If you're looking for inspiration, or simply something to read and admire, I highly recommend the inimitable Lorrie Moore's story "Childcare," in the July 6/13 issue of the New Yorker. A snippet: I feared that she was one of those women who, instead of laughing, said "That's funny," or, instead of smiling, said, "That's interesting," or instead of saying, "You are a stupid blathering idiot," said, "Well, I think it's a little more complicated than that." It's just her usual hilarity, poignancy, and brilliance, from the first searing word to the last. Your humble fellow wordsmith, SS.