I started blogging in 2011, and to date, have written 700+ blog posts. Whew. That’s a lot of blogging! While I’ve repurposed some of those posts, much of my content is new, fresh, and relevant. As I’ve evolved and grown as a writer, so have my blogging skills. Since this isn’t a writing blog (it’s a creative outlet to uplift …
How to Remain Encouraged in a Discouraging World
Without venturing (too much) into politics, religion, or taboo territory, I think most of us would agree today’s morale is low. We’re tired of self-serving memes, pot-stirrers, and rants. We’re fed up with harsh, closed mindsets. We’re saddened by negativity and misguided judgment. *slugs back coffee* Heck—we’re just burned out. From apathy, anger, and arrogance. Blatant attacks on our honor have left us battle-worn …
The Very Best Thing About This Writing Gig
The writing life is hard, my friend. There are highs and lows and in-betweens. There are good things. Bad things. God-ordained things (blessings in disguise). For a moment, let’s revisit the not so good things. A writer’s world is a solitary one…and most often, silent (unless there are littles still at home). We lose ourselves in our story worlds, and …
Pausing to Press Reset
Fall. In our little corner of the world, the official start to the new season arrived this week without much fanfare. While it marked the beginning of change, we still have yet to see colors shift or temperatures drop. In fact, the mercury’s hovered around the 90 degree mark for the past several days, and most of our trees (except our …
We All Start Small
The billboard caught my eye. A mama, a daddy, and a cute, cuddly baby. The caption? We all start small. Melted. My. Heart. How true. The billboard touted one of our area hospitals, but what resonated and stayed with me as I drove past was that single, simple truth. We all start small. Of course I loved the slogan concept …
ACFW Post-Conference Wind-Down
Today marks almost two weeks since I returned from the 2016 ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference. (For a recap see this post.) Wow. It doesn’t seem possible. During that time, I’ve written a few blog posts, sent out my September newsletter, and followed up on important business matters. A few days ago, I actually finished unpacking (I know), and …
Visit Ralph Foster Museum at College of the Ozarks
From time to time, I enjoy giving you a sneak peek of life in the Ozarks. Because I cherish these old hills and hollows in this beautiful niche known as “God’s Country,” I sometimes share slice-of-life vignettes, as well as must-dos when visiting our area. Often, my newsletter subscribers are privy to this content first. (Not part of my newsletter …
ACFW 2016 Recap
Wow. I can’t believe ACFW 2016 has come and gone. This year’s American Christian Fiction Writers’ conference, in particular, was a thrilling ride. While this conference marked the fourth one I’d attended, it was my first ACFW conference as a Genesis double-finalist. I didn’t win in my categories, but I was so blessed and honored to have my work recognized …
The Day I’ve Dreaded…but It’s All Good
Ahh, my friend. The day I’ve dreaded is almost here…but it’s all good. Really. Since last year I’ve prepped for the BIG DAY. I’ve drunk my weight in coffee. Consumed chocolate. Read books. I’ve prayed and trusted and cried a little, too. I’ve pulled up my Mama big girl pants and resolved to do this thing. This thing. Letting …
ACFW Conference Countdown
As of today we are nineteen days out from the national ACFW conference! Wow. Thrilled! How did it sneak up so fast? Despite the busyness just now (my father recovering, baby bird flying the nest), I’m anticipating one of my favorite writing conferences of the year, and counting down the days until I see old friends and new in Nashville. …