Book review of The Purpose of Getting Lost: A Story of Finding Myself by Tracy Smith 2026, 264 pages As I read The Purpose of Getting Lost: A Story of Finding Myself by Tracy Smith, I couldn’t help but think that in many ways, this is every woman’s story. Don’t we all face change when…
What does it mean to be an “elder”? Some years ago, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and realized I had crossed a line. Fading was the taut skin and the ease of taking my appearance for granted. I didn’t see myself as “old,” exactly, but I knew that’s where I was…
Living well without fear: Safety awareness by Sheri McGregor, M.A. The recent story of Nancy Guthrie—an older woman taken from her home in the night—has captivated me and many of us. It’s so mysterious and disconcerting. A nice, much-loved woman living a settled, connected life. She appeared to live the kind of life many of…
Thirty days of awe: An Invitation to “magic” Notice the quiet wonders that help settle a restless mind by Sheri McGregor, M.A. Yesterday morning, a blue heron walked past my bathroom window. Toothbrush in hand, I held my breath and watched as he walked earnestly, beak pointed straight ahead. This time of year, the gophers…
Book Review of They Don’t See It … But You Do: How to Plant A Seed: Gently naming Abuse By Tracy A. Malone 2025, 68 pages In my work with parents of estranged adult children, I frequently hear of fully no-contact relationships that parents later realize began with what I call an adversarial…
Recently, I sent out one of my newsletters and immediately began receiving replies about the links. Subscribers were getting “site not secure” messages whenever they clicked through. Uh-oh. What’d I do wrong? Embarrassed, I felt a flush of heat on my face and reminded myself what was happening in my brain. A short circuit that’s…
by Sheri McGregor, M.A. September, with its changing light and cooler air, marks a shift between physical seasons as well as a change of rhythm or pace for life. It’s a threshold, a crossing that shifts us from one season, into another. I see it in the shorter days, the falling acorns, and the spider…
Veterans Day Reads This year, I’m honoring veterans by suggesting books by or about them. Here, I’ve chosen a few that I’ve read or that have been recommended to me. Perhaps you’ll find them of interest. It’s a small way for me to honor veterans (and fellow authors). If you read any of these books,…
Is an inciting incident keeping you stuck? by Sheri McGregor, M.A. Sometimes, a single incident can wield such a strong blow that the course of our life is changed. Fiction writers call this an “inciting incident.” In a satisfying story, the hero/ine heeds the “call to action” (another writerly term), and the story unfolds to…
Nonfiction book review: Get Your Book Seen and Sold by Claudine Wolk & Julie Murkette 122 pages, Lost Valley Press, 2023 book review by William J. Grote It’s easier than ever before to get your book into the market, but getting the word out about your newly published tome and directing them to where it’s…
