F. Scott’s last creation is a warning to the picket line — “Most writers,” the writer F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, “look like writers whether they want to or not. It is hard to say why.” I thought about this recently as the writers of the Writers Guild of America announced they would go on strike against their studio overlords for the…

My search for an acre of escape — It was the rock that caught my eye. Dappled with lichen and lighted by the afternoon sun, it appeared to be the perfect place for contemplation. A spot where you could sit and write your novel, ponder your place in the universe, and perhaps reach some kind of equilibrium with…

Lakes’ Lessons for Life — When autumn’s first chill arrives, the first word that comes to my mind is “Turnover.” It’s a word used by fishermen and lake scientists. A word that represents opportunity and confusion. A phenomenon that makes both trophy hunting and deep study possible. A condition when things that seemed in equilibrium…

The long and winding road to making it happen — I’ve been making my living as a writer for more than twenty years now. During that time I’ve sold six very different books to three pretty different publishers. Along the way, I’ve advised a fair number of young and not-so-young authors on getting into print. It’d be nice if I…

The unfiltered truth about the world’s most popular drink — As readers of this page know, I occasionally ask writers from various backgrounds to contribute their thoughts. This week’s essay comes from Edward (Edie) Mukiibi president of the global Slow Food movement. Edie lives and works in Uganda where he and his family run an agroecological farm. An agronomist, food…

Our oceans are singing us an important song. It’s time to listen. — One of the world’s great ocean currents is slowing much faster than we ever thought it would. This according to a study published last month in the journal Nature. If that current, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, continues to decelerate at its present rate it could…

And your YouTube video and your phone conversation and your . . . — What is the logic that led you to believe that I wanted to listen to your iPhone? Did you lose your airpods? Don’t you have a pair of headphones? Actually, I think you do. But, for some reason, I think you believe that you have a right to my sonic…

Tips and Tricks from a Seasoned Farmer — Beginning this spring Eliza Milio became this page’s junior staff writer. Funded through a fellowship from The Safina Center, Milio worked as an organic farmer in California through some of the toughest conditions the planet could throw at a young grower. She’ll be writing here about the intersection of climate…

A good story, well told is more valuable than dragon’s gold — As readers of this page know, I occasionally ask writers from various backgrounds to contribute their thoughts. This week’s essay comes from Matt Greenberg, a fantasy, science fiction and horror screenplay writer based in Los Angeles. His credits include Pet Semetary, Halloween H20 and Reign of Fire. This essay points…