As a Neo-Renaissance practitioner (Neo Ren), I’ve developed a philosophy over the years when it comes to taking courses of any sort. Remember, a Neo Ren is one who is a life-long learner. One of my philosophies of life is, Continue reading 13 Things I Learned at the UW Writers’ Institute
Music satisfies three cornerstones of a Neo Renaissance (Neo Ren) life: Emotional, Intellectual, and Spiritual. Performing music can often satisfy the fourth cornerstone, Physical. Ever see a fat rock-and-roll drummer? Ever check the lung capacity and endurance of a lead Continue reading Music, Jazz, and Improvisation
*Note- This is a revised version of an archived post from 2011* Once upon a time, when I was quite ambitious in the kitchen, I decided to let out all the stops and make a Yule Log for our family Continue reading How to Construct a Christmas Yule Log and Maintain Your Sanity
I apologize for not posting recently but National Novel Writing Month took most of my time, along with hosting six house guests over Thanksgiving weekend. For the second consecutive year, I successfully wrote 50,000 words of my second novel, working Continue reading NaNoWriMo is done–Success!
Yesterday my wife and I saw the movie Gravity starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. The writer in me loved the sci-fi/action/suspense plot line as well as the metaphors, the classic “hero’s journey,” and the juxtaposition of the vastness of space Continue reading Technology–A Necessary Evil?
I’m due for a new post, so I decided to comment about Elmore Leonard’s passing today because he was one of the great writers of the 20th and early 21st centuries. His characters were all unique, quirky, detestable but likeable Continue reading Rest in Peace, Elmore Leonard. And Thanks.
Ran across this today. Always plenty of laughs, and a fun way to stimulate one’s creativity if you are a writer or just like to play with words. http://www.bulwer-lytton.com/2013win.html Humor is a great intellectual/emotional/ even spiritual stimulant (heck, even physical because Continue reading The Funniest Thing You Will Read Today
The first protagonist I ever wrote in a novel is Matt Lanier, a farm boy from southern Minnesota with a near-genius level IQ. He’s a professional musician in the classical and jazz arenas, but can also hunt and fish, butcher Continue reading Why Music Matters to the Neo Renaissance Writer
Short post today- not a “Renaissance blog” post- just a “how about that” moment. I just noticed today that the 3000th hit on this blog happened recently. It took my blog three years, one month, and twenty-six days to hit that Continue reading Woo-hoo-hoo! Three thousand hits!
I attended the 5th annual Tucson Festival of Books last weekend. This is my third year in attendance and it seems bigger than ever. Not sure about better though. The attendance may be reaching critical mass because it gets harder Continue reading Tucson Festival of Books–2013
