In the Uruba tribe of Africa, children are named not only at birth but throughout their lives by their characteristics and the events that befall them. What would your name be if you followed this tradition?

In this video, NY Times bestselling author, Elizabeth Gilbert, muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses — and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person “being” a genius, all of us “have” a genius. It’s a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk and will change the way you think about your creativity.

The poem of the week is Trust, by Thomas R. Smith. When I was going through a very difficult time in my life a few years ago, someone I respected a great deal told me to, “Trust the process.” I did and I still do. And I would add: May we all show up at our intended destinations.

Talk about getting your work out there. This guy is leaving his art on sidewalks all over the world. Julian Beever is an English artist who has created his 3D masterpieces on pavements in England, France, Germany, USA, Australia and Belgium. Which is your favorite?

William Faulkner, a Nobel Prize-winning American author and considered one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, once said,

The writer’s only responsibility is to his art. He will be completely ruthless if he is a good one.

There are life lessons in everything. And sometimes the biggest life lessons are found in the least expected places. Here are the 12 Life Lessons I’ve learned, so far, from watching American Idol.

I had dreamed about going to Italy for years. I went there, in part, to do research for Seeking Sara Summers because some of the novel takes place in Italy. I love doing research that involves travel! The novel I’m working on now is set in the Georgia low country, near Savannah, which is a little closer to home. I feel a road trip coming on!