Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Uncategorized”
It’s almost here! Can you feel it? For this born and bred Ozarkian gal, fall is my absolute favorite time of year! I adore the cool breeze and glorious color. If I must endure the 30 degree temperature shifts (sometimes, literally overnight), then I figure it’s finally payback. Fall in the Ozarks is a time like no other. There’s lots …
In today’s world where we’re surrounded with a buffet of opportunity, I’m always intrigued by people’s choices. “Branding” and the methodology behind it fascinates me. Why do certain brands work? Why do others go south? How successful is rebranding when confidence is compromised? As a writer, I’m conscientious of everything that goes into my work. My website. This blog. What …
Well, I don’t know about you, but I had a slightly crazy week. I topped it off by knocking my wedding band down the garbage disposal. Not to worry—after the shock wore off, I was able to retrieve it! (And I learned to never ever leave my rings next to the sink again as I applied hand lotion.) Oh—and this …
Do you ever have those moments where everywhere you turn God brings the same thing into focus—over and over again? It’s like God’s trying to tell you something until you really get it. Well, the last few months have been like that for me. In fact, recently it seemed like one word popped up on a daily basis. As I …
How fun is research? Does the mere word send shivers of delight OR disdain skittering down your spine? For those who write historical fiction, the value of in-depth and painstaking research can’t be stressed enough. For my contemporary fiction writing friends, we, too, understand the importance of dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s. If we’re to make our stories and characters come alive, research is …
If you write, no doubt you’ve given some thought to your “brand.” (And if you haven’t thought about it, now’s the time!) “Brand” to an author is what water is to wildflowers. It quenches, sustains, and breathes life into an otherwise drab existence. Like our taglines, our brands are uniquely us. They’re the picture that comes to mind when folks hear our …
Two of my favorite, feel-good television shows are The Andy Griffith Show and The Waltons. They remind me of the hometown where I grew up. There’s a sense of nostalgia, simplicity, and homespun values, yet there’s also a delicious taste of bitter and sweet. In The Waltons, especially, hardships were often underscored by lessons learned, truths conveyed, and love demonstrated. I grew up in …
I hope everyone had a great Labor Day and didn’t work too hard! Welcome back! Congratulations to the winner of my August blog giveaway, Steven A.! Steven has won some wonderful goodies, plus another surprise thrown in for good measure. Please contact me privately, Steven, with your mailing info and I will get your prize in the mail. Remember, you, too, …
Since my July blog giveaway was a $15 Barnes & Noble gift card, I wanted to do something a little different for the month of August. This month’s giveaway will feature two fun (and creative) items. Many of you know I dig coffee, chocolate, and music. What better way is there to unwind? I was at T.J. Maxx recently and found …
Where I’m from, we’re known as a friendly bunch. We wave at folks we don’t know, we smile for no apparent reason, and we might call you “neighbor” even if we’ve just met you. That’s life in the Ozarks. Living in the buckle of the “Bible Belt” affords many intimate and unique worship opportunities. Since denominations are manmade and not God-created, I’ve always been less …
