One of the most satisfying things about Riehlife is connecting with new readers and hearing their thoughts. Matt Kulak commented on “Just as the Sun Went Down”–a Civil War song chosen by my father Erwin A. Thompson. Here’s a lovely letter he wrote to Pop. –Janet __________ So although the facts may disappear from history,…
This book should be required reading for all Peace Corps Volunteers!–Erwin A. Thompson, my father praising Mary Trimble’s new book “Tubob” ( My father’s written 40 novels. At almost 97 he delights in reading these on his computer screen, which helps with his failing eyesight. He rarely reads books written by others. And so it…
In 2006 after Sightlines: A Poet’s Diary was published, I gave a series of talks in California, Illinois, and New Mexico. In each talk I included stories, commentary, music, and poetry from Sightlines. I have these talks at readings posted on Riehlife, but checking on them now I find that the transcripts are truncated. You…
“See this movie,” a friend texted. So, I did. Afterwards, walking through the lobby, my companion asked me “So, what do you think?” “Fierce and tender.” “Beasts of the Southern Wild” was made with courage and love. It took the Sundance and the Cannes Film Festivals by surprise and by storm. Conceivably this may be…
It’s Saturday. My turn to spend time with my father. I’m ready to go. And, then, I’m not. My cold–or, whatever it is–takes a turn for the worse. I’ve been struggling with it for several months now. It keeps coming back, or, maybe it never leaves. I’ve called Pop several times, but he’s been out…
It’s a truism that artists would rather dodge promotion as much as dodging a bullet. There are holes in that, of course. Some creative folks enjoy creating promotion as much as creating the the work itself. However…for those of us who are timid and sometimes thwarted by promoting our work, here are some thoughts. All…
When I was job hunting in the Bay Area in California in the late 1980s, I found that I had to offer something compelling to persuade people to meet me for an information interview. For example, on the phone with an image and communication consultant I was put on the spot. Why should she meet…
I’m part of the virtual book tour for Yvonne Perry’s latest book, “Shifting into Purer Consciousness:Integrating Spiritual Transformation with the Human Experience.” Yvonne Perry and I became blogging buddies after my book “Sightlines: A Poet’s Diary” came out. Later, I met her in Nashville when her son-in-law Scott Kidd was the sound editor for “Sightlines:…
Image from University of Arkansas: The Office for Campus Sustainability I met Khadijah Lacina through Story Circle Network. She is a regular guest columnist for Riehlife. This is the third post in her series on Creative Parenting. 1) 2) Creative Parenting: My Head Is Full of Poems Creative Parenting: Poverty as Creative Catalyst In her…
Dear Creative Pals, I’m part of a blogging consortium for Story Circle Network’s blog “Telling Her Stories.” My monthly column is Creative Catalyst. This month’s topic is building a body of work. I use my experience learning how to make digital art using the Doodler app on my smart phone. It’s been great fun to…