Kathmandu Arrival, the Ancient Unknown and Daddy’s Dreams Photo Essay

When I first began writing about taking my dad to Asia, in a story titled “Why Kathmandu,” I came across this Wendell Berry quote that resonated:             […w]hen you leave familiar ground and step off alone into a new place, there … Continue reading

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Book Review: Luanne Castle’s Doll God and Why I Loved it When I’m Afraid of Dolls

Recently, I devoured this book of poetry by Luanne Castle​. As you read this she will likely have just returned from an interview on Arizona’s Morning Scramble show for her work on this amazing poetry collection. I’m so excited for … Continue reading

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Writing Books & Work-in-Progress Blog Tour

This post features sneak peaks at bloggers behind-the-scenes book projects starting with Luanne at Writersite.org then Renee (me) at unpackedwriter.com and ends tagging other writer-bloggers: Long-Distance Dad, Ned Hickson and Annelisplace. Renee in her writing studio. Behind the scenes… How’d this happen? … Continue reading

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Long Time Gone

Yowza!  It’s been a while since I’ve seen the backside of these pages and–more importantly you. Since I last sat down to really share with you, I’ve been to Everest and back–with my dad. I started teaching writing again at … Continue reading

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Elizabeth Gilbert on How to Summon Your Creative Muses & Curiosity vs Passion

“At least put a bra on… .” And, “…don’t show up at your writing desk in your pajamas… ” Elizabeth Gilbert advised writers and other creatives at this month’s reading in Arizona. “A lot of people subscribe to a cockamamie … Continue reading

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The Fault in Our Stars – A Literary Peek at Death Personified

Despite having once shared an evening with actor Willem DaFoe, I still think I would find his confounding and curmudgeonly character Peter van Houten, the most fascinating character in The Fault in Our Stars. While I thought author John Green … Continue reading

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The Fault in Our Stars Part 1: The Fault in Young Love

I’m glad my daughter’s boyfriend is boy enough that he didn’t want to see The Fault in Our Stars with her! That meant I got to! My girls and I had read the book together, and we were curious how … Continue reading

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My Writing Process

Tag, you’re it! Luanne my friend and writing partner has tagged me to write about my writing process. If you get a chance check out her blog at writersite.org. This author and former professor blogs prolifically about different aspects of the … Continue reading

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Ways to Get Unstuck: From Writers Block to Inspired Creative Flow

Do you have a writing practice that works for creating first draft pages? Many components make up a writing practice. But one thing I’ve ascribed to this past several months is the setting of goals and the setting aside of … Continue reading

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Flashlight Reading and Kathmandu

Preparations are underway for this trip of a lifetime to Kathmandu. Dad’s checking with his doctors and checking in with me about details. Some of the details I’m logging this past couple of weeks include: To take water purification tablets … Continue reading

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