Category Archives: Writing

My Portland Adventures in Storytelling

Posted on by January 21, 2015

Storytelling, live literature, oral histories, whatever you want to call it. I’ve been completely hooked on this for a few years now.

I fell in love with the format immediately because it reminded me of hanging around my family when aunts, uncles and cousins would share hilarious stories from long ago. Like the time my cousin inadvertently caught a snake in his mouth or when my sister tried to fly.

Tad's Chicken n' Dumplings' monthly storytelling show has been around for three years.

Tad’s Talks is a monthly storytelling show that has been around for three years.

All … Read more ...

Tasty Tuesdays: Portland’s Cadillac Cafe has good pancakes, a real Cadillac and breakfast martinis

Posted on by May 27, 2014

I told my new chiropractor of my quest to find a writing space in Portland and he recommended the Cadillac Cafe.

The pink Cadillac inside the Cadillac Cafe.

The pink Cadillac inside the Cadillac Cafe.

I was expecting a coffee shop vibe that’s similar to the other spots I’ve visited, but no, this is a laid back, serves-breakfast-all-day diner. There’s a real pink Cadillac in the main dining area and something I’ll call “The Garden Room.” Where the walls are glass, there’s a fireplace and the tables and chairs are either … Read more ...

You’re Not Alone: Women, Writing and Online Networking

Posted on by May 18, 2014

Writing is lonely, especially that first draft. You kinda know what you want to say, but aren’t sure how to get there and there’s always a surprise blip along the way that throws you off your game.

Then you begin to wonder, is this piece even any good? You need another set of eyes. You need a writing group. A collective of people whose honest opinions and writing talents you respect and who push and inspire you to be a better writer.

Jessica Null Vealitzek reads her debut novel, The Rooms Are Filled.

Jessica Null Vealitzek

… Read more ...

Tasty Tuesdays: Marina’s, a Portland cafe with a cause

Posted on by May 14, 2014

Let me tell you guys about one my ventures to find a new spot in Portland. As I mentioned before, I’m going to bring you along on my coffee shop exploits as I try to find a good place to write.

This is a place that I stumbled upon by accident.

Marina's Kafe in Portland.

Marina’s Kafe in Portland.

Let me back up a bit and tell you that I’m on the hunt for vintage airplanes for the boys’ room. So every time I see a vintage store … Read more ...

Meet the Author: Jessica Vealitzek talks up her new book, how to write a novel as SAHM and getting published

Posted on by April 21, 2014

Tuesday is the big day! It’s the big launch of my friend’s first novel, “The Rooms Are Filled.”

My friend's beautifully written novel.

My friend’s beautifully written novel.

It’s a touching story of a young boy who was forced to leave his family farm after his father suddenly dies and his mom can’t afford to keep the land. They move to suburban Chicago and he struggles to adjust to a very different environment. That same struggle is taking place with his young, closeted teacher and they form a beautiful bond.… Read more ...