I have always loved music but find it a mystery how composers discover melodies in their heads.
Recently, someone asked why and how I write essays, and I had to think about that. Sometimes,
there is a flash of insight while watching a movie or reading a book. I jogged out of the theater
during the end credits for Shrek Forever After to write notes that turned into an essay that night
(‘Reel to Real”). Sometimes, a quote or a thought roll around in my head for a long time, and
then, other thoughts or memories appear and eventually an essay forms from a string of ideas and
the recognition of a conclusion (“Nothing Good is ever Lost.”) Although the inspirations are
personal, I know the need to ponder, to understand, to heal and grow, are universal. I have
shared essays for over a decade with friends, and I have been struck over the years at how my
Recently, someone asked why and how I write essays, and I had to think about that. Sometimes,
there is a flash of insight while watching a movie or reading a book. I jogged out of the theater
during the end credits for Shrek Forever After to write notes that turned into an essay that night
(‘Reel to Real”). Sometimes, a quote or a thought roll around in my head for a long time, and
then, other thoughts or memories appear and eventually an essay forms from a string of ideas and
the recognition of a conclusion (“Nothing Good is ever Lost.”) Although the inspirations are
personal, I know the need to ponder, to understand, to heal and grow, are universal. I have
shared essays for over a decade with friends, and I have been struck over the years at how my
