Writing or creativity of any kind is a mysterious process, a journey into deep and unchartered waters. What you need is a compass… the Tarot.
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, JULY 6, 2015 Theme, 5 of Wands. Wands is the element of Fire in the realm of spirit, creativity, career, work. Five is a challenging number. Here, the challenge this week is that of too many ideas, projects or roles fighting within you for
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, JUNE 22, 2015 Theme, 9 of Coins. Coins is the element of Earth in the realm of home, health, wealth. Nine is the number of completion. This week, look for where finishing details need to be added to current projects to enhance the beauty
I like writing to be more portable and flexible. I like writing to be something that fits into cracks and crannies. I don’t like it to dominate my life. I like it to fill my life. There is a big difference. ~ Julia Cameron, The Right to Write I do
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, JUNE 15, 2015 Theme, The Lovers. This Major Arcana card as it relates to creativity is often about bringing the intuitive and active, inner and outer aspects of the creative act together. It is in listening to your intuition and allowing that creative spark
We learn geology the morning after the earthquake. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Earth. The element of certainty and security. It’s the ground we walk on, the home we live in (whose foundations are planted in the ground), the income (coins) we earn. The food we eat, and the health of
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, JUNE 8, 2015 Theme, 3 of Swords. Swords is the element of Air in the realm of mind, thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and communication, especially writing. Three is a number of group work, but also triangles as in love, or disappointment and jealousy. Hurtful messages
Believe in your own identity and your own opinions. Writing is an act of ego, and you might as well admit it. ~ William Zinsser Author William Zinsser died last week. He wrote the book On Writing Well. I love the idea that to be a writer, I must first
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 5/18/2015 Theme, 3 of Coins. Coins is the element of Earth in the realm of home, health, wealth, the physical and material. Three is a number of shift and change. See how the craftsman works on carving out details and adding the sparkle to
Fire is a good companion for the mind. ~ May Sarton ~ Fire. Not the element you’d normally associate with spring. And yet, if it wasn’t for the heat, the fire of that ever-nearing sun warming the Northern Hemisphere, snow and ice wouldn’t melt and fill the rivers, and lakes.
This is my tenth post in this special series by Beth Barany and I on Travel and Writing. In this post, we talk about the value of those nighttime experiences for your stories. Also, get information on our retreats, Beth’s in Paris, and my VIW (Very Important Writer) retreats here
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 5/4/2015 Theme, 10 of Wands. Wands is the element of Fire in the realm of Spirit, creativity, career, work. Ten is that tipping point between ending and beginning. This week, look at what projects need to be completed in order to make room for
We all end in the ocean We all start in the streams We’re all carried along By the river of dreams In the middle of the night ~Billy Joel, River of Dreams~ In classical Greek thought and other ancient world philosophies, it was believed that the simplest parts that made
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 4/27/2015 Theme, The Magician. A Major Arcana card with lots of energy, the Magician is the person who knows how to move ideas from the energetic realm of the mind into the physical realm. This week look for opportunities to move from inspired idea
For this post in this special series by Beth Barany and I on Travel and Writing, we share about the importance of following the bread crumbs of curiosity when you travel in order to discover new stories, settings and information. Look for more posts from us every other Wednesday. And
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 4/13/2015 Theme, Page of Swords. Swords is the element of Air in the realm of mind, thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and communication. The Page is the messenger and errand runner. This week, look for opportunities to get the word out about your work, especially over
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 4/6/2015 Theme, 5 of Cups. Five is a challenging number, a tipping point. Will you meet the challenge or surrender? Cups is the element of Water in the realm of heart, feelings, emotions, dreams, intuitions and creativity. This week, look at where you find
Bob and I live out in the country on a wooded five acres. The only Starbucks is about 20+ miles into Albany or its suburbs. When Bob and I travel, one of our traveling treats is to stop at a Starbucks for his coffee and my chai latte. Oh, and
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 3/30/2015 Theme, 10 of Cups. Cups is the element of Water in the realm of heart, feelings, emotions, intuition, dreams, and creativity. 10 is pivotal point of transition from one completed phase into the beginning of a new phase. This week, enjoy that sense
