In high school, I had a teacher, Mrs. Kuntz, who was so tough on her students that we all feared failing her class. Never before had I worried so much about earning a … [Read more...] about The Worst Mistake You Don’t Know You’re Making
Archives for January 2014
The Dirty, Messy Part of a Writer’s Life
I had a real job once. Before becoming a writer, I worked for a nonprofit where we all learned that the best work is the kind that costs you something. And I'm still … [Read more...] about The Dirty, Messy Part of a Writer’s Life
The Meaning of Life in Three Parts
On the other side of the world, fighting jetlag and a little bit of culture shock, I’m surprised not by the differences I see, but the similarities. On this trip, I’m … [Read more...] about The Meaning of Life in Three Parts
What Hope Looks Like
I'm not sure what I was expecting when visiting my first mud hut in the middle of Africa, but this was not it. I wasn't expecting hope. "Is this where you live?" Wess … [Read more...] about What Hope Looks Like
Why I’m Going Halfway Around the World to Blog
Today, I leave for Africa. I've never been there before, and honestly, this is the most nervous I've been about overseas travel in a long time. … [Read more...] about Why I’m Going Halfway Around the World to Blog
Writers Don’t Write to Get Published
Many writers write for the wrong reasons — for accolades or awards — and they end up sorely disappointed when their art doesn't "succeed." What I think you should do … [Read more...] about Writers Don’t Write to Get Published