Hillary Rettig

I'm Hillary Rettig, author of The 7 Secrets of the Prolific: The Definitive Guide to Overcoming Procrastination, Perfectionism, and Writer s Block (Infinite Art, 2011) and The Lifelong Activist: How to Change the World Without Losing Your Way (Lantern Books, 2006). Besides writing, I also give workshops and do coaching that helps people overcome their fears and blocks, and improve their productivity.

On the personal side, I'm an activist, vegan, novelist, and lover of life and dogs. I'm also a foster mom of four teenage Sudanese refugees (a.k.a., Lost Boys ) and a kidney donor. If you re a prospective foster parent or kidney donor, email me and I will support you however I can.

When I was young, I mainly wanted to do two things: write and help. As an adult, I find that the more time I spend in pursuit of these goals, the happier and more productive I am.

I am a late bloomer who didn't start coming into her own, professionally or personally, until she was in her forties, and so I understand first-hand the despair that can come from feeling like you re not living up to your potential. But I also now know that blocks are often easily overcome once you stop blaming yourself for being lazy or undisciplined and start looking at the roots of the problem. And so, my main message to others is often, relax, it s gonna be fine.

I believe deeply in the power of perseverance, the amazing possibilities of reinvention, and the benefits of living consciously. Life can be difficult, but it is always deeply fascinating.

I was born in the Bronx, and now live in East Boston, a terrific community filled with friendly people and interesting ships. Although I love hiking in the country, I am definitely a city person.