Julie, Julia, and Russ Parsons
I love practically everything about the movie Julie and Julia, but there is one rather annoying loose end. It pops up in the scene where Julie gets a call from a reporter who is covering Julia Child’s birthday party. He tells Julie that Julia doesn’t think much of her blog or her cooking. Then he […]
Julie, Julia, and Gertrude Stein
A book project that takes four times as long as you expect. A book collaborator who drags her feet; another who carries the day. The strain on your marriage because your book has become an obsession. The phone call from your mother because she is trying to figure out exactly what it is that you […]
Oxford CSL Society
My sabatical travels have ranged far and wide. One of my best trips was a short visit to Oxford last February. While I was there, I spent most of my time at the Bodleian, studying Tolkien materials. I also presented a paper to the Oxford C. S. Lewis Society. Officers Brendan […]
When Projects "Hatch"
Several months ago, I wrote about my ceramic chicken, the one I use to store projects that are on hold. Sometimes I am waiting to hear from a publisher, sometimes a piece is just plain stuck, sometimes I need to gather additional materials, sometimes another deadline interrupts. Sometimes I just give up. In all of […]
Talking with Joy Curry at WETN
I have a love/hate relationship with appearances on talk radio. I love the energy and spontaneity of radio, love the chance to interact with listeners, love to talk about the things I am passionate about, like C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien, and creativity, and community. On the other hand, not everyone who knows how to host a […]
Hooray for Newport Librarians
Back in August, a blog hosted by the librarians of Newport Public Library in Newport, Rhode Island, published this review essay. I love this kind of overview, and I’m just thrilled when libraries notice The Company They Keep. Kudos to Meg, who made this clear, helpful info available to readers! And thank GOD for librarians. The [&hel
The New Writer's Handbook, Volume 2
“It surprises and satisfies,” declares the cover, and it turns out the cover is right. The New Writer’s Handbook: A Practical Anthology of Best Advice for Your Craft and Career, Volume 2 is well worth your time. I was concerned that the short chapters and multiple authors would mean shallow content and a bumpy ride. […]
How Do You Solve a Punctuation Puzzle?
I recently had the chance to lurk during a heated debate about the use of the apostrophe– I know, I know, that may not count as “heated” where you come from, but among some English teachers and writing coaches, these things matter more than the Super Bowl and World Series combined. I’ll add another post […]
Mystery & Imagination Bookshop, Glendale, California
Catching up…. Back in October, Will Vaus and I were featured speakers at a book signing at the Mystery and Imagination Bookshop in Glendale, California. Local signings can be particularly energetic, and this event was no exception. Josh Long, a Tolkien scholar and teacher at a near-by high school, […]
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Harrisonburg, Virginia
On April 9th, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Harrisonburg C. S. Lewis Society at their local Barnes & Noble. The group, founded by Will Vaus, was attentive and lively– we had a terrific evening. I enjoyed the fact that this Barnes & Noble did not shove the group off into a little […]