Scene in Nature

The setting of my work in progress is along the Ice Age Trail at the Point Beach State Forest in northeast Wisconsin. I asked fans of my Facebook page to share their favorite photographs of nature with me to inspire. I selected this landscape by Gaelle Loriot-de Swarte as the winner of Wisconsin Naturalist Aldo Leopld's book A Sand Country Almanac. Thank you for sharing your inspiring photos with me. 

 The picture on the left was shared by Paula Marie.

 The photos are the right were submitted by Wendy Butkovich.




























The two water scenes on the left were shared by Billie Braeger.

 The three country living scenes on the right were taken by
Crystal Otto.

 The photo on the left was taken by Heidi Huck.

 The photo on the right was taken by Jenn Morris Fodden.

The photo on the left was taken by Dharma Kelleher. 

I don't blog

Lack of confidence prevents me from blogging.

Without confidence, I cannot determine which one of the 120 works in progress should take priority. But, I know they should all take priority over blogging, or should they? (See lack of confidence above.)

These works are mostly short stories and essays, but one novel is about half done and four more have about 10,000. Oh and that reminds me of the approximate 80 poems of varying quality.

Of those projects, some only need editing, others need more words, and others are fully ready for publication, if only I could make time to get them into print for readers to stumble upon.

To that end, I would love an editorial assistant. Wouldn't that be nice?

I keep writing fresh pieces longhand. This is the first time in my career where ideas and inspiration have come steady. With legal pads and notebooks, I am able to get them down. There are tens of thousands of longhand words scribbled, any typists out there?

Fortunately, I have a critique group to help with the confidence. Also good is the start of the school year, which always comes with a promise of a more open schedule.

The muse is here, please send the work horse for the drudgery of finishing. The first step has never been the hardest; it has always been step three-quarters of the way.

Don't send wine, just an angel.

In the News Around Wisconsin

Thank you Journalist Alyssa Bloechl for writing this article supporting Mental Health Awareness month in Northeast Wisconsin.

Read the Article Here

Coping with Mental Illness

Thank you Nancy Stultz and the Door County Public Health Department Mental Health Focus Group for providing the leadership to bring so many diverse groups together for these conversations.

Thank you Door County Library Director Becca Berger and Psychologist Dr. Dennis White for leading the book discussion on the memoir.

Thank to the many, many volunteers who coordinated and supported these events. And thank you to the public for coming out on a rainy Monday to hear my story, and share your own.

Yesterday was a great day and a humbling experience to make so many meaningful connections.