You may have noticed that Word on the Street has a slightly different look now. I had been wanting to switch up the look and feel of my blog for some time, so when the widgets on my blog stopped working last week, I decided it was a good excuse for a change. While browsingContinue reading “A few changes to the blog”
Author Archives: Mallary Tenore Tarpley
New Yorker’s Orlean: ‘Writing is equal parts heart & muscle’
I love this tweet I saw last week from New Yorker writer and author Susan Orlean: “Writing is equal parts heart & muscle: the heart to fall in love with a story you want to tell, the muscle to get it done.” That’s so true, especially when it comes to personal stories that mean aContinue reading “New Yorker’s Orlean: ‘Writing is equal parts heart & muscle’”
3 simple steps to becoming a better writer: Read, write, and talk about reading and writing
I’ve always thought that to be a good writer, you have to be an avid reader. Reading exposes you to different writing styles and helps you figure out which style(s) you identify with most. It can also give you ideas for stories, characters or scenes. I’ve always loved to read and write, and have oftenContinue reading “3 simple steps to becoming a better writer: Read, write, and talk about reading and writing”
Clara the Cat isn’t perfect, but she’s just what I need
I’ll admit it — I’m a Cat Lady. I have just one cat, but I love her and spoil her as if she were my kid. For the past three years, Clara the Cat been there. Whenever I come home after a long day at work, she greets me, silently meowing from behind panes ofContinue reading “Clara the Cat isn’t perfect, but she’s just what I need”
Women in tech deserve more coverage, attention
This New York Magazine story does a good job describing “the Steve Jobs & Mark Zuckerbergs of the future,” but it perpetuates the false notion that there aren’t innovative female programmers worth highlighting or quoting as sources. Not one woman is mentioned or quoted in the 4,200-word story. As I read the piece, I wasContinue reading “Women in tech deserve more coverage, attention”
My not-so-simple response to the question: ‘So, why did you become a vegetarian?’
Earlier this summer, I ate a piece of red meat. It was the first time I had eaten meat in two-and-a-half years, and for a while after, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. My boyfriend had given me a tiny sliver of beef from his enchillada after I made a deal with him. “l knowContinue reading “My not-so-simple response to the question: ‘So, why did you become a vegetarian?’”
Teaching Twitter to journalists, hoping to make an impact
Today I taught in a Poynter seminar for news anchors. As I was getting situated in the classroom before everyone else had arrived, I wondered if I had what it took to teach such an experienced group of journalists. But as the anchors entered the room, it became clear that I had little to worryContinue reading “Teaching Twitter to journalists, hoping to make an impact”
Finding confidence, pursuing new opportunities at work
There are times when I lack motivation and wonder if the work I’m doing is having an impact. I think we all feel that way from time to time, especially if we’re not getting the reinforcement we need at work. I’m lucky enough to have a boss who gives me a lot of constructive feedback.Continue reading “Finding confidence, pursuing new opportunities at work”
14 years later, still finding signs that Mom’s with me
This Sunday, my Mom would have been 55. She died all too early at age 40 after a battle with breast cancer that robbed her of the ability to accomplish all her goals in life. The cancer weakened her physically, but it taught her to be a fighter — to bear the side effects ofContinue reading “14 years later, still finding signs that Mom’s with me”
Slowing down long enough to relax, smell the flowers
Whenever I tell my grandma I’ve been super busy, she responds with the same advice. “Maaaaallary, you need to stop and smell the flowers.” “I know, I know,” I tell her, rolling my eyes. Slow down? Yeah right. The other day, though, I followed her advice. Literally. As I was running, I saw a flowerContinue reading “Slowing down long enough to relax, smell the flowers”
Word on the Street 