Memoirists often talk about life-changing moments. Identifying them is an essential step in turning lived experience into art.

The prompt: Write a poem that includes the phrase "The life you have." Morning walk, Foret de Fontainebleau, Rue des Princes. Nothing...

The women behind the pies did what they had to do. They got on with it. They managed.

Mr. T has been on dialysis for six years. We are captives of the French health-care system. My diary is about making every day count.