Sometimes I look at my life and think, “There’s a reason why you’re not further along with your work.” But the truth is, my side interests are integral to what I’m trying to accomplish. Continue reading Feeding the “real work”
Some days I never get to what I consider my “real work”—writing. And then I remember that every single day I do my most important work of all: helping another human develop the skills, knowledge and experience he will take into adulthood. Continue reading My most important work
Today Leo and I explored gardens abandoned when their houses were removed due to flooding. The beauty of domesticated plants turning feral. Continue reading Remnants
I’m tickled to share this new review of my memoir, The Same Moon, from the Japan America Society of Minnesota. Here’s what reviewer Tom Haeg identified as a takeaway: What we learn here is a clearer meaning of tolerance. We must accept others as similar to, not different from ourselves. What we share in common is more important than what distinguishes us. Inclusion not exclusion. … Continue reading Book review: ‘a clearer meaning of tolerance’
When we put our words out in the world, they sometimes come back to us in new and surprising ways. Continue reading Back in the book club saddle!
I gave myself a gift this Mother’s Day — I released my expectations. Continue reading A Mother’s Day gift
This type of snowfall takes me back to one of Japan’s aptly named weather phenomena … Continue reading Peony snow
Today’s writing advice: “Never hold back.” Continue reading Writing advice, No. 4: Never hold back
Here’s a story and illustration that helped me put some should-haves behind and focus on the present. Continue reading Looking ahead
As I begin drafting a manuscript, I’m reminded that writing memoir is a full-body experience — uncomfortable but healing. Continue reading Writing to let go
Sarah Coomber 