• We’re All in This Together: Artists Dates

    Julia Cameron suggests that creative people go on an artist’s date—something to fulfill your creative soul. Is there something you do regularly or some outing/event/field trip you’ve done (maybe even only once) that has refilled your creative energy? Romelle Broas Dental hygienist by day, writer by night, mother all…

  • Artist’s Date: Research Trip

    I went on a hunt for a tree. With my kids. My daughter brought a sketchbook and a field guide to trees. My son brought four plastic screwdrivers.   My WIP has a Hawthorn tree that’s important in the story, and a friend brought me a Hawthorn branch last…

  • Artist’s Date: Staycation

    We haven’t been able to go on some of our planned short getaways due to some health issues. However, things are on the mend, and August looks to be promising. But sometimes being forced to stay home helps you rediscover some treasures in your own town.   My daughter…

  • Writing Quote Wednesday: Nurturing the Writer

    “When earth is rich it bids defiance to droughts, yields in abundance, and of the best quality.”  –Letter from Thomas Jefferson to his daughter, Martha, from Philadelphia July 21, 1793 p. 22 THE DOMESTIC LIFE OF THOMAS JEFFERSON, letters compiled by Sarah Randolph   In this quote, Thomas Jefferson…

  • Artist’s Date: Hollins

    I had the opportunity this summer to audit a class through the Hollins Children’s Literature program. I’m a two-time alumna from this program earning my M.A. and my M.F.A. I’m lucky enough to get to return each summer for the free public event featuring authors, illustrators, scholars, editors and…

  • Artist’s Date: Library of Congress

    A few months ago, I met my husband in Washington, DC while he was on a business trip. We usually try to take in a few sites in DC each year that we’ve never been to. This artist’s date was not taken alone, and I enjoyed wandering through the…

  • Artist Date: Monticello

    A few months ago, I wrote about how Artist Dates, in the manner that Julia Cameron describes them, don’t always have to be done alone. I will be highlighting a few of my recent Artist Dates each Monday in a new Artist Date series. I know the recommendation is…