Famous residents, living and dead (but mostly, dead)
In 2003 I went to a writing conference at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. For a workshop assignment, …
Previous articles
Writing prompt: Your parents at work
If you’re interested in writing memoir and want to start exploring different areas of your life, check out this prompt …
Art in rural America
Rural artists (and those who love them) should check out the new RACArt (Rural America Contemporary Art) website, founded by …
1970s redux on film
I’m excited about a couple of upcoming movies that address issues of import in the 1970s. One is The Company You …
Five questions with Claire Bidwell Smith
I’m thrilled that Claire Bidwell Smith has agreed to kick off my occasional series featuring authors. Claire’s memoir, The Rules …
On my wish list for years
This is my personal collection of The Best American Essays books. I don’t buy it every year, but most years. …
Swimming Lake Superior
On August 26, I did something that I thought I would never do: I swam 1.2 miles in Lake Superior …
What she said
One of the writers I most admire in the world, Nicole Helget, posted this to my Facebook timeline on Sunday: …
My memoir: Pretty much like your life
I think mine is right in the middle. Nothing extraordinary, just a Midwestern perspective on life and death. Big publishers …
What’s your favorite memoir?
This post first appeared on my Red Room blog. My favorite memoir is Alison Bechdel’s FUN HOME. The subject matter …
If You Have Five Seconds to Spare 