The Journal of Cultural Conversation

What 5 Books Should I Take On Vacation?

This is a guest post from brilliant friend and fellow writer Brian Atwood. I am going on my first ‘real’ vacation in two years next week. The birth of my daughter and a job promotion has lately conspired against my ability to spend some overdue time doing nothing. But, finally, my wife and I are [...]

March 22, 2011 CONTINUE READING →

On Water For Elephants and Ape House: Catching Up With Sara Gruen

Editor’s note: This was originally published in May 2009. A few readers asked about it since the film Water for Elephants is slated to release in April, starring Reese Witherspoon. Read on to find out more about Sara Gruen’s inspiration for the book, her other projects and a few tips for writers. I’m thrilled to [...]

March 15, 2011 CONTINUE READING →

My New Writing Home on The Huffington Post

I’m excited to announce that in addition to writing here at The Journal of Cultural Conversation, I’ll also be writing over at The Huffington Post. My first post went up on Thursday, which you can find here. More to come! I invite you all to also follow me there and, as always, feel free to [...]

March 12, 2011 CONTINUE READING →

International Women’s Day: Who Will You Honor?

As some of you may know, today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. There are events happening all over the world – from gatherings and topic-based meet-ups, to educational sessions and in some cases, peaceful protests. It’s a day that’s always been important to me and for many of my friends – we’re Tweeting, posting [...]

March 8, 2011 CONTINUE READING →

Writing To Change The World

Many avid readers are also aspiring, published or obsessed writers. If you’re like me, I always had an excuse not to write. A manic work schedule, not enough time, too much wine. I’ve justified my writing laziness like nobody’s business. Until Mary Pipher’s magnetic book came into my world. Writing to Change the World inspired [...]

March 5, 2011 CONTINUE READING →

Where The Food Is: The Simple Kitchen

I’ve been known on many after work evening occasions to walk into The Simple Kitchen in Chelsea, my neighborhood go-to, and simply pick up a few yummy fruit and nut oatmeal bars. Yum. But of course, there’s more to The Simple Kitchen than satisfying my endless dessert cravings. From its own delicious hummus and winter [...]

February 26, 2011 CONTINUE READING →

What I Love Most About Reading

I was on the plane to Grand Cayman a few days ago, on the way to visit my sister, brother-in-law and brand new nephew. As with all of my trips, I packed a truckload full of books. Sure, I have an iPad and Kindle, but can’t quite make the leap yet. On the flight, I [...]

February 18, 2011 CONTINUE READING →

Love, Love, Love: Blogs I’m Digging

Like most bloggers, I read a mountain of blogs – not only to keep up with the latest on technology, SEO tips and content creation ideas, but also to discover – and in many cases, build relationships, with the other amazing bloggers out there spreading useful and creative messages. Every few months, I make sure [...]

February 12, 2011 CONTINUE READING →