Writers work alone (usually) so sometimes it takes an effort to stay upbeat. I'm focusing on staying happy in July (and into August, September, whatever comes next). A positive attitude really helps you write, even if the plot is dark or the facts grim.

I'll be teaching a travel writing intensive on the afternoons of July 23 and 30 at Annapolis Hall, the Writer's Center. I usually teach online for UCLA, so the in-person workshops are a treat.