Friends. The word makes me smile. Besides family, friends are life’s greatest blessings. Sometimes, friendships are borne out of mutual circumstance—for a reason. Sometimes, friendships are brief, but no less meaningful, and last for a season. Still, other friendships—those that begin as tiny, fragile seeds only to burst forth in full bloom—hijack our hearts for a lifetime. Whether they exist for a reason, a …
The Stories That Move Us
Last week I met a friend for lunch. We talked writing, stories, and ordinary life. That’s the great thing about friendship. We can bounce around all over the map and our friends still “get us.” Take Julia, for instance. Julia’s a fun soul. God’s girl and a deep thinker, she rattles my comfort zones. As in—challenges me to step beyond …
Knowing When to Shift Our Priorities
One of the hardest things a writer faces is knowing when to say “no.” We may try to temper it with “I’d love to, but I can’t just now.” Or “I’m sorry, I’m afraid I’ll have to pass.” Whatever lingo we use, saying no requires conscious effort and commitment. It doesn’t mean we’re insensitive to others’ needs or that we have …
10 Reasons To Do Sunday Brunch at The Keeter Center
As promised, today I have a delightful treat for you. Be forewarned: eye-candy feast ahead. It *may* induce coveting…and hunger pangs. Belly up to your laptop screen or smartphone annnd let’s go! As you know, one of our family’s all-time favorite restaurants is the award-winning Dobyns Dining Room at the oh-so-amazing Keeter Center (located at my beloved alma mater, College of the …
The Perfect Imperfection of a Writer’s World
You might think because I write Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction my story worlds are a delightful Sunday-Go-to-Meeting escape. Well, I can’t fib. That’s somewhat true…to a point. However— As a conscientious writer whose goal is to share a great story, I strive to balance the delightful with reality-based conflict in a heartfelt, homespun way. Today’s readers want meat-and-potatoes stories that resonate. …
April Newsletter Prep
My apologies for missing a recent blog post. I usually mention it beforehand if I find it necessary to step away, but sometimes unscheduled breaks happen. Thanks so much for your patience. This month has been particularly busy as I complete a few projects before deadline. I’m also working on another story, as well as finishing my April newsletter. As you know, …
When Spring Came With Growing Pains (Part Four – Final Installment)
I have to be honest. Actually, fall is my favorite season. When these old hills and hollows are awash with saffron, red, and orange, there’s nothing more beautiful…except maybe the month of spring. I can think of only one time I wished fall would hurry and pass—when color gave way to dormant browns and grays and stayed that way, at least …
When Spring Came With Growing Pains (Part Three)
Ahh. Spring. I sense it. Can all but touch it. Last week we hit the upper seventies in my little corner of the Ozarks. Yesterday? We struggled to make it past the freezing mark. Last night? A hard freeze. My poor crabapple trees, laden with fresh, new buds and ready to bloom, may not—at least, this spring. Alas. There’s a …
Spring is Coming (Part Two)
Spring is a marvelous season ripe with promise and new opportunities. After long, cold months of sun-starved days and muted browns and grays, we’re more than ready to discard Old Man Winter and move on. We’re excited about what’s up ahead. The past is behind us and the world is our oyster. And yet—sometimes, new seasons don’t come without growing pains. …
Exhausted? Buckle Up. Spring is Coming.
By the time March arrives, I’m a little battle-worn. I’m tired of cold, dreary days, limited sunshine, and colorless landscapes. I’m ready for that glorious new season brimming with beauty and blossoms—spring. A friend voiced the same sentiment. “You know, I’m exhausted. I think the winter must be a writer’s bane. We hibernate in our caves so much that we …