by AnnSheybani | Dec 23, 2019 | Reading, Writing
Long ago, the private high school my daughter attended had a wonderful yearly tradition. At the beginning of summer, they’d mail a reading list–a compilation of each teacher’s favorite books–to the house. Now, I’m sure the design was to...
by AnnSheybani | Dec 16, 2019 | Life, Reading
Years ago, having read Jack Canfield’s Success Principles, Walt and I sat in Ireland and composed our list of goals. We were on our honeymoon and, well, this is just the sort of thing one does on a honeymoon. Anyway, the assignment, as Jack put it, was to create a...
by AnnSheybani | Dec 8, 2019 | Life
When I lived in Iran, the Evil Eye was a force to be reckoned with. To deflect the covetous attention of others, Esfand seeds were burned on a special metal grate after guests left a home. Turquoise jewelry was worn to protect oneself. Salt was placed in children’s... by AnnSheybani | Nov 25, 2019 | Life, Writing
When I was a kid, we’d sit as a family at the dining room table for Thanksgiving and my heart would sink at the sight of the kitchen I’d be expected to clean. Potatoes dripping from the mixer blades onto the floor; the cast iron skillet on the stove top, both of them...
by AnnSheybani | Nov 15, 2019 | Writing
Imagonna throw out a list of questions beginning writers ask all the time, particularly if they’re writing a book that involves stories about their own life. See if you have any of these yourself: • Who the hell cares about my story? I’m no Snookie. • How can I write...
