I’m heading out into the snow flurries, going to John Tyler Community College near Richmond, VA for the JTCC’s 15 Annual Literary Festival. Thanks to all the folks who are reading and talking about my novel Sufficient Grace in advance of my visit! I was born in VA and have family there, so I’m excited to be returning to the Commonwealth for a visit. I’ll be conducting readings, discussions, and workshops at both the Midlothian Campus and the Chester Campus March 3-4. For more information, click on the calendar button of this website or go to www.jtcc.edu/events. If you live near Richmond, VA, I’d love to see you at one of these events.

While driving I’ll probably be listening to Dave Alvin or Nancy Griffith, or listen to some book on tape. I have a sack full of books and talks on tape and CD. Nothing like a productive drive into uncertain weather! 

There’s one little hiccup. My car’s timing belt chose to give out in Crossville last Sunday evening as I was on the way home from one of the Sweetwater Novel Process workshops. I love GIECO! So William has to take me to Crossville in a few minutes to pick up my blue Escape. Little Blue decided to breakdown at a traffic light at the entrance to Windermere Mall on 127. I was headed downhill, so I coasted into the mall parking lot and called my hero, William, to come get me, and my ace up my sleeve, GIECO Road Service to take Little Blue to the emergency room.

Exercise: Write about a time when you’ve had car trouble.  If you write poetry or fiction, use some of that nonfiction piece in a poem, or share a few elements of your experience with a character who is also having car trouble.

Remember, your writing prompts are only an inconvenience away!