Blog
The May Deadline
My goal has been to post here once a month, at least, and since the deadline is coming up fast, here I am. You see, I never miss my deadlines. Never. Really. It feels congenital but it’s probably all due to the years I spent as a journalist. Writing for newspapers and magazines, if you miss your deadlines,…
Read MoreDesktop Altar
It’s rare for me to get a question I haven’t heard at a book event or lecture. But last week, someone asked what she might see on top of my desk and I was delighted to have a non-boring answer. Because in addition to the piles of paper (fairly neat), tape dispenser, pencil cup, computer…
Read MoreNew York, NY
I am on my way home (via Amtak/Acelaaaahh) from a 24 hour trip to Manhattan. Train travel manages to be both thrilling and civilized. I’ve read a book and a half. I love New York. Especially in the spring — warm but not smelly. Especially Central Park. Especially when someone else is picking up the tab and I’m…
Read MoreBest seller
My latest novel Day After Night has not been best-seller. Let me be clear that the book is, thanks to word of mouth, selling and selling. But it’s not a block-buster that’s shown up on THE LISTS. At least, not in the USA. But I’ve had word that the book is at the top of…
Read MoreAnniversary
February 11 is the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison after 27 years on Robbin Island. In the Sunday New York Times, political prisoners from around the world reflected on how that day affected their hopes and dreams for the future. Their words made me recall my experience of that day. Home in…
Read MoreTough start
The images from Haiti are awful and haunting. I made my first contribution yesterday, and resolve to make a monthly gift for the rest of 2010. Once Anderson Cooper packs up his t-shirts and returns to the US, we’re all going to start forgetting and get distracted by other calamities –and celebrations. Life is relentless…
Read MoreHappy New Year
No resolutions here but plenty of plans and prayers and wishes for you and me:May we all have more than enough peace and inspiration and forgiveness andenergy andlong days at the beach. What’s on your list? 2010
Read MoreFacebook confession
I feel like I’ve been cheating on my blog with Facebook. I want to apologize. It’s just so easy to write a one-sentence message and send it out. With the blog, I feel a need to revise and shape a few paragraphs into something you might find worth reading. The other Facebook temptation is the…
Read MoreLa Danse
I hadn’t seen a movie (in a theater) since August. How is that possible? But finally this past week I went. It was La Dance by Fred Wiseman, a documentary about the Paris Opera Ballet. Stunning footage of ballet rehearsals and performances, both modern and Nutcracker. Saw Nutcracker here in Boston many, many years ago,…
Read MorePremiere of A LITTLE WORK has been POSTPONED
A few years ago, my friend novelist Stephen McCauley (The Object of My Affection)and I were between books and hit upon the idea of writing a play as a way to keep ourselves occupied until we scraped together the energy to begin new novels. It was so much fun working together on A LITTLE WORK,…
Read More