Learning To Read I loved books even before I could read. Before I could read, I would demand that my mother read the same book over and over until I’d memorized it. She got so frustrated that she bought me a tape recorder and began recording the books I loved so that I could just…
Tag: Erika
It’s Caturday and We Have Questions
Hey, all! Big Cat and Little Cat are curious about mentorship today. They wanted to start by thanking the teachers who long ago taught them to sit on Erika’s keyboard…or face when she’s trying to write. It seems to come so naturally to them. Turns out there’s a technique to it. Who knew? Anyway, drop…
Unlaced
i learned how to tie my shoes when i was five and i washuddled in my best friend’s bedroom, two houses down and across the street from my house,each of us knew how to do half the job.we didn’t plan it that way, it just happened when they were trying to teach us the whole…
It’s Caturday and We Have Questions
Big Cat and Little Cat drank a bit too much milk last night, so most of their queries today have been: “Where’s the aspirin?” But in the spirit of the New Year, they’d like to know if you have any New Year’s Resolutions concerning your writing? What are you planning to write in the New…
Banned Books Redux?
New Book Bannings A couple of months ago, during Banned Books Week, I wrote that banning books is really about protecting fragile adults, not children. Since then, it seems like there’s been an explosion of efforts to restrict access to books, especially books about queer topics. My own school district in Florida has dealt with…
It’s Caturday and We Have Questions
*** Description: Two cats sit on a bed together. An Orange Tabby in the foreground smiles at his companion and says “Merry Christmas Little Cat.” Beside him, a grey tabby glares at Big Cat and responds, “Kids these days have no respect for tradition. Keep Saturn in Saturnalia, Dammit!” It’s Caturday, but the cats are…
Mental Health Before Writing
Self-Care For a Disabled Writer I wouldn’t be the writer I am if it weren’t for the particular set of challenges that I have. The one who writes about my own difficult truths, one who tries to do it with sensitivity and compassion for the people who are reading it. I frequently forget to extend…
Expectations: When will I be a “Writer”?
So, this happened: Last Monday, as I was making last minute edits to the piece about writing and ADHD, I got an email. That day, my ADHD felt extra strong and everything that could distract me did. It was no surprise that I stopped what I was doing and immediately went and looked at my…
But I Can’t Do That?
Writing with ADHD I’ve been watching the clock this weekend, knowing I had to get something finished so it would be ready to post today (Monday). I was working on one piece for this blog and another piece that isn’t quite right for this blog, although it might be in the future. I did spend…
This Poem Feels Finished…?
Sylvia on the Phone —I woke up today thinking “Sylvia Plath had the right idea. She left a pretty interesting legacy; A couple of kids, a bunch of famous poems, And she went out on her own terms.” Depression is like an ex-lover I can’t get rid of, She shares custody of my brain, Owning…