As writers, we’re regularly exhorted to avoid clichés as overused, hackneyed, and too predictable. I take that advice seriously, and I consciously look for fresher images in my work. The thing is, though, in our daily lives, the reason clichés are so overused is that they resonate with us by capturing some fundamental experience. Take…
Years ago, I was interviewing a psychologist for an article about the challenges of adolescence when she said: “What a kid really needs to make it through the teen years is that one trusted adult who supports and encourages them.” Lately, I’ve been thinking that having a “trusted adult” matters long after our teenage years…
When I read Darlene Dziomba’s description of her work, “Writing Mysteries. A dog is my muse. Humor is my guide,” I knew I wanted to interview her. I’ve never been able to resist a dog, humor, or a good mystery, and Darlene’s work combines all three! Below are her responses to my interview questions, followed…