Often, people who love to write will tell you that we eat, live, and breathe writing. Our minds rarely turn off. We’re usually thinking about the plot, the next scene, or conversations our characters are having. We tend to eavesdrop on conversations around us to get a feel for what folks might be thinking, feeling, or wondering, and we …
Work In Progress
I’ve been thinking a lot about my work in progress. It’s kind of like the dairy farm above–I have to regularly tend to it and work at it to keep it operational. In the series that I’m creating, I have to keep track of the same characters because they may flow in and out of book one and two and …
God's Timing
How is it that we can want something so badly that we lose sight of what God wants for us? We presume to know when the right time will be, how it will happen, and what course of action we must pursue to obtain our desire. If I’d known it would take 15 to 20 years to launch a writing career, would …
Heroes
One of my recent favorite movies is “Fireproof,” starring Kirk Cameron and a host of other talented actors. In this movie, Kirk Cameron plays a firefighter (aka “Caleb Holt”) who is struggling in his marriage, with his faith (or lack thereof), and with personal issues which threaten to destroy him. In other words, Kirk’s character is bogged down in the muck and mire …
Writing Up a Storm
Over the weekend I reviewed my work-in-progress, and I revamped a character that seemed to have become a bit of a bore. He’s still a bore—just a more colorful, multi-faceted bore. He doesn’t realize it. It’s part of who he is. As the story progresses, this fellow does grow and develop beyond what I’ve let the reader initially see. And though …
A Nation Blessed
I was thanking God today for many things: Jesus, family, the freedom to worship, this great nation we live in. Something as simple as writing this is a freedom I don’t take lightly either. Freedom of speech to a writer is like having oxygen to breathe. I try to write responsibly with vision and purpose and with the Great Commission …
Life Is a Stage…But Shouldn’t Be
A few years ago we had the opportunity to see The Great Passion Play at Eureka Springs, Arkansas. If you’ve never seen it, you should. It’s a magnificent depiction of the last days of Jesus’s earthly ministry. I remember sitting spellbound throughout much of the play, especially during the crucifixion scene of Jesus. I recall thinking what was it like to …
Isn’t It Romantic?
Okay, today’s post is about something that is near and dear to my heart—romance! Anyone who knows me—really knows me—knows that I am a hopeless romantic. I tear up at Hallmark commercials, I appreciate gallantry, and I adore a handmade card with a heartfelt sentiment. I’m also deeply moved by… that tender kiss between those in love, handpicked wildflowers on a …
Got Church?
Ever wonder about folks who do/don’t attend church? Generally speaking, I think we judge folks too harshly when they don’t. I think, too, some of the finest Christians on this planet are not church-goers for myriad reasons—health issues, circumstances beyond their control, work conflicts, feelings of unworthiness, and a host of other things. Now, that being said, as Christians we’re to “assemble …
The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree…
Do you ever wonder how much family influences us? Experts say that the first five years of a child’s life are key developmental years. We learn by example. The environment a child is raised in is crucial to self-worth. Social and emotional growth are determined by what we’re exposed to, and we thrive in a healthy climate or learn to adjust in …