As we mature (age), the tendency to step outside our comfort zone is greater than it might be versus those angst-filled days of our youth. The first decades of life, we’re more concerned with “fitting in” and we care what our peers and coworkers think. We might dance around the edges of safe and flirt with different, but we’re less inclined to go against the …
The World We Create
As a fiction writer, I’m drawn to stories—different kinds of stories, really, because I realize one way to improve my craft is to understand the human condition. By nature, I’m also very curious and I enjoy people. I want to know what makes them tick. I want to know what motivates them. How choices, lifestyles, and culture influence their decisions …
My One Word for 2017: Persevere
Welcome back! I’m so glad you stopped by. As 2016 drew to a close, I relished a much-needed break from blogging and social media. I savored time with family and friends as we celebrated the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of our Savior. I hope your holidays were joy-filled, as well. Now that another year’s behind us, I’ve reflected on …
Merry Christmas 2016 and a Blog Break
As our week draws to a close, today I’d like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope your holiday is filled to the brim and overflowing with peace, love, and good cheer. May you experience God’s greatest blessing—the birth of Jesus—in a new and meaningful way. May you sense hope in …
20 Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers
By now, the baking’s done, the Christmas tree’s up, and all the gifts are wrapped and delightfully displayed. Ahh… Except. That’s not the case for everyone. Sometimes, life derails our best intentions and we don’t accomplish everything we intend within the time frame we want. Work, school, and various obligations sidetrack our plans. Less pressing to-dos are shoved to the back …
Christmas… Ready to Make a Memory?
I’ve always loved the holidays. Christmas, especially, thrills me. Besides the obvious reason—the celebration of our Savior’s birth—I adore the beautiful Christmas carols and pretty Christmas lights, the heavenly scent of cookies baking in the oven, and all the wonderful old movies, however many times I’ve watched them. There’s something in the air, too, we don’t sense at other times. …
HOPE for Your Frost-Filled Season
There was a time when doctors, hospitals, and all things medicine defined my world. For years, I existed on tiny, fragmented seeds of hope. Out-of-touch nonsense according to some. A mama’s heart-wish according to others. If you’ve missed those blogs, start here: “Easy” is Fun, but It’s the Hard Things That Deliver Hope in the Hard Stuff Hope: 20 Reasons …
Where I Find Great Story Ideas (6 Examples)
As a writer, I’m fascinated by real-life stories. No surprise there. If you write, you probably agree. And if you don’t write, you probably agree. Often, truth is stranger than fiction, though every great story idea probably springs from a kernel of truth. After all—most fiction is fact fabricated. To what degree is the writer’s prerogative. Of course, writers breathe …
5 Reasons Why I Love My Newsletter Family
By now, if you’re a member of my newsletter family, you’ve received your latest issue of my monthly newsletter. Squeeee! Haven’t opened it yet? Well, hurry up! As always, there’s a TON of great content with a special goodie (just for subscribers) this month. If you’ve read my newsletter, please let me know what you think, what you loved about …
Bring It On! Kick Off the Christmas Season With These 7 Hope-Filled Thoughts
Ahh. December. Are you in prep mode yet? Is the tree up? Have you decked your halls? Started baking? Finished shopping? Oh, my goodness—if you’ve done all that, you get the gold star today. Well done, friend! Two out of four for me. Still… Over our way, the air hums with excitement as we create a new normal for the …