Some days it’s a snow globe, others a wet mess, but always an economy

Good writing and publishing, McPherson told me, meant “engaging with the culture in a way that means you’re part of an ongoing dialogue where the work stays alive. I’ve always addressed that area of writing and reading. The purpose of literature is to change someone or something in our society. I consider that of the highest value.”

Now that I’m 35 and a courthouse away from near-marriage, it’s time to dig in my heels and resign myself

I calm myself down by pretending that I really know how my future will turn out. I will turn out a failure. This gives me a brief jolt of panic, but I slide through it.

I love winter. It is so fresh and beautiful and sparkling white. In winter you get stuck inside a lot, though, and that can be boring. So I cooked up some ideas that you can do for entertainment. I really hope you think my ideas are worth trying.