Musings from M.E.

Musings from M.E. is my monthly-ish newsletter. Below you will find a mix of my latest published work; favorite personal essays from years past; book recommendations; good news about writer friends; and random thoughts on matters related to writing and reading.

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March 25, 2022

March 2022

So much for creating and keeping to a regular newsletter schedule – my last Musings was in September! This year I’m committing myself to quarterly missives, with more to read and new writers to discover. Since the end of Q1 ’22 is fast approaching, here you go…..

 

Zoo Story


It was an honor to write a tribute profile of Bill Conway, legendary zoologist and conservationist, for Connect, the magazine published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  What an amazing man!

Read the tribute to William Conway!

 

Better Late Than Never Family Literary News

My niece-in-law’s book, Certain and Impossible Events,
appeared on NPR’s list of Best Books of 2021!

Candace is in great company – other authors on the list include
Anthony Doerr, Ann Patchett, and Joy Harjo.
I couldn’t be more proud!

 

Catching Up with Is It Just Me?

For my column on downtownstpete.com, I’ve shared my perspectives on everything from trick-or-treaters to leaf blowers. If you didn’t see them on Facebook, here they are in one fell swoop: 

 

Book Review

For fans of searing memoirs that make you root for the author and hope for an ending that brings resolution, peace, and maybe even happiness, check out Leaving Isn’t the Hardest Part by Lauren Hough. What kind of toll does it take to grow up in a cult, endure homophobia in the military and beyond, and face homelessness and job insecurity upon re-entry into civilian life?

Hough’s journey is one worth taking with her.
 

 

 

Everything is Material

When I was a columnist for The Arizona Republic, and later for Angie’s List Magazine, my husband and my extended family learned that they would often appear on the page. Lucky for them, it was always in good fun, with no hurtful barbs or public shaming. I’m not that kind of girl.

I didn’t often write about work because my clients weren’t that funny. But a multi-year stint as a freelance interviewer and profile-writer for an executive search firm was an experience too good not to use. Think of me the next time you’re trying to make a good impression on a headhunter!   

Read Do You Want the Job?

 

Where Has This Magazine Been All My Life?

Oh Reader. How did I miss this?  I saw it at Barnes and Noble and it made my day. It’s filled with personal essays about reading; photographs of bookish people, places and things; a few book recommendations; and items that would appeal to the bookworms on your holiday shopping list. The paper quality is dreamy, the design draws me in, and the experience of spending an evening enjoying every single page of a magazine devoted to reading is simply sublime. I subscribed immediately. The only thing better than reading it would be getting my own work published in it, and I’m working on that!

Check out the magazine

 

More from Local Writer Friends

I am so lucky to know local writers who are both thoughtful and amusing.

 Marshall Craig on men, friendship, etc.

Read Can We Talk?

 Marshall Craig on anticipation

Read Anticipation

 Marshall Craig on life with cable.

Read Unplug and Reboot

 Jon Kile on spontaneity.

Read Spontaneous