Over the last few months, I reopened a writing project I started over ten years ago. It’s a five-volume series called “The Womun Who Forgot Who She Was”. With new fresh eyes on the project, I knew what I had to do with it…write it in WEnglish! WEnglish is writing in a more gender-balanced English language. My full explanation of WEnglish can be found here, however, I wanted to explain where it all started. I looked back in my journals, and found these entries:
How to Change a Man…Is It Necessary?
In a Glamour magazine that was honoring women, I recently read a quote that stopped me cold. It said, “I believe the lives of women cannot improve, that women cannot thrive, until men free themselves from the constraints of the male code.” (1)
Truth or fiction? Agree or disagree? Is our freedom truly chained to what men decide to do or not do? God, I hope not.
Love Your Friends…Especially The One Inside
I met a woman recently who I sensed was very lonely. She said to me, “I hope I make a difference to others. I can’t tell–no one wants to be my friend.”
OK. It’s a SAD time of year, isn’t it? Let’s dive in…
We were in a group and I couldn’t talk to her further, but here’s what I’d say if I could (and who knows—maybe she’ll read my blog or Life will give us a chance to meet up again under different circumstances. Anyway, here’s what I’d say:
Behind Door #1
A few days ago I turned 66 which for me opens a gift I’ve been paying for during my working life—social security. People look at me funny because I’m so excited to finally be able to draw on those funds, but really, even though it’s my own money that I’m getting access to, it’s still a thrill. Call me crazy, but I’m really pumped!
Setting Sail
Dear Friends of Author Vivian Probst,
As my husband and I prepare to set sail on a cruise of the Scottish Isles on the North Sea, I am keenly aware of how long it has been since I’ve written to you. The good news is that I’m still writing and a two-week cruise should give me time for more of that. Here’s what’s up…
What’s Next?
Recently I stepped away from a project that was right up my alley: challenging, time-consuming, and interesting—plus it paid me. You might wonder why I did that and I’m inclined to tell you because I could use some support (and maybe some advice).
As most of you know, I have run my own business for over thirty years, traveled the country and I’ve written and published a couple of books in my ‘spare’ time. (My children left home long ago so if you’re thinking you should be able to do all that and raise children, you’ll have to get your advice on how to do that from someone else.)
The Truth About Detox
Thinking about doing a detox of the first time? Read this before you decide detox is a good idea.
When a friend suggested I join her on a 10-day detox, it sounded so simple and good for me. Drink two shakes each day and eat one meal. Avoid sugar (which included my beloved dark chocolate), cheese and dairy, and alcohol. My husband is importing wines from small boutique vineyards in other countries. You can imagine that wine is a staple in our diet. It was only ten days and it would be good for me.
So, THIS is Writer’s Block!
March 10th will be the 18th anniversary of my writing life and here I sit–not writing–for the first time in almost two decades. It’s not that there’s nothing to write about—far from it! But I am restrained, as if someone has hit the ‘pause’ button or put my creative juices in the freezer. Is this that ‘writer’s block’ idea I’ve heard people talk about? Before this, the only Writer’s Block I had ever experienced was a bottle of wine by that name. (And it’s yummy!)
Coming Out From Under the Covers
Is it safe to come out now? Am I the only one who has been emotionally whipped by long weeks of astrological, solar, moon and weather-related terrors that I have felt all the way to my bones? If so, that’s OK. Somehow, I think other people have similar feelings at times like these.
I was always the family scare-dy cat. My earliest memories are of things that scared me. It’s over sixty years later. Have I learned anything?
You bet I have.
Can Removing One Word Turn A Novel Into A Bestseller?
I recently read “The Bestseller Code” by Jodie Archer and Matthew Jockers. Of course, their title captured me instantly. Is there a formula for a bestseller? If so, how close is my novel, ‘Death by Roses’? Can such a code help with my future writing? What about yours? Call me fascinated.
What astounded me most was their particular fact about ONE word. Did you know that using the word ‘the’ too often in novels actually rips energy out of a story and bores your readers? Really? Apparently so. ‘The’ nails a story’s coffin shut?