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 3/23/2015 Theme, Knight of Swords. Swords is the element of Air in the realm of mind, thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and communication. The Knight is the Champion of the realm. He uses his training and resources to serve and protect. This week, use your training
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 3/9/2015 Theme, Queen of Wands. Wands is the element of Fire in the realm of spirit, creativity, career, and work. The Queen has power to nurture others as well as herself. This week, look where you are called or challenged to be fiercely passionate
And the baby bear’s bed was just right. This past weekend, Bob and I went shopping for a new mattress. I felt like Goldilocks, moving from mattress to mattress, looking for the one that felt just right. This bed was too hard, that one was too soft, this was one
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 2015 Theme, 3 of Cups. Cups is the element of Water in the realm of heart, feelings, emotions, dreams, intuition, creativity. Three is a number of shift and of magic. This week, look for opportunities and occasions to celebrate you and your creativity. Like
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 2/16/2015 Theme, Judgement. This Major Arcana card urges you to answer the call this week, the deeper, sacred call of your divine creativity. Haven’t heard the call? Then listen for it this week. Focus, 4 of Cups. Cups is the element of Water in
MONDAY TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 2/9/2015 Theme, 5 of Cups. This week look for where past fears and disappointments are keeping you from stepping out with your creative work. Be aware of any timidity or “What if it doesn’t work? What if no one likes it?” Time to be
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE Theme, The Empress. A Major Arcana card as the theme for this week suggests that you are about to give birth to a new creative project. Can you feel it ready to emerge into consciousness and the world? The card also reminds you that
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 1/26/2015 Theme, Ace of Coins. Coins is the element of Earth in the realm of home, health, wealth, anything you can touch, taste, feel. This week, look for where and when you need to plant the seed (Ace), take the first physical step of
For this seventh post in this special series by Beth Barany and me on Travel and Writing, we share our personal experiences with how body language can communicate culture and country, and how you can use your experience of it to add dimension and detail to characters and setting. Look
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 1/19/2015 Theme, Knight of Cups. Cups is the element of Water in the realm of heart, feelings, dreams, intuitions and creativity. The Knight is the one who serves and protects the realm with all the resources and training he has at hand. This week,
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE Theme, Ace of Wands. For the second week in a row, the Ace of Wands appears in this position…just in case you didn’t get the message last week. Ace as the seed with all potential, all possibility and Wands in the realm of spirit,
Welcome to the sixth installment in this special series by Beth Barany and I on Travel and Writing. We are offering information, tips, techniques and tools for writers who are traveling for business, pleasure or on retreat. Look for more posts from us every other Wednesday. And get information on
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 1/5/2015 Theme, Ace of Wands. A great way to start the New Year, the Ace is a seed containing all potential, all possibility. In the suit of Wands, the element of Fire, the realm of Spirit, creativity, career, work. This week, be aware of
Do you make New Year resolutions and set goals? If you do, and all you do is write them down—or even if you write out some of the steps and actions involved—then you are doomed to failure. Doomed. Why? Because new goals and changes require an environment to support them.
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 12/29/2014 Theme, 2 of Wands. Wands is the element of fire in the realm of spirit, creativity, career, and work. Two is often about choices and balance. This week, instead of believing you have to choose one or the other creative project or opportunity
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 12/15/2014 Theme, 2 of Swords. Swords is the element of Air in the the realm of mind, thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and communication. Two is often about balance and choice. The theme for this week is to stop weighing choices and options over and over,
Part of the holiday season usually involves travel, to family and friends or on a getaway, which makes this the perfect time for the fifth installment of this series by Beth Barany and I on Travel and Writing. Whatever you write, we offer information, tips, techniques and tools for writing
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 12/8/2014 Theme, 7 of Coins. Coins is the element of Earth in the realm of the physical such as home, health, wealth. Seven is that number of introspection, contemplation, focus. Here, the focus is on the harvest. What is ready to gather, what still
“Just say, ‘To hell with ’em! Say it! Say it aloud!” So says Dina Delsanto (played by Juliette Binoche), a painter and teacher in the movie, Words and Pictures also starring Clive Owen. Delsanto, who struggles to paint despite a debilitating condition, says this to a female high school student
