I rarely post an interview to the blog that was previously published elsewhere (you can read those on my publications page). I am making an exception today! Jill Talbot, a gorgeous essayist whom I have long admired, has put together a wonderful collection, The Last Year: Essays, about a unique moment (or year, rather) in…

Sarah Freligh! How I admire her writing! And what an honor and a joy to speak with her this past April about her latest book A Brief Natural History of Women and about archetypes, teaching, waiting tables, swimming in cold water, and so much more! Diane: Sarah, I’ve been dying to interview you forever, but I…

Valentine’s Day, like many holidays of cheer, can sometimes be fraught with mixed emotions. Sure, Valentine’s Day provides a wonderful opportunity to stop and appreciate our loving relationships with partners. But it can also lead to negative self-judgments if we are not living the Hallmark dream.   Maybe it’s best to think of Valentine’s Day…

Anybody else thinking the holidays are coming too soon?   I can’t believe it’s that time again (but it is)! I can’t believe I’m having another birthday (my 62nd)! But I can (and do) believe that there are wonderful things ahead! Here are three things I’m excited for in 2023: I’m editing an anthology coming…

Happy October, Everyone!! How’s everyone doing? That’s not a rhetorical question! I really want to know! I’m feeling a little scattered these days. A bit overcommitted—but not overwhelmed. I’ve taken on a bunch of new projects and am excited for them all! Fall is a terrific season to start digging in those heels—and can be…

Like everyone these days, I have a lot of things on my mind. But I’m having a hard time staying with any single one. I jump around. I feel unsettled. Distracted. Sound familiar? I see this same distraction in many of my ACT/SAT students. When we first begin our sessions together, I ask them how…

I wasn’t planning to write a post for today. Last thing I wanted was to have to write this post. But … as a woman, as a mother, as a daughter, as a deeply saddened–and angry–citizen of this country … here it is. A post that says “Your Voice Matters.” I sincerely hope we all…

It’s Memorial Day, a day on which we honor those who died in active military service. It’s also a day I can’t stop thinking about the schoolchildren who were gunned down by a young man carrying military style weapons. Some Numbers To put things in perspective (if that’s even remotely possible), I’m going to start…

I’ve never been a doom and gloom type. Never. I know things can get pretty bleak and very complicated—I see that. And still. Still. I’ve always held onto hope. Hope (according to dictionary.com) is “the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best” That definition doesn’t…

Okay. I’ll admit it. I’ll confess. Sometimes, when I see plus-sized models, I snicker. Out loud. Sometimes, I comment. It’s never a nice comment. I’m not proud. I’m actually ashamed. And … but … that’s the last thing I should be. “Why?” you might ask. “Diane, that’s awful of you!” you might say. “You—who claim…