Category Archives: The Writing Life

Happy Birthday, Pattie C. Burke

Posted on April 18, 2018 by Mary Jo Doig

Pattie and I met more than a decade ago in an online writing group sponsored by the Story Circle Network. As we shared life stories through the months and years that followed, we grew to know what lived in each … Continue reading →

Posted in Grace, Gratitude, The Writing Life | 3 Comments

Parallel Journeys

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Mary Jo Doig

I’m on the homestretch of a deep, final edit of my memoir, Stitching a Patchwork Life, and have found this the most fascinating part of the entire writing journey. The draft topped out at 115,000 words and my goal has been … Continue reading →

Posted in Grace, Health, The Writing Life | 6 Comments

An Incredible Talent for Existing: A Writer’s Story

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Mary Jo Doig

“In 1965, when I was eighteen, I ran away to Portland, Oregon. Running away was an act of rebellion, but also of faith. In one beautiful leap I would escape my family, my past, and the insufferable person I’d been … Continue reading →

Posted in A Wonderful Book, Book Reviews, Childhood, Courage, Gifts, The Writing Life | Leave a comment

Gifts of a Low-Energy Day

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Mary Jo Doig

What to do on a cloudy, low-energy Thursday following a Wednesday filled with heady activities? Yesterday, my neighbor, Rita, invited me for lunch, a fellow writer who also has a long-established animal sanctuary on her property. Her long-time friend, Marilyn, … Continue reading →

Posted in Gifts, Gratitude, Knitting, Simplicity, The Writing Life, Womens' Writing Circles | 3 Comments

A Sweet Evening

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Mary Jo Doig

Each Wednesday evening my newly-formed life-writing circle meets at the Crozet Library from 7-8:45 pm. One of the preparation parts I especially enjoy is making a treat for us. For tonight I decided on chocolate since Valentine’s Day was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Bovina Stories, Gifts, Gratitude, In the Kitchen, The Writing Life, Womens' Writing Circles | Leave a comment

Flying Geese Quilt Pattern

Posted on January 23, 2016 by Mary Jo Doig

I’ve happily returned to quilt-making, to the quilt that will, along with my memoir, represent much of the story of my life. The quilt is comprised of a variety of patterns ranging from the early 1800s, the 1900s, and also … Continue reading →

Posted in Gifts, Mystery, Quilts, The Writing Life | 1 Comment

Literary Citizenship Tips

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Mary Jo Doig

Source: Literary Citizenship Tips

Posted in Mystery, The Writing Life | Leave a comment

Writing Circles

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Mary Jo Doig

Fifteen years ago, on a frigid January morning, I checked off my first New Year’s resolution for 2001: I joined Story Circle Network, a national organization dedicated solely to women with stories to tell. Soon after, I was assigned to … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystery, The Writing Life, Womens' Writing Circles | 5 Comments

The Turtle – My Totem

Posted on January 2, 2016 by Mary Jo Doig

My editor, Linda Hasselstrom, recently returned my manuscript with many richly helpful comments, and an intriguing one that took me on a little research journey. In the chapter I named Ocean Waves, I included a quilt square sample to give … Continue reading →

Posted in Animal friends, Childhood, Gifts, Mother Nature, Mystery, Quilts, The Writing Life | Leave a comment

Unfinished Projects

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Mary Jo Doig

During the past half-century (has it really been that long?) I have enjoyed creating so many kinds of craft projects: sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, candle-making, macramé, creating and selling children’s Quiet Time Books to teach fine motor skills such … Continue reading →