Today please welcome the delightful Katie Powner to the blog as she shares the book that changed her perspective and shaped her writing career. I’m tickled to have you, Katie ~ Take it away! Some background… When I was little, it was The Velveteen Rabbit and Amy the Dancing Bear. Then it was The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, then …
The Contract That Almost Wasn’t via Patricia Lee
Today we welcome author Patricia Lee to the blog as she shares her publishing journey and tells us about the contract that almost wasn’t. Take it away, Patricia! My Story… In 2016 I planned to attend the Oregon Christian Writers summer conference in Portland, Oregon. Like most conferences, authors were invited to pre-submit a manuscript for consideration by an editor …
Upcoming News…and Guest Blog Update
Recently, I mentioned some upcoming changes to the blog. Specifically, I shared my new season of busyness with you and gave a call-out to those who might be interested in guest-blogging. Wow. You showed up in a big way. Thank you! Because of your overwhelming response, I now have a fantastic guest-blog line-up for the next few months. From April …
I Can Only Imagine: 10 Things I Loved About the Movie
From the moment the movie trailer started circulating last year, I knew I wanted to see I Can Only Imagine. I loved the song (by the same name) and I was familiar with a bit of the backstory. The movie is based on Bart Millard’s turbulent childhood with his abusive father. (Bart, as you probably know, is lead singer for …
Would You Like to Guest Blog?
Blogging. When I started seven years ago, I blogged to encourage, uplift, and express ideas. I blogged to connect with others, build a platform, and hone my writing skills. Now, seven-hundred and eighty-eight blog posts later (and that doesn’t include guest blogs), I’m still blogging, learning, and growing. Here are a few of my favorite blog posts. Scroll down the …
Why You Need At Least One of These in Your Life
Today I wanted to broach a delicate subject. Something we don’t like to talk about, but it’s ohh so important. What would you guess that is? Well, I’m sure you’ve noticed we’re not in Kansas anymore. In fact, some days it feels like we’re not even on the map. It’s a tough gig for positive people just now. In the …
March… Spring Cleaning and an Update
Ahh… Spring. The perfect time to shift gears and shake off the dust. After recent rain and flooding in the Ozarks, I’m speaking figuratively about the dust, but the month of March always brings a sense of relief. Winter’s almost behind us (*fingers crossed*) and we’re a hair’s breath away from all things green and glorious. (My condolences if you’re …
Five Things to Encourage You in Your Journey
From the moment we’re born, encouragement takes root. Mom and Dad cheer as we try and succeed at new things. Friends motivate us with kind words and recognition. Our influential sphere—confidantes and colleagues—inspire us to persevere and think beyond the comfortable. During our life journey, as we mature, we realize the value of encouragement. It buoys us during life-stretching seasons. …
Why I Still Write When Bad Things Happen
I have to admit, this has been a tough week for this see-the-glass-half-full gal. I’m knee-deep in revisions on my upcoming release, as well as working on additional projects. It wasn’t the work. Writing is my balm. It was the news. The devastating news of yet another national tragedy. I couldn’t fathom how, once again, something of this magnitude had …
After the Contract
Well, after a whirlwind January and now well into February, the excitement over my recent book (series) contract has eased into more of a lingering thrill. I’ve shared and celebrated, and now, I’ve settled into a new routine. Which, by the way, you’ve heard it before— The contract offer is only the beginning. After the contract is when the real …