Category: Real Talk

Posted on September 29, 2015
Six Struggles of a Night Writer
Every writer has his or her own comfort zone. Many write while drunk. Some wake up early and write as the sun comes up. Hundreds write a certain number of words each day before stopping. I’ve heard of… Read More

Updated on September 23, 2015
Whole30 Woes (Or, Twirly Tries the Whole30)
I have been an exceptionally cranky creature of late. “Why?” you ask. Because I am roughly halfway through my Whole30. For those of you who are wondering, the Whole30 is a diet that lasts (you guessed it) thirty… Read More

Posted on September 3, 2015
Black Mass
I should probably be writing about my first week on the Whole30 diet, or being nostalgic about first-days-of-school gone by. But I just found out that a movie about Whitey Bulger is coming out this month, and I… Read More

Posted on August 25, 2015
The Big One
Yesterday, I started a project. The Big One. I’ve started to write a book. It sounds so pretentious when I put it out there like that. “Look at me, how fancy I am. A book!” But, really, it’s a… Read More

Updated on July 29, 2015
Ten Things Not To Say To a Writer
Yesterday, the hashtag #TenThingsNotToSayToAWriter was trending on Twitter. I chimed in with a few suggestions, and it got me thinking. For a long time, I didn’t think I was worthy of being called “writer.” (I even wrote a… Read More

Posted on July 7, 2015
Character Consistency
I admit it: I watch more television than I should. I’m on a series kick right now; first it was Gilmore Girls, then Friends and Sherlock, and now it’s Merlin. While I am watching for enjoyment, I also use this time as an… Read More

Posted on June 23, 2015
Twirly’s Titles: Books to Buy
I will admit it: I have an addiction. I love books. It is one of my goals to have a well-stocked library (hopefully one with a number of signed books, hardcovers, pretty leather-bound ones… I digress). These are… Read More

Updated on June 12, 2015
On Keeping a Diary
I recently saw a Tumblr post (yes, friends–I am officially on Tumblr!) asking readers about their diary writing habits. I’m inspired to respond. For most of my life, I’ve been a compulsive journaler. The habit started when I… Read More

Posted on June 2, 2015
Twirly on Passions
Recently, I was asked what I’m passionate about. I paused to consider, but before I could open my mouth to respond, the asker continued, “Besides your husband of course.” Laughter, as if at the funniest thing ever said…. Read More