Dear EarthTalk: What’s the background on the “No Mow May” movement? – J.D., via email Lawns cover some 40 million acres—or two percent—of land in the United States, making them the single largest irrigated crop we grow. We mow, rake, fertilize, weed, chemically treat and water them—sucking up time, money and other resources. And in…
Month: May 2023
Crystal Wilkinson ~ Three Questions & a Cover
A short interview wherein my guest, one of my favorite authors, answers three questions about the writing life. Question 1 What’s your Go-To source when you need inspiration? I always look to family stories and the natural world when I need inspiration in regard to writing. Other inspiration comes in the form of poetry. I…
b.read.crumbs: Julie Wray Herman
This month’s b.read.crumbs post by Julie Herman, which you may find in the original on her website. Writing Workshops Writer’s workshops can be gold mines for inspiration about your work in progress — or they can stop you in your tracks. I’ve been in both kinds, and the former is one reason I keep going back…
Worthwhile Watching
Dear EarthTalk: I am looking for more stuff I can binge watch on my TV. Any environmental documentaries you’d recommend? — Couch Potato, via email The power of film is in its capacity to transport viewers to places we might not have been able to go before. Nature documentaries in particular bring us close to…
Find Your Fictional Character’s Energy Motivators
How an ancient philosophy of energy can help you create better characters Let’s try something new, shall we? I’ve put together a seven-part series about energetic motivators, and spread the parts around to different blogs. You can click here to read Part 1: Earth Energy.. I’ll add links to each part as they go live….
The Challenges and Rewards of Writing WWII Fiction for Middle Grade Readers
a guest post by Nancy McDonald Look on the shelves of any bookstore and you’ll see plenty of fiction set during the Second World War for adults. But you won’t find nearly as much for the 8-12-year-old reader. Let’s face it, the Second World War was a terrible time in history, full of unspeakable horror, unrelenting…
Find Your Fictional Character’s Energy Motivators - Part 1: Earth
Using an ancient philosophy of energy to help you create better characters The Earth Energyis associated with our survival instinct, our sense of security and well-being. Think of the foundation tier of Maslow’s Hierarchy. When our basic needs are met and our base is balanced, we feel secure, physically and mentally healthy, and we are…
