Unless we live in a cave or under a rock, at some point we’re all faced with those inevitable highs and lows called “life.” When those roads intersect, it can often be a time of indecision and a source of stress. On one hand, we’re thrilled that our circumstances are about to change for the better. On the other hand, …
I recently registered for the 2012 American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Dallas. The annual ACFW conference is one of the largest writers conferences in the United States with over 700 people in attendance last year alone. I expect that number to grow this year. If you’re serious about your writing career and you would like to further your craft, then …
I’m a hopeless romantic. I adore gallantry. I swoon over Hallmark commercials. I’m fond of roses, chocolates, sentimental cards, and handwritten notes. When a heart-melting moment catches me off-guard, I’m completely undone. I’ll usually say something like, “Oh, that’s sooo romantic!” And my husband will just grin like he completely doesn’t “get it,” but indeed, he does. Since I’m a writer, …
Recently, I had the opportunity to hook up with my friend and agent-mate, Sarah Forgrave. (Isn’t she lovely?) Sarah and her family were vacationing in the area and she and I met for coffee and conversation one morning. I hadn’t seen her since the ACFW conference last year so it was great to catch up and dish writing. Sarah is one …
My heart hurts. I have a heart blister. No, that’s not a profound thought or a scholarly witticism or even a nugget of literary genius. It’s not a reference to a physical malady, nor is it an awkward stage, a crisis moment, or a plea for sympathy. It is, to put it simply, a candid summation of a long season. …
10. You’re able to pop in and out of your characters’ heads without getting whiplash. 9. You realize editing and revising are your “new normal.” 8. Writing is your profession. Everything else is a hobby. 7. There will always be naysayers. It’s not up to you to change them. 6. Staying upbeat will take you farther …
When selecting a book to read or buy, like most folks, my eyes automatically scan the cover for telltale clues as to what the book’s about. Many times, if the cover art is intriguing, it’ll cause me to give the book a second glance and I’ll at least peruse the book a little longer. I’ll probably read the back cover …
This weekend marked the opening of National Kid’s Fest at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. Since it’s a great idea for families to get away now and then to regroup, that’s exactly what we did. It was hot–about 87 degrees hot–but there was a light breeze, and we had our trusty mondo-sized water jug and, of course, our little …
As writers, it’s important we challenge ourselves. Yep, there’s that distasteful word again. Challenge. Challenge means stepping out of our comfort zones. It means choosing difficult over easy. It means revealing transparencies we’d rather not. It means tackling the seemingly impossible when darts of doubt threaten. Challenge also means thinking like a winner. It’s envisioning success, despite the long road there. It’s believing the …
Who doesn’t like surprises, treats, and giveaways? I know I do! Well, beginning today there are some fun changes afoot on my blog. Here’s the scoop: I post on MWF, unless otherwise noted. I often blog about life events, nostalgia, writing, and faith. Starting now, every time you leave a comment on one of my blog posts, your name will be entered …
