Welcome to Pairings

Diving deep into the creative evolution of a seasoned art director turned full-time author on the Hill Country Authors Podcast.

With so many Texas authors to applaud and read in May during Texas Writers Month, are you wondering where to start?

Even the dystopian novels I'm reading these days aren't predicting that. Instead, they're showing us our history, and a way forward.

These authors found inspiration in the hidden histories of accomplished women, whose achievements went untold.

Just like everyone else, we face choices. But the choices authors face aren't exactly like the ones you're imagining.

Quitter's Day has come and gone, and with it, 80% of our 2025 New Year Resolutions. It's not too late for this smoother means to success.

How does inspiration strike? For these authors, it's the random events in everyday life that sparked ideas for their novels.

Henry Miller's own Eleven Commandments of Writing helped him maintain his focus on work in progress. Can they help with yours, too?

Knowing when to stop writing is a lot easier than starting to write in the first place. But it's simple: You just have to show up.

Don’t let fear become the biggest influence in your creative life. Find your commitment to painting and writing by delving into your fears.

Don’t fight it. Creativity is a choice. Once you make it, the ups, and the downs, are the fun part.

Life provides obstacles, but you can choose what you focus on

Hitting the road is part of my creative process. And I never pass by a historical marker without braking.

"The work never never matches the dream of perfection the artist has to start with" — William Faulkner

When you let go, you create space for something else to move in to your life, as Holiday Mathis told me in my horoscope.

Embrace your dual gifts: you can inhabit two worlds, and you can slide between them with ease. It’s just what writers do.

In one short paragraph author Flannery O'Connor nails down her work ethic — one that will motivate your creative soul.

Inspiration comes from many places. No use pretending it all comes out of our heads with no other stimulation. We rely on influences.

Inspiration shows up anywhere and everywhere. But motivation isn’t as reliable.

What I like best about photography is that there’s always another photo. Since I can shoot with the camera that's always in my pocket.