Ahh, how quickly summer goes. It wasn’t always this way. When I was a little girl, the long, hot days of summer stretched before me like a ribbon of taffy waiting to be savored. Sleeping in, lingering over lunch, and reading filled my days. I had some chores, but after I finished those, my time was my own. Often, …
How Do We Keep the Dream Alive?
Often, new writers plunge full steam ahead into their fledgling careers, barely giving thought to everything writing entails. Pursuit of “the dream” and all the glorious fantasies that go with it play out in delightful, creative scenarios because, after all, that’s what writers do best—we live in bold, imaginative worlds where anything is possible. It’s only when—oh, say, maybe five, …
Good News Calls for Chocolate… Take Two!
Ahh… I love good news. And you know what good news calls for, right? Good News Calls for CHOCOLATE… Take Two! *slices cake and passes it your way* Don’t be shy. There’s plenty for everyone. (And no worries. I’ve prayed the calories right out of it!) *tosses confetti* Remember when I announced I was a 2017 ACFW Genesis Semi-Finalist? Today …
Good News Calls for Chocolate
Ohh, my goodness. After the torrential downpours and record flooding the Ozarks had over the past week, it’s time for some good news. Combine good news with chocolate cake and we have a party! You may remember, I scaled back on blogging over the past month, as I craved some much-needed R&R. I continued writing during that time, too, so …
The Stories That Move Us
Last week I met a friend for lunch. We talked writing, stories, and ordinary life. That’s the great thing about friendship. We can bounce around all over the map and our friends still “get us.” Take Julia, for instance. Julia’s a fun soul. God’s girl and a deep thinker, she rattles my comfort zones. As in—challenges me to step beyond …
Knowing When to Shift Our Priorities
One of the hardest things a writer faces is knowing when to say “no.” We may try to temper it with “I’d love to, but I can’t just now.” Or “I’m sorry, I’m afraid I’ll have to pass.” Whatever lingo we use, saying no requires conscious effort and commitment. It doesn’t mean we’re insensitive to others’ needs or that we have …
The Perfect Imperfection of a Writer’s World
You might think because I write Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction my story worlds are a delightful Sunday-Go-to-Meeting escape. Well, I can’t fib. That’s somewhat true…to a point. However— As a conscientious writer whose goal is to share a great story, I strive to balance the delightful with reality-based conflict in a heartfelt, homespun way. Today’s readers want meat-and-potatoes stories that resonate. …
April Newsletter Prep
My apologies for missing a recent blog post. I usually mention it beforehand if I find it necessary to step away, but sometimes unscheduled breaks happen. Thanks so much for your patience. This month has been particularly busy as I complete a few projects before deadline. I’m also working on another story, as well as finishing my April newsletter. As you know, …
Upcoming Fun on the Blog
While some parts of the country are knee-deep in snow and bone-chilling cold, here in the Ozarks we can’t complain. Today in my little niche the sun’s shining with a projected high of fifty degrees. Fifty degrees. In fact, forecasts predict a nice round of upper sixties for the next ten days or so. Ahh. Spring fever, here I come! Of course, …
Should Writers Write the Stories of Their Hearts?
Oh, my goodness. I wondered if I should even broach this on the blog today. So much has been said about writers writing to trends versus writers writing the stories of their hearts, it seems a little redundant to add to the chatter. But you know me. I thought another perspective might be fun. So here we go. Let’s dive …