Are we hoping for tragedy or triumph? — Humans love stories; it’s how we share our lives and often how we try to make sense of the world. As an aspiring memoir writer, I need to know what makes readers want to delve deeper into other people’s experiences. So this year, I kept asking memoir readers Why do…

Naturalist. Humanist. Teller of tales. Autodidact. Lover of people, plants, places, and ideas. — When I was a child, I listened to the words of Big Wicked Bill and cried for the dog. Now my heart knows why Stuart Hamblen sang, “Sometimes in the hush of an evening when the winds have grown tired and are stilled, By the fire, I sit dozing and…

Follow this simple four-part outline to produce compelling blog posts. — In 1999, there were 23 blogs on the internet. Today, there are more than 600 million blogs. As of January 2022, there are over 31 million active bloggers in the U.S. —TechJury.net Approximately 7.5 million blog posts are created every day. Like many writers, you’ve probably had these common questions. How can you get noticed?

Why have these words been so taboo? — My poor Dad. Not only did he have three teenage daughters and a wife, but we lived a long way from town. That meant he had to go to the grocery store on his way home from work to bravely purchase large quantities of what was then called Sanitary Napkins. My mother said dad was mortified. …

An expert farmer shares 50 years of experience. — You’ve dug, hauled soil, added compost, and finally planted your garden. Carefully, you lined up your radish seeds and planted some tomato plants. Beans, squash, turnips! All your favorites are in the ground, you watered everything nicely, and now you need to wait a few days. But now look! Where did your garden go?

The best creative nonfiction podcasts focused on memoirs. — When I listen to podcasts, I walk further. But, my morning walk is also when I think about the day’s writing. Decisions, Decisions. Lately, the allure of memoir-specific podcasts is winning. Good news! I’m leaving soon for a 36-hour road trip. …

And why your health may depend on eating enough. — What is fiber? Fiber is the name for a large group of complex carbohydrates humans can’t digest. However, that does not mean it’s not essential. In fact, research proves there’s good reason to eat our bran flakes and prunes. But we’re not talking only about constipation, even though most people…

And what we might try instead. — I’ve been recycling since 1969, when my school started an aluminum can drive. Compost my food waste, paper, and cardboard? Yep! Sort my glass and plastics and take them to recycle? Yep! Throw a plastic bottle in the trash? Not me, never! But it’s not helping much. It’s time to face the truth. Even though lots of us are conscientious and…

The surprising history behind the holiday. — Most of us think of Mother’s Day as a time when children are reminded to appreciate their moms. Fathers try to let mothers of young children sleep late, and older kids may try their hand at fixing breakfast for their mothers. Florists and retail stores love the holiday—this year, it’s…