House of Waffles
When you’ve been a Waffle House regular for several decades, you hear and see some things. Things that both restore your faith in humanity–and occasionally
September 19, 2021
Musings
If I Were the Devil
In 1965, Radio Legend Paul Harvey recorded a piece titled If I Were the Devil. It became his most famous recording. This is my take
September 19, 2021
Mama and the Chain Gang
Mama and the Chain Gang is by far the most beloved story in my book, The Cracker Queen–A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life. As
September 19, 2021
The Moment I Heard the Church Bells Tolling in Memory of 9/11
I stopped in my tracks; removed my headphones; and stayed still until the bells fell silent. I thought about the ancestors. The Irish who could
September 11, 2021
The Great Roman Write-In (When in Rome, We WROTE.)
We gathered this summer at The Labyrinth of Rome, Georgia, to recharge our creativity. At least half of the attendees drove several (or more) hours
September 11, 2021
Presence
Daddy shocked my socks off with his appearance that sunny day. How did he know where I was? Why was he asking that question? I
June 30, 2021
This.
I keep this old cartoon from The New Yorker in plain view in my writing space. The most common lament I hear from aspiring writers
June 22, 2021
Don’t Be Like Ted
As a favor to a mutual friend, I agreed to meet with an aspiring writer to talk about the business over a long supper. We’ll
June 14, 2021
Loving Mother-Daughter Phone Conversation
What follows is a transcript of a real phone call held between Mama and me. Mama: Retta, I sure am sorry to hear about your
June 6, 2021
An Encouraging Word: It Might Sound Cornball, But…
…if violets can break through stone, why can’t you? For a story about turning a huge setback into a mind-blowing comeback, check out Zigzagging at
March 29, 2021