Missing my high school reunion… a stream of conscious burst of memories
Last night was my big high school reunion. I'm fairly lame in the sense that I've been out of touch with most of my high school friends for far too many years; however, with the advent of Facebook...at least I now have "access" to some of them...who, in turn, have...
Colette Freedman’s New Book a Charm – a reprinted article
Colette Freedman’s New Book A Charm A reprinted Jewish Times article By Adam Stone Sarah Miller is 22 and works a dead-end job in London, living with her ungrateful widowed mother and brother. Her life is fairly gray until she saves an old woman from being attacked....
Deconstructing Sonnets, Stephen Schwartz’s genius and how to write a ten minute play
Corner of the Sky is the perfect song, because Stephen Schwartz is the perfect songwriter. When I meet someone who really wants to write, I always encourage them to write a ten minute play. I believe it's a super way to jump into the craft of writing... and I always...
Clearing the Clutter
I just bought a book at one of my favorite independent bookstores, The Bodhi Tree. The book is called "Clearing your clutter." As a Clutter-aholic, buying yet another book was probably not the best idea as I already own 4,000+ books which are the greatest source of...
The Thirteen Hallows – how to get an autograph by both authors
The Thirteen Hallows comes out in two weeks. If you are someone, other than my mother, who is reading this blog... I would be happy to sign your copy of The Thirteen Hallows. If you don't live in California and can't make it to my signing at Vroman's on December 8th...
Frieda Loehmann and my love of discount designer dresses
Growing up a nice Jewish girl with a mother and grandmother who loved to shop, Loehmann's was practically a second home to me. I thought all dressing rooms were like Loehmann's: big open rooms where overweight women flaunted their curves as they tried on discounted...
Gertrude Stein and why I name my cars
When Gertrude Stein was an ambulance volunteer during World War I, she named her small Ford truck "Aunt Pauline." A Gertrude Stein fan, I too name my cars. I have several GS favorite quotes... but this one always makes me smile: "I've been rich and I've...
What I really want for my birthday…
I like birthdays. Always have, always will. I like to celebrate. I like cards & flowers & presents & phone calls & emails & Facebook wishes. It makes me feel good and it allows me to celebrate me. And while I have already received bountiful...
Audio Book Release – The Thirteen Hallows
Today, I received my advanced copies of The Thirteen Hallows audio book-- Now, audio book is a a misnomer because it's actually a gorgeous package of nine CD's. Nine... who knew that "books on tape" could be so long?!!! Eleven hours to be exact. Listening to Kate...
From page to stage to screen
I love plays. I love watching them, I love acting in them and and I love writing them... and I truly appreciate when a group of artists collectively figure out how to adapt them for the screen. Because it's not easy. This has been done well (Steel Magnolias) and this...