Does the Truth Really Set You Free?

There are many rich relationships and inspiring work experiences that have coalesced to guide me to become a writer. My career choices offered blank canvases on which I could express and discover myself. Whether a teacher of English, a professor of psychology, or a psychotherapist, I learned and matured at each step, even when glitches on the pathway distracted me or when difficulties and challenges felt insurmountable. Maybe, even because of these obstacles, I developed grit and fire for pursuing clarity. Thus, the title of this website – “The Flame Within” (TO BE DISCUSSED) – highlights the major thread in my blogs and my books. I believe a flame exists in all of us and is unique to each one of us. It’s there, even if we are not in touch with it. Martha Graham speaks of this flame of vitality in her poem “Vespers”. She describes it as a “quickening”, a “life-force” that moves us into action.

I am a student of life. I always will be. I can’t help it. I am curious about how we navigate, how we get to where we are, what gets in our way. My favorite authors and longtime guides are James Hollis and Thomas Yeomans. My favorite poets are Mary Oliver, John O’Donahue and Hafiz. I consider them all mentors and friends. Their books dominate my shelves. Their work in print and in the world, act like tuning forks inviting me to deeper connections. Hollis often writes about what we can expect from living an examined life. “…it will not solve your problems or heal your pain, but it will simply make your life more interesting.” And indeed, as I mature, I find the study of life, with all its complexities and layers, very interesting. And it continues.

These days, the mystery fiction writers, Ruth Ware and Joy Fielding have captured my attention. Their artistry compels and challenges me. Both are my writing gurus at the moment. When I leave their books, I still feel as if I am in the world they created. They are the whetstone that sparks my desire to create similar experiences for my readers.

I have three hopes arising from my writing. First, I hope it reflects interesting aspects of our human nature that will resonate with your lived experiences. Secondly, I hope you find a friendly handshake between what I write and your heart. And last, I hope you get to read both my fiction and nonfiction books, both of which are in-progress. The working title of the fiction book is “Breaking Stone”. The working title of the non-fiction book is “The Will Wound.”

In the interim, there is a blog to read – reflections about just being human and running into the snags that catch us up. I think you will find the posts rich with nuance and complexity.

I have a last wish. One that has arisen recently. A personal wish. It has been brewing for some time. I am home more, no longer travelling to teach elsewhere, and have discovered the expansive opportunities of zoom. I am thinking that – and I am smiling as I say this – it’s time to get a cat.