Today I welcome my friend Jennifer Hallmark to the blog. I met Jennifer some years ago at an ACFW conference and I was immediately drawn to her warm smile and easy going demeanor. I’m excited to be part of her blog tour for Jessie’s Hope. Take it away, Jennifer! Jessie’s Hope grew from a short story developed from writing …
A Scattering of Thoughts via Taylor Bennett
Today we welcome my blog guest Taylor Bennett, teen author and my new friend, as she shares “a scattering of thoughts” and favorite quotes that have touched her life. Take it away, Taylor! Words are some of my favorite things in the world—a single strand of them, a mere sentence, has the power to transform a day, a week, …
Can the Weary Writer Write? via Julia Kay
Today we welcome Julia Kay to the blog. Julia is a talented writer and a wonderful friend. I met Julia several years ago through our local ACFW chapter, and since then, we’ve shared many wonderful adventures. Julia writes women’s fiction and she is a 2016 ACFW Genesis semi-finalist. So happy to have you, Julia! You grab the mugs and I’ll pour …
How Three Sentences Made Me a Writer via Author Linda Thompson
Today we welcome my new friend Linda Thompson to the blog. I remember the evening Linda won the 2016 ACFW Genesis award (I was a finalist that year in a different category) and I was impressed by her acceptance speech. I couldn’t wait to one day read The Plum Blooms in Winter. From the seed of an idea to a …
What the Worst Year of My Life Taught Me via Author Laurie Wood
Today we welcome the fabulous Laurie Wood to the blog. Laurie is an author who has persevered and triumphed over hardship and circumstance, and I’m blessed to call her “friend.” I will tell you now—before you read further, grab your tissues. Her story and heartfelt message will coax a tear…AND a smile. (Seriously… SO good!) Take it away, Laurie! The …
What Stories Matter?
Over the years, I’ve blogged often about story. As you would expect, stories are near and dear to my heart. I love to read them, write them, and listen to others tell them. It’s my firm belief that everyone has a story. Not everyone is a writer, but all of us have life experiences to draw from. We may journal, …
Sharing Great News
A few months ago, I shared that I was a 2016 ACFW Genesis (Double) Semi-Finalist. Today I’d like to share more great news. I received word that I finaled in both categories I entered! I now move into the finalist stage of ACFW’s Genesis Contest. I’m humbled and ohh so blessed to have advanced in this prestigious contest. To have …
Oh, Happy Day! You’re a Writer! (…and so are a million others)
I know. But don’t let the blog title fool you. Today’s thoughts are all about the love. And who can’t use more of that? Great! Let’s go! (((HUG))) When I was a little girl I loved creating. I absolutely adored anything I could put my own creative stamp on. I liked to color, paint, and make things with my hands …
BEST of the Blog (Encouragement You Can Use)
Down in the dumps? Off-kilter? Has the bad news left you breathless? Today if that’s you, no worries! We all need a pick-me-up from time to time. We need a safe place without all the noise. Well, I’m tickled you’re here. This is THE place without the excess racket. It’s just good, ol’ down home meat-and-potatoes, heartfelt, homespun encouragement. Welcome! …
Pre-Published? 10 Things to Do While You Wait
If you’ve followed the world of writing/publishing for any length of time, you well know the ups and downs of this fun (and often crazy) career path. Just this week, another brick and mortar store in our neck of the woods took a hit. They’re closing mid-December. I’m sad to see it go, but I can’t say I’m surprised. They’d …