The billboard caught my eye. A mama, a daddy, and a cute, cuddly baby. The caption? We all start small. Melted. My. Heart. How true. The billboard touted one of our area hospitals, but what resonated and stayed with me as I drove past was that single, simple truth. We all start small. Of course I loved the slogan concept …
ACFW Post-Conference Wind-Down
Today marks almost two weeks since I returned from the 2016 ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference. (For a recap see this post.) Wow. It doesn’t seem possible. During that time, I’ve written a few blog posts, sent out my September newsletter, and followed up on important business matters. A few days ago, I actually finished unpacking (I know), and …
Visit Ralph Foster Museum at College of the Ozarks
From time to time, I enjoy giving you a sneak peek of life in the Ozarks. Because I cherish these old hills and hollows in this beautiful niche known as “God’s Country,” I sometimes share slice-of-life vignettes, as well as must-dos when visiting our area. Often, my newsletter subscribers are privy to this content first. (Not part of my newsletter …
ACFW 2016 Recap
Wow. I can’t believe ACFW 2016 has come and gone. This year’s American Christian Fiction Writers’ conference, in particular, was a thrilling ride. While this conference marked the fourth one I’d attended, it was my first ACFW conference as a Genesis double-finalist. I didn’t win in my categories, but I was so blessed and honored to have my work recognized …
ACFW 2016: 15 Tips for a Fabulous Conference
The American Christian Fiction Writers’ 2016 conference countdown is on! In less than a week, while my husband holds down the fort, I’ll join six hundred or so fellow writers in Nashville for ACFW’s annual conference. Oh, my word—I’m so excited! As in years past, I’ll caravan with a great group of ladies from MozArks, our local ACFW chapter. There’s nothing more …
New Horizons
Well, it finally happened. It’s a new horizon. Baby bird flew the nest. Last Friday, we packed up both vehicles and trekked a little farther south to our daughter’s home away from home for the next four years. (Just saying that seems surreal.) Despite the sweltering ninety-seven degree temperature and some good, ol’ Ozarks humidity thrown in, we tackled this life change …
The Day I’ve Dreaded…but It’s All Good
Ahh, my friend. The day I’ve dreaded is almost here…but it’s all good. Really. Since last year I’ve prepped for the BIG DAY. I’ve drunk my weight in coffee. Consumed chocolate. Read books. I’ve prayed and trusted and cried a little, too. I’ve pulled up my Mama big girl pants and resolved to do this thing. This thing. Letting …
ACFW Conference Countdown
As of today we are nineteen days out from the national ACFW conference! Wow. Thrilled! How did it sneak up so fast? Despite the busyness just now (my father recovering, baby bird flying the nest), I’m anticipating one of my favorite writing conferences of the year, and counting down the days until I see old friends and new in Nashville. …
Summer of Change
Like weather patterns, seasonal shifts are part of the writing life. Some seasons are warm and colored with joy. Other seasons are rainy and unsettled. Over our way, we’re in a season of quandaries and busyness. In fact, most of the summer has been filled with what-ifs and moving forward, despite some uncertainty. It’s been a summer of change. My daddy hasn’t …
When Writers Grow Up
As a child, I remember being a rather philosophical thinker. I thought about deep things. What made the sky blue? How did roosters know when it was time to crow? Were there really pots of gold beneath rainbows? Why were some folks wealthy and others poor? I pondered the more simple quandaries, too. How come the Avon lady only visited our home during lunchtime? Would …