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse Theme, 3 of Cups. Three is a magic number and Cups, the element of Water, is in the realm of the heart, feelings, dreams, intuitions and creativity. This card is all about the celebration and after all, it is that time of year. This
In this series, Beth Barany and I continue to share with you the magic of travel and writing. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, novels, short stories, personal essays or keep journals, we offer information, tips, techniques and tools for making the most of your travel for your writing. Look
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 11/24/2014 Theme, Judgement. A Major Arcana card, here the Muse calls you to a bigger creative vision or project, one that may challenge you but also serve you and others. Listen for the call this week. Focus, 5 of Cups. Cups is the element
I’m about to tell you something really embarrassing. For the last few months, I’ve been stalled on my manuscript. Yep, the book coach was floundering. I had 70,000 words written but couldn’t figure out what the next 10,000 or so had to be in order to get to the last
In this series, Beth Barany and I continue to share with you the magic of travel and writing. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, novels, short stories, personal essays or keep journals, we offer information, tips, techniques and tools for making the most of your travel for your writing. Look
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 11/10/2014 Theme, King of Swords. Swords is the element of Air in the realm of mind, thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, communications. The King has power, resources and the big picture. In this instance, note how he does not have to wave his sword to exude
Halloween, Samhain, and Dia de Muertos, All Saint’s Day. These holidays mark the time of year when the veils between the worlds are thin and dreams of those who have died are common. So, not surprisingly, I dreamed a few nights ago of my mother who died in 1984. I
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE Theme, Knight of Swords. Swords is the element of Air in the realm of mind, thoughts attitudes, beliefs and communication. The Knight is the one with training, tools, and experience who uses them in service to the realm. This week, take advantage of opportunities
Join Beth Barany and I as we share with you the magic of travel and writing. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, novels, short stories, personal essays or keep journals, we offer information, tips, techniques and tools for using travel to inspire, inform, enrich and empower your writing. Look for
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE FOR OCTOBER 27, 2014 Theme, Queen of Coins. Coins is the element of Earth in the realm of home, health and wealth. This Queen is at home in her castle and knows how to make it a beautiful place for others to dwell. Beauty
Because of the two weddings Bob and I recently attended, the idea of commitment has been on my mind. I love weddings and witnessing couples affirm their love for each other and then dare to commit to journey together into the future—for better or for worse. As with the marriage
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE Theme, 7 of Wands. Wands is the element of Fire in the realm of Spirit, creativity, career, work. Seven is a number of creativity, intelligence, originality, and intuition. This week, look for where you stand at a gateway that, while separating you from others,
For the next 24 weeks, you are invited to join Beth Barany and I as we share with you about the magic of travel and writing. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, novels, short stories, personal essays or keep journals, we will offer information, tips, techniques and tools for using
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse for the week of 10/13/2014 Theme, The Moon. This Major Arcana card suggests that this week you pay attention to the insights, intuition and dreams that emerge from the unconscious. Trust your instincts and record those dreams. They will guide your steps in your
In many earth-based spiritual practices, someone who is entering into ritual or leading one for others, will begin by drawing a circle. The purpose of the circle is to create a boundary—”a line marking the limits of an area, territory, etc.” In ritual, the purpose of that boundary is to
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse Theme, The Lovers. A Major Arcana card, this card speaks about Spirit, Love, and the integration of opposites–masculine/feminine, spiritual/physical, sacred/secular. Be aware this week of bringing that greater Love into everything you do in your creative work. Manifesting your Love for your ideas, your
God is in the detail. ~ Anonymous The Devil is in the detail. ~ A derivation of the previous quote In a recent weekly video for Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, the theme for the week was the 10 of Coins. Coins is the element of Earth and represents
Happy New Year! Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? No? Me either. Making resolutions just doesn’t excite me. Why not try a new approach to the New Year? One that is marked by a New Moon in Capricorn, with the Sun, Pluto and Mercury also in Capricorn, especially
MONDAY’S TAROT MESSAGE FROM THE MUSE, 9/29/2014 Theme, 10 of Coins. The beauty is in the details this week, especially in the finishing details. Coins is the element of Earth in the realm of home, health and wealth. So as you physically manifest your creativity in words on the page
