Are you a parent/ grandparent who is stumped when your child/ grandchild asks you for a story every night? If so, the post is just right for you. And I can tell you; it really works. I hit upon the idea of interactive stories one night when my son after seven…

(Conversations in a monastery) (Scene in a monastery. Seated are PLATO, EINSTEIN, JOSHU, AN ONLOOKER, SANKARA, DISCIPLE1 and DISCIPLE2. DISCIPLE1 sits near JOSHU and ONLOOKER near PLATO) DISCIPLE 1: (To JOSHU) Master JOSHU, I am confused by what you say. What is the sound of one hand clapping? JOSHU: Come…

Croans are zen-like questions or statements concerning a crow. If you meditate on these every day for three days or one year, whichever is shorter, you will get enlightened. What is the difference between a crow? Would a crow by any other name caw as loudly? All crows are crows, except others. If you were the only crow in the world, would you still love other crows? Can you remove the blackness from a crow?

Stephen King advises the murder of your darlings — some of the best parts of your writing that may not resonate with your target audience. This is fantastic advice. At best, it will be a piece of self-indulgence that jerks the reader back from his immersion in your writing. …