Vixen Chronicles

 Y oga can help writers in a number of ways. First, it can help to clear the mind and allow space for ideas to erupt. Some writers have described their yoga practices as writing prompts, finding themselves running to the page after finishing a series of poses. “Physical yoga practice is a good place for Svadhyaya, or self study,” writes yoga practitioner and teacher Izzy Arcoleo, “and as we tune into what's going on in the body and mind, the way becomes clear for ideas to be untangled. It can bring about moments of clarity, and with clarity comes a little sprinkling of inspiration.” Both practices, as well, are often done in isolation. Yoga also teaches us to be still when we're uncomfortable, and to breathe through the twinge of pain we experience in some poses. This can translate into “trusting the process” of writing, so we can more easily manage the inevitable ups and downs of composing longer works. “Often, in yoga, we hold long poses and breathe through discomfort,” write...

My daughter is back and school. I’m proud of her, but I miss her. I chuckle as I write this because as much as I miss her and couldn’t wait for her to get home, I couldn’t’ wait for her to go back. Certainly, there is wonder in watching a girl grow into womanhood. Just as I was filled with pride when she took her first steps, I am happy for her and scream (inside) “I did that!” as she conquers the challenges in her life. Alas, there is also pain in watching someone as strong-willed as my daughter ( where’d she get that from!) grow and learn to accept and love herself as she blossoms into womanhood—in my space! We text every day (at the very least). Sometimes, we call each other. She calls for advice, to chat or just to have an ear to listen as she works out her problems. Our texts are like an on-going conversation—until I make her mad and she stops responding. I challenge her and find that I can’t help myself. It’s what I do. The other day, though, I was beyond myself as I review one...

You all know that I have been working on a TV Pilot. Here's a snippet. Nina

I have fun every time I go to Atlanta. Last weekend was no different. I was there Hank Stewart's Sixth Annual White Linen Affair. It was interesting although felt like the odd-woman out (or at least the only heathen). Most of the authors were Christian fiction, but I got a chance to talk to some old and new friends. I met up with old friend Victoria Christopher Murray. Here she is telling us the four ways to handle a breakup. Pay particular attention to the glee she expresses when she is talking about slashing. Okay, just kidding... Then there was author Sherry Lewis, whom I met first on My Space... and last but not least, Children's Book author, Diane Mason. The funny for me? CeCe Micheala looked at me and I looked at her. We both had one of those "I know I know you moments" about each other..... I also had a chance to check out the new restaurant Geisha House Sort of Nuevo Japanese. The food was good but very small and a bit overpriced, but...

I've been hiding out in The Shire. You read that right, The Shire, as in The Hobbit. I'm in Wroxton, England at a writing residency, buckling down to work on"The Craft. Or at least I thought I was, but huge bus that I got on at Heathrow Airport could hardly make it down the narrow roads in the English Country side. The buildings have thatched roofs and low ceilings. I am staying in an Abbey, about 400 years old. They say its haunted, but thankfully I did not get the haunted room. That would have been all I could take, considering that the room I did get is in the very top of the castle. It has been raining since we arrived, and for a naturilized Texan like me, its bone chilling cold. I dragged my too big lugagge from underneath the bus and discovered my dilemma. I was four stories up and there was no escalator, no elevator, no bellman and no room service, and hot water is iffy. I guess you could say I was going to be roughing it. And then I discovered another su...