Posts by mattyd

Benjamin Robert Haydon was a 19th-century British artist and writer who kept extensive journals throughout his life. He wrote the following entry in April 1845, when he was 59, and still determined to create art regardless of the many obstacles he faced. Tragically, just a year later, he would take his own life. His final…

Last night, after more hours than I wish to remember, I finally finished recording the audiobook for “Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and Brand.” This was the third audiobook that I have recorded. Professional narrators record my novels, but I have recorded all my nonfiction. After days spent in recording booths and…

“The cradle rocks above an abyss, and common sense tells us that our existence is but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness.” ― Vladimir Nabokov Thanks, Vlad. You’ve found a new and even more terrifying way to frighten me about my already terrifying and ever-present fear of death.  

Elysha, Clara, Elysha’s father, and I went to Broadway this weekend to see “Little Shop of Horrors.” Charlie had a play of his own – the last show – and needed to stay behind to operate the spotlight. One song before the first-act finale, the curtain suddenly dropped, and it was announced that the show…

I took Charlie to his first concert on Friday night: Styx at the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, Connecticut. Charlie and I fell in love with the song “Come Sail Away” last summer, and it began his journey into loving Styx. Soon, songs like “Mr. Roboto,” “Renegade,” “Lady,” and “Babe” entered frequent rotation on our playlist.…

I’d like to add one item to this Genx Playground list: No water bottles. Not a single water bottle could be found on any Gen X playground. In fact, most convenience and grocery stores DID NOT SELL WATER IN BOTTLES when I was a kid, and no human being was walking around with a water…

Storytelling, when done even marginally well, can do many things. It improves communication. Assists the storyteller in connecting with their audience. Helps the storyteller be more trustworthy and convincing. It also makes the storyteller more memorable. More engaging. Far more entertaining. Telling a story can actually alter the audience’s brain chemistry. Stories trigger the release…

Back in 2023, I wrote letters to six authors whose work I adore. Near the end of 2023, I received a note from Kate DiCamillo, author of many books, including one of my favorites, “The Tale of Despereaux.” Last week, I received a note from David Sedaris, author of many books – all of which…

I learned a new word this week: Coddiwomple: To travel purposefully toward an as-yet-unknown destination. I love this word. In my book “Someday Is Today,” I discuss the importance of horizon goals. Too often, people establish exceedingly specific goals, absent any flexibility or opportunity for insight, adjustment, revision, or a change of mind. Adherence to…

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Park accepted five African grey parrots in early 2020 and intended to merge them with the existing flock, except one of the parrots swore extensively, and then the other newly adopted four parrots learned how to swear and apparently found great joy in it. These five parrots were then separated and kept…