy with thick fur and bushy tails--like German shepherds.

What does this have to do with writing, you ask? Everything. Every single experience we have on this earth adds to our repertoire of inspiration. We write who we are and what we care about--unless, of course, we are writers who write to market. (Oh no, not that again!) I won't belabor the point since I don't begrudge anyone their need to make money in this saturated market. I thought I might be able to join this club, but sadly I am unable to do so. My main focus has always been, and will probably always be, exploring what I am passionate about. If this makes me money I am thrilled--if it doesn't, then so be it--fortunately I am not trying to make a living with my writing.

The books I've loved don't quite fit into any normal genres. "The Night Circus" for instance. Have you read it? It is one of my all time favorite books--ethereal and strange and full of magic. And in another category altogether: Shirley Hazard's "The Great Fire", another unusual telling of a war story that is both romantic and mystical. I wish I could write like either one of these authors. But reading them and enjoying their books will have to suffice. What books do you like? What books inspire you? Reading is the best way to become a better writer.

So watch the little things that happen during the day that inspire you. Write down the feelings that are produced by each experience. All of it is fodder--the anger, the laughter, the sadness--the frustration. And the beauty of being alive on this planet. If you want to impact your reader you have to delve deep.

Thanks for reading! And keep on writing!!!

Winter Solstice

The Winter solstice is a time for reflection and hibernation, not the mad crazy dash to buy the perfect gift. The season's true meaning gets lost in the hustle bustle and anxiety that arises from attempting to satisfy some pressed upon us cultural more which insists that we participate. Since our move to the southwest it's easier to ignore the trends and to settle into the different angles of the sun, the cooler days and nights and yes, clouds and rain!

This year I had decided to forego buying a tree until I realized that to me, the true meaning lies in bringing a tree inside. It is the tree that signifies the pagan roots of this time. I love the smell of pine, I love the lights and I love dressing the tree in finery. And so instead of spending big bucks to buy a tree that was shipped down from the Pacific Northwest, I bought a live Arizona Cypress.  It's small and very prickly, but next year it will be larger and the year after that, larger still! It put up with the lights and the decorations, only asking to be watered a bit more often while inside.

I know not everyone does, but I love the shorter days and the longer nights of this season. I love not getting up early and being able to watch the sun rise over the Catalina Mountains. I love walking my dog with the quiet of the desert all around, the mountains enfolding me in their ancient arms. I like hearing the coyotes and the owls in the night, birdsong in the morning. I want to enjoy every minute of every day, whether it's winter, spring, summer or fall--each season brings its own unique attributes along with it.

And for you writers out there, take the opportunity to hunker down. Maybe today will be the start of your wonderful new novel! Happy solstice!