In secular fiction there seems to be a lot of the “sensationalism” factor. Whatever will grab readers’ attention, implement it. If it’s shocking, say it. Off-color? Write it. A little violence? Add it. Owning one’s actions? Well, heaven forbid! The accountability component just doesn’t seem to be there sometimes. In some of the stories I’ve read, it may take reading the entire book before a …
Bookworms and Brain Surgeons
As a teen-ager, the town I lived in was very small. There were a handful of gas stations and convenience stores, two or three smallish supermarkets, a consolidated school, one caution light midway through town, and an old white house that had been converted into the town library. Our home was about four or five blocks from the library, and …
The Three R's…Reading, Recipes, and Romance
Many years ago, when my husband and I were first married, I cooked and made practically everything from scratch. I did this for several reasons: It was cheaper. That’s how my momma taught me. We didn’t have all the prepared things then that we do today. It just plain tasted better! I’ll always remember one of the first meals I made …
Love Is Bloomin'
Why is it that when spring is in the air, our hearts seem a little lighter, our minds not as encumbered by the darker days of winter? Everything is gently coaxed awake to thrill us with vibrant color. Even the grass that will soon need its first trimming offers a visual treat! The birds start singing at five a.m., and …
Fact, Fiction, and Fairy Tales
As I write, I often try to immerse myself in my story, concentrating on time, place, characterization, and dramatic elements. I introduce conflict early and end chapters with quandaries and a desire to know more. Secondary characters are sprinkled throughout the story, but never in such a way to detract from the main folks–the hero/heroine. I bring in enough facts to …
Just Desserts
When I am in the process of creating characters, I often contemplate whether or not they should receive their “just desserts” from time to time. Ultimately, I do decide to allow the reader to see that poor choices can often lead to bad outcomes. I also try to reflect the fact that, just as God gives His children “free will”, …