In this enchanting and lyrical memoir, Frances Mayes details her experiences restoring an abandoned villa named Bramasole in rural Tuscany. The book captures the essence of Italian life, from the discovery of hidden treasures like faded frescos and overgrown vineyards, to the vibrant markets and delightful people of the nearby hill towns. Mayes brings her poetic voice, the eye of a seasoned traveler, and the palate of a cook and food writer to invite readers to explore the pleasures of Italian life and culture.
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].
Bird by Bird is a comprehensive guide to writing that covers various aspects of the craft, from the initial stages of starting a project to the technical details of plot, character, and dialogue. Lamott emphasizes the importance of persistence, faith, and hard work in writing. She advocates for writing imperfect first drafts and warns against the pitfalls of perfectionism and self-criticism. The book also delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of writing, encouraging writers to confront their deepest fears and desires. Lamott's approach is down-to-earth, humorous, and generously filled with personal experiences and practical advice.
This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C.V.'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.
This is our unabridged interview with Drew Holcomb.
”The scarcity of life is what gives it value,” says singer-songwriter Drew Holcomb. “If we all lived forever, there would be no sort of rush to love and rush to justice and rush to mercy and rush to know people.”
Drew’s new album, Memory Bank, co-created with his wife Ellie, is full of personal stories of love, resilience, mortality, and a strong but subtle social conscience. It was his father that inspired the title track on the album saying on their frequent family road trips that “ hope you guys don't expect to inherit anything. I put all my money in the memory bank.” Drew reflects on the impact this perspective has had on him, his art, and his faith.
Drew and Lee also share their excitement about going on tour together this spring, along with Malcolm Gladwell, for No Small Endeavor: Live.
Show Notes
Resources:
Drew’s website
"The Last Sweet Mile" by Allen Levi
Similar NSE episodes:
Drew Holcomb: Fighting Dragons and Singing at Loss
Russ Taff: Music, Addiction, and Redemption
Clay Hobbs: The Wisdom of Numbering Your Days
PDF of Lee's Interview Notes
Transcript
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Great Feeling Studios, the team behind No Small Endeavor and other award-winning podcasts, helps nonprofits and brands tell stories that inspire action. If your organization has a message that deserves to be heard, start your podcast at helpmemakeapodcast.com.
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No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp 
