NOTE: This essay introduced the 2013 Jack Straw Writers Anthology*, written in my role as program curator. For more information about Jack Straw, please visit their website: www.jackstraw.org

Several years ago, when I was working on my second novel, my younger son came up to my office, settled on my lap, put an arm around my shoulders, and asked, with great solemnity, “Mom, what do you do  […read more]