For many years I wrote about fiction, story, belief, ordinary life, and the questions that shaped my work. More than two thousand essays remain here—not because every one represents my current thinking, but because together they tell the story of a writer learning over time.
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The archive begins with the most recent writing. Use the numbered pages below to move backward through time.
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Writing Journal—Friday writing prompt
Your handyman protagonist flips houses for a living. As he’s knocking down a wall in his latest home, he discovers a false wall in one of the bedrooms…
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02/09/23 Biking & Listening
Biking is something else I both love and hate. It takes a lot of effort but does provide good exercise and most days over an hour to listen…
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Atoms with Consciousness: Yo-Yo Ma Performs Richard Feynman’s Ode to the Wonder of Life, Animated
Here’s the link to this article. “Out of the cradle onto the dry land… here it is standing… atoms with consciousness… matter with curiosity… I… a universe of…
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Drafting–Layover in Newark, part A
“Let’s go inside.” Millie head-motioned for Molly to exit the bus first. Following her daughter, a streak of fear rushed upwards and across Millie’s spinal column. ‘It only…
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Writing Journal—Thursday writing prompt
Your character has only one day left to live. What does she do with this last precious day? Who does she spend it with? One Stop for Writers…
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02/08/23 Biking & Listening
Biking is something else I both love and hate. It takes a lot of effort but does provide good exercise and most days over an hour to listen…
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The Ants, the Bees, and the Blind Spots of the Human Mind: How Entomologist Charles Henry Turner Revolutionized Our Understanding of the Evolution of Intelligence and Emotion
Here’s the link to this article. “The handicaps under which Dr. Turner’s work was accomplished were many, and were modestly and bravely met.” BY MARIA POPOVA The son…
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Writing Journal—Wednesday writing prompt
Your protagonist is hiking for the weekend and comes across a grizzly bear on the trail. What does he do? One Stop for Writers Guidance & tips Write…
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02/07/23 Biking & Listening
Biking is something else I both love and hate. It takes a lot of effort but does provide good exercise and most days over an hour to listen…
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Writing Journal—Tuesday writing prompt
While your character is camping, two strangers show up and ask if they can share her site. Far from populated trails or help of any kind, your protagonist…
Richard L. Fricks 