There was a time when doctors, hospitals, and all things medicine defined my world. For years, I existed on tiny, fragmented seeds of hope. Out-of-touch nonsense according to some. A mama’s heart-wish according to others. If you’ve missed those blogs, start here: “Easy” is Fun, but It’s the Hard Things That Deliver Hope in the Hard Stuff Hope: 20 Reasons …
Where I Find Great Story Ideas (6 Examples)
As a writer, I’m fascinated by real-life stories. No surprise there. If you write, you probably agree. And if you don’t write, you probably agree. Often, truth is stranger than fiction, though every great story idea probably springs from a kernel of truth. After all—most fiction is fact fabricated. To what degree is the writer’s prerogative. Of course, writers breathe …
5 Reasons Why I Love My Newsletter Family
By now, if you’re a member of my newsletter family, you’ve received your latest issue of my monthly newsletter. Squeeee! Haven’t opened it yet? Well, hurry up! As always, there’s a TON of great content with a special goodie (just for subscribers) this month. If you’ve read my newsletter, please let me know what you think, what you loved about …
Bring It On! Kick Off the Christmas Season With These 7 Hope-Filled Thoughts
Ahh. December. Are you in prep mode yet? Is the tree up? Have you decked your halls? Started baking? Finished shopping? Oh, my goodness—if you’ve done all that, you get the gold star today. Well done, friend! Two out of four for me. Still… Over our way, the air hums with excitement as we create a new normal for the …
Social Media Etiquette: Let’s Review
In light of some new trends (and recycled old ones) we’re seeing in social media, today I thought a refresher might be in order. Kick back. Relax. Sip some joe. Ready? Let’s talk turkey. In today’s brave, new world where endless memes and selfies are the order of the day, we’re seeing unprecedented over-the-top marketing. For instance—recently, I received an e-mail …
10 Reasons I’m Thankful
Happy, Blessed Thanksgiving to you, my friend! Yes, I realize I’m a day early, but today as we reflect on this season of thankfulness, I wanted to wish you and yours a joyous, stress-free, hope-filled holiday—one that brings a smile and a tender thought or two. Wouldn’t it be nice if we celebrated the state of Thanksgiving the whole year through? …
10 Ways Writers Give Thanks
As is often the case during holiday busyness, sometimes, gratitude gets shoved to the back burner as we power through shopping, cooking, chores, and ahh yes—writing. It’s one of those unintentional slights, ironic that it may be, given this season of thankfulness. We know, but we don’t do. Today I thought it fitting to share reminders—simple, heartfelt ways we, as writers, can bless other …
Don’t Let Fear Stop You ~ Dream Big
If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know I’m a glass half-full thinker. I dream big. I weigh the realities and set goals within reason. I pray. I plan. I strategize. And then there’s this— I dream bigger. Over the years, I’ve often thought about dreams. In fact, I’ve blogged about them, too. Certainly, as a writer, my …
Thank You, Veterans (and Hard Truths)
While our nation is on the cusp of change, today I wanted to take a few minutes to thank our veterans for their service to our country. I salute you! I appreciate your time. Your service. Your sacrifice. Your loyalty to a nation whose freedoms we often taken for granted. As history rewrites itself, above all, we must remember those …
The Day After the 2016 Presidential Election
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 4:24) …