Are you as weary with the day-to-day news events as I am? Goodness gracious me, it’s enough to drive me to my coffee pot. Thank heaven for this good, ol’ Ozarks’ heat and humidity otherwise the caffeine might just send me over the edge. Today I’ll just stick with my iced tea and chocolate. Cheers! *clink* Over the next few …
ACFW Conference Prep
Today, we’re approximately five and a half weeks out from the annual American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference. I’m excited! While there have been some highs and lows this summer, I’m so grateful for God’s watchcare and provision. As always, I’m reminded of blessings I sometimes take for granted. Like for instance—reliable transportation, a comfortable home, good health, and a …
And the Countdown Is On!
Oh, my goodness. The days are rushing by at warp speed. Thanks so much for extending grace as I’ve stepped back from blogging for a time. Update My father continues to recover from his tumble a few weeks ago, though it’s been an odyssey. After Daddy’s fall, he spent several days in the neuro trauma ICU. The last few weeks, …
The Reason (Book Review and Giveaway)
As you know, I rarely review books on the blog with the exception of those that particularly move me. Because of that, today I’m excited to share thoughts about The Reason, a début novel by author William Sirls. First, let me say this is a story you’ll be inclined to rush through (a good thing), but don’t. The Reason should …
Writing When the Unexpected Happens
Wouldn’t it be nice if everything went according to plan? I think we’d all breathe easier. *sigh* Well, as you know, life is rarely predictable. BUT here’s the good thing—writers understand that without conflict there is no story. In fiction, conflict makes us turn the page. In real life, conflict is similar, yet different. It puts us in the driver’s …
Hold the Hate, Pass the Love
Okay, I don’t know about you, but there are some weeks (like this one) that just leave me breathless. I shake my head. Heart-grieved. Stricken. Torn. Enough, already. Sometimes, I want to shout it. (But I don’t. Loud doesn’t necessarily mean brave. Think about it.) Sometimes, a different (notice I didn’t say softer or quieter—just different) approach—is called for. I’m …
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 …
WELCOME to Free-For-All Friday
Ahh. Another week down. We made it! Here in the Ozarks we’ve gone from a lengthy stretch of clouds and rain to warmth and bright sunshine. As always, things change quickly in our neck of the woods. It keeps us hopping. On Monday, darling daughter and I made a quick trip to her future home. College. Oh, my coffee! I …
How Writers Can Use Pinterest
A few weeks ago, you may remember I joined Pinterest. My opinion? I love it. As with anything new there’s a bit of a learning curve, but for the most part, Pinterest is fairly easy to navigate and get the hang of. Although I’m late to the Pinterest party, I’m glad I waited to join. As I said in my …
How Will YOU Make a Difference?
I’ve always been a lover of the underdog. Social class holds no bearing. I cheer for the less fortunate. I’d rather encourage than cast aspersions. I believe my tendency to root for society’s “forgotten” influenced my decision to enter a helping profession many years ago. Seeing the invisible without regard to who they were, where they’d come from, or where others …