Happy New Year! By the time you read this, it will most likely be 2012. How could another year have passed so quickly? I don’t know. All I know is that 2011 went by like lightning. Like most writers, I am a person of deep reflection (mostly when it concerns the lives of my characters,  Read more »

It’s that day again: The day some people love to celebrate with little pieces of paper cut into the shape of a heart and exchanges of gifts of candy and jewelry, and other people hate with an all-mighty passion. But don’t worry. Whether you’re a lover or a hater, I’ve got Valentines for everyone: 1)  Read more »

I just saw True Grit starring Matt Damon and Jeff Bridges and Josh Brolin. It was fantastic. But it made me realize how lacking I am in grit. Could you, like Mattie Ross (played by the amazing 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld, the true star of the movie), endure hangings, gunfights, stabbings, having to sleep next to  Read more »

Sure, 2010 had its downsides: the horrible economy, the earthquake in Haiti, the BP oil spill, just to name a few. The weather certainly could have been better. And what was with all those bedbugs? But in what other year has something touched all of us as deeply as the miraculous rescue of those Chileans  Read more »

If you’re like me, you’re panicking right now, realizing how behind you are in everything, including your Christmas shopping (if you’re shopping for Hanukkah, you’re basically screwed). So here are some ideas for you (for gifts. If you, like me, had a book due last week, all I can say is, welcome to the club  Read more »

If you’re like me, you probably spent the holiday weekend eating, shopping, and watching movies. I have to send most of what I bought back because of course I bought it online and it’s way too small (this probably would not be the case if I hadn’t also bought ten boxes of peppermint bark from  Read more »

It’s that time of year again. The one where we cease all normal activity and are forced to sit at a dinner table with a bunch of people we probably don’t see that often (or sometimes even necessarily like all that much). In some households, we hold hands with these people, say a prayer, then  Read more »

I guess it’s time you all knew the truth . . . I AM a witch! Or at least I dressed as one for Halloween. I was a good witch, casting spells for peace and hope for everyone.

Fall in New York City is always magical (even if none of the tourists seem to be heeding the advice of the fabulous Stefon on SNL), but I’m glad to be home, first of all because Henrietta missed me so much (she hasn’t stopped talking since I walked through the door) and second of all  Read more »

Happy Valentine’s Day! So that’s one Valentine you’ve just gotten. And not to give anything anyway, but if you subscribe to my e-newsletter, I know of at least one more you’re going to be getting (it’s not too late to sign up)! I’m always torn about whether to participate in February 14th festivities. Valentine’s Day  Read more »