8. Adequate rest/power naps.(I’m working on this one myself.) 9. Write, draw, paint, or do something artistic. Just-for-fun activities nurture our soul. 10. Meditate on scripture. So much great meat in God’s word (and it never returns void!) ****** Do you think commercialism adds to our stress level during the holiday season? What ways do you …
I’m a very visual person, but then again, I suppose a lot of creatives are. I revel in the sights, sounds, and people around me. I want to experience life full-steam-ahead. I want to know what makes folks tick. I’m passionate about Christ and I want to share Him through the stories I create. I believe as Christian writers we’re called to bring …
By now, your preparations for the Thanksgiving holiday are probably well under way. Turkeys are thawing, pies are baking, and perhaps, your dinner table has already been set. At our house, we’re gearing up for three–yes, three–Thanksgiving celebrations. By the time this holiday ends, I’ll need to do some serious exercising. For now, though, I’m going to love on my …
Photo Credit via Chad R. Allen I’m delighted today to have Chad Allen as my guest. Chad is the Editorial Director of Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. He and his family make their home in the great state of Michigan. You may remember 13 Ways to Write with Urgency, a fabulous guest post Chad did for Rachelle Gardner …
As a small child, I loved combing the hills and hollows of the Ozarks. It seemed like everywhere I turned there was a grand adventure waiting to happen. Often, we’d pile in the family car and strike out on the endless drive to nowhere. “Sunday drives” are less common now, but when I was a little girl, they were the order …
One day, “Barb” approached me. She smiled as she dusted pretend lint from my jacket. “You’re really a ‘people person’ aren’t you?” I wasn’t sure where this was headed. Barb and I were acquaintances, but not close friends. Was she being complimentary or was there some hidden meaning behind her remark? I got odd vibes as she brushed at my …
In my recent post 10 Ways to Love on a Writer I offered ways we could support literary creatives. Today’s post is a tongue-in-cheek opposite filled with some additional truths (in a lighthearted manner). HOW TO SCORE BROWNIE POINTS: Phone calls promising “This will only take five minutes…” (And of course, it’s more like 50.) Well-meaning remarks such as “Must be nice not having …
Who doesn’t love a big, ol’ dose of encouragement when the doldrums strike? Let’s be honest. We all do! Since writing is a solitary career, I’ll use that as an example. Writers face unique challenges that others who work outside the home may not. Our vocation is a rather unconventional calling. We rarely keep regular hours. Our computers are our co-workers. …
I rarely speak about my political beliefs. At the end of the day, it’s not about me, my party affiliation, or who won or who didn’t win the presidential election. And for the record: No, I’m not a fence-sitter, a wimp, or a lukewarm patriot. Who am I? A believer (Romans 10:9, 10) A victor (1 Cor 15:57) A truth-seeker (John …
I’ve said it before: writing is a hard gig. If you write (and you are serious about it), I’m not telling you something you don’t already know. As we mature, we understand that the creative process is not for the fainthearted. We get that our journey isn’t the rose petaled path we initially envisioned. In fact, our pilgrimage to publication is often marked …
