Remembering is hard. Christmas without a loved one is hard. Not having money is hard, especially when you’re older. And so freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose, to quote the famous song. And the open road beckons. This weekend I rented Nomadland, the Oscar-winning film based on the 2017 nonfiction bookContinue reading “A Woman and the Open Road”
Author Archives: Susan G. Weidener
The Life and Death of a Writer
I remember her perky brown eyes and short curly brown hair. She loved to write and had contributed to our anthology, Slants of Light: Stories and Poems from the Women’s Writing Circle. Yesterday I reread her story, a beautifully penned tribute to her mother-in-law, a woman she had known since childhood and admired as mentorContinue reading “The Life and Death of a Writer”
The Journey of Writing Your Story
A writer does many things to present a compelling story, but perhaps the most important is conveying her message, her take on the world. In that regard, almost every writer must dig deep into her spiritual resources, her soul, if you will. Who is she? What is the divine power behind her creative journey? In TheContinue reading “The Journey of Writing Your Story”
Fruits of Summer
Although I don’t live in the country, I live in what used to be country. The vestiges of farms and farm markets, produce stands and open fields abound within an easy drive. You might say I have the best of both worlds. Country at my fingertips and the city of Philadelphia a 40-minute drive away,Continue reading “Fruits of Summer”
The Truth of a Woman’s Story
Last week I wrote about writing as a way of picking up the pieces. This week I spoke to women trying hard to do just that … pick up the pieces of their lives after Covid. Some downsized, some gave up smoking, some joined AA. Some struggle with where do I go from here? and whatContinue reading “The Truth of a Woman’s Story”
Writing to Pick Up the Pieces
Following Covid, a lot of us felt as if we were languishing. Finding it hard to pick up the pieces. A man I barely know confessed as much to me the other day. “I don’t know where to go from here,” he said. He hoped to restart his business, but time would tell. That’s probablyContinue reading “Writing to Pick Up the Pieces”
Ireland and The Writer’s Life
In Dublin we followed in the footsteps of James Joyce’s protagonist Leopold Bloom, past townhouses with blue and red doors and window boxes brimming with pink petunias. Around every corner and turn, Ireland offered lessons in writing and poetry. Whether Irish or not, whether writer or not, Ireland deeply moves you. From its rugged coastlines toContinue reading “Ireland and The Writer’s Life”
Women of the East and Southwest
She stands alone with windswept hair, eyes closed as if she were at one with the land. In a nearby courtyard redolent with the aroma of jasmine, a mother and daughter share an eternal moment under high blue skies. The statues of tribal women of the Southwest offer a moment of reflection for the womanContinue reading “Women of the East and Southwest”
Women Who Write Memoir
As writers, we move out of the way and craft real life characters and narratives that resonate with readers. Good writing is built on not worrying about inappropriateness. This “confidence of voice” has been especially challenging for women. Silencing confident women remains prevalent in our society. Although I wrote a version of this post almost fourContinue reading “Women Who Write Memoir”
The Year Of Writing and Books
During this past year, writing saved me. Writing evokes tremendous energy. Time spent writing is never wasted. Walks through woods along paths of creamy dogwood and raspberry-sorbet trees, inspire reflection … always a good use of time. She remembered exploring her grandparents’ house as a little girl, especially the second floor sewing room. Pink-cheeked chinaContinue reading “The Year Of Writing and Books”
Along the Writer's Way 