There is a special place in my heart for the misfits of this world. For those who can't, or won't, fit in. They are brave souls. They walk along a narrow line which leads them into lonely places. When most of society is squashed into a crowded box, craving popularity, applauding the noise of the… Continue reading Why I love misfits
Some times you get lucky. You're born into a family of your kind of people. You share the same values, the same goofy sense of humour, a sense of loyalty and solidarity. You might even get lucky at school. No bullying for you. You fit in perfectly. You belong. Perhaps the good luck even stretches… Continue reading The antidote to loneliness
How on earth did you reach the conclusion that you don't matter? That no one cares? Perhaps you feel like an infinitesimally small drop of matter in a vast, swirling sea of humanity. Especially when you look at all the others, living busy lives. All of the noise. The drowning colour and light. The sparkle… Continue reading The world is nothing without you
I have a confession to make. I believe in strange things. I believe in unseen worlds, in ancient secrets, in life beyond the senses. Always have, and probably always will. Over the years, I've learnt to keep most of these beliefs to myself so that friends and family don't feel too uncomfortable. From an early… Continue reading Whose life are you living?
We often don't recognise Angels because they look just like regular human beings. The friend who drops everything to help someone in pain. The guy who pulls over on the side of the road to change a stranger's tyre. These souls care deeply about other people, animals, nature. They smile at us out of human… Continue reading What to do if you know an Angel.
Social media. After years of forgetting its existence, I jumped back into the void. Wow, it's intense out there, isn't it? Exciting, sure. There's so much amazing content, uplifting stories, beautiful creative folk making the world a rich and rewarding place to inhabit. I feel like I could take a detour and never return, never… Continue reading What’s stopping you from reaching your goal? Could it be this little known illness?
A handful of years ago, in London, I walked out of a beautiful, butter-stoned hotel, opposite Hyde Park. Magic surrounded me. I'd just finished a spiritual course and I was full of love and joy. It was one of those beautiful afternoons when the world was drenched in light and the air was uncharacteristically warm… Continue reading How writing fiction taught me to love.
As a writer, it's easy to feel insecure. Even after you've completed your first precious draft, even after you've won a competition or two, even after a publisher says the magic word. Even when you see copies of what was once a dream on the shelves of your favourite book store. I suspect that even… Continue reading Writers, are you too tough on yourself?
Murder your darlings The famous words have been attributed to William Faulkner, Ginsberg, Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch and many others. In the end, it doesn't matter who wrote (or said) them, is the phrase good advice? And when it comes to editing our stories do we need to be so brutal? I suspect we do. No matter how… Continue reading Don’t like murder? Try this instead
Yesterday, I read the final paragraph of a beautiful unpublished manuscript. I was excited for the writer because it was a terrific read and even better, not much work was required to get it ready to send out into the world. Mind you, the thought of sending a copy of one's manuscript out to publishers… Continue reading Feeling rejected? You’re not alone.
I'm sorry for the mess. I wanted to tidy up before you arrived, but honestly, I didn't know where to start.
To say I love my kid is the understatement of the century. I've nurtured him, protected him, fussed and worried about him. I've moved from inner city to country and halfway back again because I thought it would be in his best interest. I've chosen schools that were way more than I could afford as a… Continue reading Was I too cautious?
Lisa Reece-Lane 