I had no idea that house-sitting was an industry. In August, when I enjoyed a three-week bonus life as a “a New York writer,” I was staying in a studio of a daughter of a friend of a friend. It was an informal arrangement. And I was thrilled to get the chance to do it. […] Read More

In the last couple of months, I haven’t been at all in the mood to write. And I’ve taken some time away from it. However this week and last week, I did it anyway, which is more typically my strategy. But I did it quickly, without looking back, without being very impressed, without much giving […] Read More

Thanks to all who were so helpful in my brother Harry’s campaign for judge. He didn’t win this one. And this is the first race out of his nine political campaigns that he ever lost. It seemed to me, after he won his first at age 27 against a long-established incumbent and two other fearsome […] Read More

When it’s your brother who’s running for office, you’ll do all sorts of bold and marginally undignified things. Like standing beside a highway in a startling coat for four hours, waving and grinning at every single car that passes. That’s how strongly I feel about Harry Payne being elected to be a NC Appeals Court […] Read More

Last week was a mini-bonus life in a house full of writers with good food and good views: the writing workshop at Doe Branch Ink in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains: To give full credit, the shot above of the group from the third floor landing was taken by novelist/site manager Nick Roberts. The ones […] Read More

Next to the last full day of the writers’ retreat at Doe Branch Ink in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’ve fallen into the peaceful and richly interesting routine of this extra tucked-in life. We are six writers on these 50 acres with three rustic houses and lots of desks with views. We’re all getting work […] Read More

This is the kind of extra life that is like a surprise package. I agreed to run a writing group at a house deep in the North Carolina mountains. Miles from a paved road. I showed up. And now I’m three days into an eight-day experience far from my regular world. It will be a […] Read More

I’m working so hard this week getting ready to go away for a week to a Doe Branch Ink writers’ retreat that I haven’t had time post. Bold Bonus Life Tip #5: Building in extra lives, even only week long, takes a lot of tying up of loose ends in advance. Back to you soon […] Read More

It takes a bit of chutzpah to keep a sense of humor in some professions. Take anesthesiology, for one example. Unless you’re one of the 5.3 million people who have already heard this, then you must click and listen, for the smile value. [youtube WOrjcLJ2IE0 nolink] These guys demonstrate Bonus Life Tip #4: one can […] Read More

Think you’re too old to get a whole new life? Have a look at this week’s New York magazine, which honors nine current high achievers who are in their nineties or over a hundred. (In their hundreds?) [youtube Zzs8Ov2p-Rc nolink] For example, composer Elliott Carter has published 14 new pieces of music since he turned […] Read More