Sometimes when I'm stuck and can't think of anything to write, I take a few steps from my comfy, red couch over to my bookshelf. I close my eyes and run my fingers along the spines of all my books and pick one (without peeking, of course!). Then I open the book to the first chapter and read the first line. 

   That, I decide, is going to be my inspiration.

Today is "Blame Somebody Else Day." Well, actually, I just googled it and found a bunch of sites saying that it's celebrated on April 14th. Contrariwise, I also found a bunch of sites confirming today. Who knows? In honor of the day, let me say that an editor that shall remain nameless (hint: not Melanie), told me about it.

It's not my fault! Ha.

Publisher's Note: The following blog entry contains graphic details about the wonderful game of tennis. Please read all the way to the end for the writing tip.

I love tennis. I love it. I do. And Andre Agassi has always been "my guy." These days, he's an old man in the tennis world. At 35, you have to begin to realize that retirement is in your near future. But last night in the Quarterfinals match at the U.S. Open, Agassi was young and brilliant again... and I missed it.

 One of the things I like best about traveling is the chance it gives me to make surprising discoveries.

I can't stop thinking about Hurricane Katrina. I can't stop thinking about the helpless victims, the tragic loss of life, and the thousands of stranded inhabitants of New Orleans who are struggling to survive in a city that has no electricity, no running water, and a broken network of communications. It's heartbreaking.

 

I'm also saddened by the devastation that has struck the Crescent City (as New Orleans is also known). Its vibrant neighborhoods, lush gardens, and bustling bistros are now drowning like Lego blocks in a bathtub full of water from Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River. What future awaits this beautiful city and its rich architectural and literary trails?