I’ve been writing articles for my newsletter for more than five years now, so you’ll understand if I tell you that some weeks, my inner child throws a tantrum. “No! I don’t want to write another newsletter. You can’t make me. No!” And yet, the deadline draws near. I can’t
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 9/22/2014 Theme, Knight of Coins. Coins is the element of Earth in the realm of home, health and wealth. The knight is the one who is trained and has the resources to serve. This week, pay attention to the times when you can serve
Autumn…makes a double demand. It asks that we prepare for the future—that we be wise in the ways of garnering and keeping. But it also asks that we learn to let go—to acknowledge the beauty of sparseness. ~ Bonaro W. Overstreet The autumn equinox, or Mabon as it is called
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 9/15/14 Theme, The Empress. A Major Arcana card, so lots of energy, which is apparent from the abundant life that fills this card. This week, be aware of your creative power, your ability to bring to life so much beauty and abundance. You are
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 9/8/2014 Theme, 8 of Cups. Tonight is a Full Moon in Pisces, just as we have on this card, so the tarot is speaking loudly and clearly to us. See all those cups (heart, emotions, dreams, intutions) at the bottom of the card? Empty
We all have our priorities. Think of each priority as a coin you hold. Top on the list of priorities for most of us (unless you are superhuman, in which case you need read no further), are eating and sleeping. So there are two coins. For those with small children,
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 8/25/14 Theme, 4 of Cups. Cups is the element of Water in the realm of heart, emotions, dreams, intuitions, creativity. Four is a stabilizing number that can make you feel secure, which may be why you are ignoring projects you already have in process
I’ve been writing articles for my weekly newsletter for a long time, almost 250 articles. So it should come as no surprise that inspiration—and my Muse—occasionally go missing. After I’ve searched in the usual places for her like my dreams and journals, I call in Sherlock Holmes because only that
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 8/18/2014 Theme, The Star. A Major Arcana card, the Star shines, inspires and heals. So this week, look for opportunities to shine, to inspire and yes, heal others with your creative work. Also be alert to sources of inspiration for you. Focus, 6 of
Once upon a time… A princess took her favorite toy, a golden ball, into the woods. Sitting by a well, she repeatedly tossed her ball up into the air and caught it. After several tosses, she missed the ball which fell into the well, disappearing beneath the water. She began
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 8/11/2014 Theme, 10 of Coins. Coins is the element of Earth in the realm of home, health, wealth. So look for the wealth that is yours this week, the rewards and abundance that is available because of your creativity. Appreciate the rewards for work
At the recent Writer’s Digest Annual Conference, Tim Grahl, author and book marketer for well-known authors like Dan Pink, spoke about building platform and connecting authentically with readers. He advised his listeners to not confuse the tools of social media with being the rules. I straightened in my seat when
Monday Tarot Message from the Muse for 8/4/2014 Theme, Knight of Cups. The Knight is the one with everything he needs to protect and serve. In this case, he serves, you serve, your creativity. So get in motion while being aware of the beasts lurking in the emotional depths (Cups).
Storybook endings, fairy tales coming true Deep down inside we want to believe they still do… Carrie Underwood, Ever, Ever After Whenever I attend a writing conference, especially one of the size (2000 attendees) and caliber of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) annual conference, I treasure and am enchanted
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 7/28/2014 Theme, 9 of Wands. 9 is the number of finishing and completion. Wands is the element of Fire in the realm of Spirit, creativity, career, work. This poor guy has worked hard to get where he is. So have you with your current
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 7/21/2014 Theme, 5 of Cups. Cups is the element of water, the realm of heart, feelings, dreams, intuition, and creativity. This challenging 5 reminds you that pursuing your creative dreams is up to you. You can sit with your back against the wall protecting
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, July 14, 2014 Theme, King of Swords. The King is the one with power and dominion, with confidence that emanates from within. Swords is the element of air, of mind, thoughts, beliefs attitudes, and communication. This King communicates and rules with utmost confidence in
After nine years, our reliable Chrysler Town and Country van is giving up the ghost. Although the engine is still solid, the body is rusting and other maladies afflict it. We are so ready for a new car. Still, I’ll be sad to see the van go. That van was
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, July 7, 2014 Theme, Ace of Wands. This week, it’s all about beginning new projects and taking action on new ideas. Wands is the element of Fire, of Spirit, of creativity, career, work. Ace is the beginning, the seed, holding all potential, all possibilities.
