It's a "Stunning, Unforgettable Collection!"

"Subverting time-worn clichés about beauty and self-acceptance, The Beautiful Anthology delivers a fresh exploration of everything from body art, freckles, and big noses to the misfortunes of musical “perfection,” misguided parenting, birth, and death. It’s a stunning, unforgettable collection."

--Diana Spechler, author the novels Who By Fire (Harper Perennial, 2008) and Skinny (Harper Perennial, 2011).

Note: this cover image may not be used on final book. Search for the book by title, not image.

Established and emerging writers from across the globe are featured together in an exciting new anthology of essays, poems, and art from TNB Books (the publishing imprint and offshoot of the popular literary Web site, The Nervous Breakdown).

Includes essays, stories, poems and art by Robin Antalek, Matthew Baldwin, Jessica Anya Blau, Nora Burkey, Elizabeth Collins, Ronlyn Domingue, Melissa Febos, Rich Ferguson, M. J. Fievre, J. E. Fishman, Gina Frangello, Marni Grossman, James Irwin, Quenby Moone, Uche Ogbuji, Greg Olear, Victoria Patterson, Judy Prince, Rachel Pollon, Lance Reynald, Steve Sparshott, Tyler Stoddard Smith, Stephanie St. John, Catherine Tufariello, Angela Tung, Stephen Walter, and Zoe Zolbrod.


Edited by Elizabeth Collins.

Making the Rounds with my FB Writer Friends

Good writing work advice from the prolific Henry Miller.

Redefining Instruction With Technology: Five Essential Steps

Redefining Instruction With Technology: Five Essential Steps

One teacher learned the hard way that just bringing iPads into the classroom won't truly change things—you have to redefine your practice. (From "Education Week," January 26, 2012)

What Caused the Deficit Problem? Who Ran up the Debt?

Why Liberals Offend the GOP: Because Liberals Help People

And here, for your reading pleasure, is a snippet from my upcoming memoir, 

Too Cool for School. I think it complements the ad above.

Now that an extra, unexpected person was here, the chairs in the principal’s office were  inadequate. ____ to my shock, took the seat next to me, the chair intended for the principal—it went with the man’s desk. My new neighbor scooted very close to me, right in my face, and accused me of all sorts of asinine things—mostly concerning being a "liberal.” This word was spat, repeatedly, like a curse. All of these accusations of my purported “liberal democrat” status had nothing to do with the issue we were there to discuss.

The Reason for the Quiet

I have not been blogging lately (really, only re-posting interesting things I've seen) because of health reasons.

It's not that serious: I just hurt my back (I am not quite sure how; I think the pain began after I sat on the couch one afternoon--something I really never do--to keep my flu-ish daughter company). 

This new back pain, which has been ongoing for about three weeks, makes it very difficult for me to sit in a chair. It also makes it difficult to write or do any computer work. 

I have always been one of those people who thought of others who complained of back pain, "Oh, get over it. You have to keep moving or it will only get worse!" Back pain sufferers were, I always thought, a bit whiny. 

Now, I have empathy. Now, I understand. When back pain strikes, everything is hard. 

Grocery shopping is very difficult right now. So is reaching for the sea salt in a tall cabinet. So is putting on socks or standing up from a supine position.

I think the back pain is easing (it's not as bad as it was, not hardly), but just when I think it's almost gone, it comes back. I am really not sure if it's a pinched nerve, or arthritis, or what.

If you have any words of wisdom, do share. Trust me, I know all the exercises.I do the Tibetan Seven. I use a heating pad. I take joint pain supplements. I think I need a new bed, but aside from that (and realizing that sitting makes the pain worse), I am out of ideas.

I have not seen a chiropractor since I felt that the chiro I saw 10 years ago basically ripped me off. I have seen a masseuse a couple of times. I think that helped, but I know that the issue is still there, inside somewhere.

Anyway, enough about my back! If you have back pain, I sincerely do empathize. You might try what I've tried, in case it helps you. In the meantime, I will blog again with a vengeance when my tailbone can stand it. 

What SOPA and PIPA Will Mean For You and Me: The Crippling Of The Internet {Video}

What SOPA and PIPA Will Mean For You and Me: The Crippling Of The Internet {Video}