When Bob and I committed to traveling this spring to Tuscany, I knew from friends and reading I’d done that we would do a lot of walking. I just didn’t imagine how much. At a rough guess, we walked between 5 and 10 miles a day. All that walking burned
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, June 30, 2014 Theme, Knight of Coins. Coins is the element of Earth, of body, home, health, wealth, anything physical. The Knight is the one who serves with all his training and experience, his resources, equipment and skills. To serve your creative work and
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, June 23, 2014 Theme, King of Wands. Wands is the element of Fire, representing Spirit, creativity, career, work. The King is the figure who has the power to accomplish what he intends. This King serves the Fire of Creativity, and keeps that passion and
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 5/19/2014 Theme, The High Priestess. See how she emerges from the deep waters? You do that for your creativity. You bring to light the mystery and magic of your creative work for others. Be the doorway into your work. Focus, 4 of Swords. Swords
The most important thing she’d learned over the years was that there was no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one. ~Jill Churchill This past Sunday was Mother’s Day here in the US and I noticed on Facebook the comment from several
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 5/12/2014 Theme, 10 of Swords. Swords is the element of air and mind, thoughts, beliefs, communications. 10 is a pivotal point. This week look for ways and times you need to let go of the negative messages that assail you from within and without
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 5/5/2014 Theme, Page of Coins. The Page is the messenger, a youthful, vibrant, energetic messenger. Coins is the element of earth, anything you can touch, taste or feel. This week be the energetic, vibrant messenger for your creative work. Share it loud and proud
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 4/28/14 Theme, 2 of Swords. Two often indicates choice or decision and Swords represents the element of Air, of mind thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and communication. This week, stop trying to make choices and decisions solely from a logical point of view. Trust and go
In the last few weeks, I’ve had conversations with clients and friends who are experiencing a lot of stress and challenge in their lives and in their creative work. Sleepless nights, accidents, a restless sense of something not just right… And it’s no wonder because Pluto, the planet of depth
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 4/21/2014 Theme, 7 of Coins. Coins is the element of Earth representing the physical–home, health, wealth–anything you can touch, taste or feel. So this week, pay attention to the practical physical details of your creative work. Anxious as you may be to get your
Spring is finally here. And just like the birds preparing to build nests, first there is some cleaning out to do. If you live in the Northeast , you are probably throwing open the windows and doors to let in the fresh air. You may already be cleaning and putting
Thank you to friend and writing sister, Win Day, for the invitation to participate in this writing blog hop. Win is a writer, a speaker, a strategist, and a geek. Her company, Creative Implementations, offers lifestyle business strategies and WordPress development and technical maintenance services to creatives and heart-centered entrepreneurs.
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 4/7/2014 Theme, Faith. From the Major Arcana, this card emphasizes belief, faith in yourself and in your work. Act, create, move from that place of surety in who you are, what you do that rises from the traditions of your work, your level of
First there was the corset (now making an interesting comeback), then there was the girdle, and now there is SPANX®. All the ways over the centuries that women have tried to push and pull themselves into a shape that society deems attractive, proper and stylish. Recently, I coached a number
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 3/31/2014 Theme, The Magician. This Major Arcana card is all about the magic of your creativity, your ability to take ideas and manifest them in physical form. This week, watch all the ways you get to practice your magic. Remember your ability to make
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 3/24/2014 Theme, 2 of Cups. Cups is the element of Water, representing the heart, emotions, feelings, dreams, intuition and creativity. See the two cups with the images of a man and woman. We see them in The Lovers card as well. Behind them, is
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 3/17/2014 Theme, Knight of Wands. Wands is the element of fire, of spirit, career, work, creativity, and the Knight is the champion, the one who serves and protects. This week look to how you champion your creative work, stand strong for it and use
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse for the week of 3/10/2014 Theme, Ace of Cups. Cups is the element of Water, of heart, feelings, dreams, intuition and creativity. Ace is the place of new beginnings. It’s the seed of all potential, all possibilities. Look at that beautiful cup lying at
Hey there, Little Red Riding Hood, you sure are lookin’ good. You’re everything a big bad wolf could want. ~ Rolling Stones Did you grow up hearing the fairytale of Little Red Riding Hood? And were you clear about what happens to good girls when they stray from the path
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse for 3/3/2014 Theme, The Fool. The first card of the tarot and the Major Arcana of the Tarot. The place of beginnings, of new journeys and adventures. But to venture forth means taking a risk, leaping into the unknown. Be willing this week to
Monday Tarot Message from the Muse, 2/24/2014 Theme, The Empress. This Major Arcana card shows that you have the power to nurture and create abundance for yourself and others through your creativity. This week, remember you are the source. Focus, Queen of Swords. Swords is the element of air, of
When I was growing up, Santa brought my family a new jigsaw puzzle every Christmas. Later in the day, Dad would set up the card table and parents and siblings would draw up chairs and start turning over puzzle pieces. Hours passed with breaks for snacks and the bathroom. Pieces
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 2/17/2014 Theme, 7 of Coins. Coins is the element of Earth, of home, health, wealth. This week, pay attention to the final details and nurturing of your current projects. Make sure you give them all the sun and watering they need. Keep away the
Have you ever been to a conference or even just at a party or someplace new and someone comes up to you and asks, “So what do you do?” Do you cringe a little inside? Do you stumble and trip over your tongue, or worse, mumble? Or do you answer,
Monday’s Tarot Message from the Muse, 2/10/2014. Theme, 4 of Wands. Wands is the element of fire, of spirit, creativity, career, work. Four is a number of stability. Creating stability for your creativity means making a commitment and making space for it. This week stay alert to how you make