It’s great to be back with you! If you’re a member of my newsletter family, please check your inboxes. Newsletters went to subscribers yesterday, and you don’t want to miss all the great content. Hint: Be sure you’ve added my newsletter e-mail address to your contacts so I don’t mistakenly go to your spam folder. Not a subscriber yet? No …
Blog Break ~ See You Again February 3, 2017
As I do occasionally, I’ve scheduled some time off from blogging. After 700 + posts over the past six years, I’ve come to realize how important blog breaks are. Breaks allow me to work on manuscripts, consider new blog content, and rest for a bit. I’ll also put the finishing touches on next month’s newsletter so if you’ve subscribed to my …
Writing, Winter, and Ice… OH, MY!
Well, for those who are wondering— What they say about the Ozarks is true. If you’re tired of the weather one day, stick around. Weather here changes on a dime. For instance, on Wednesday my car registered seventy-two degrees. Yesterday? Not even half that. And today… Today it seems we are in for a get-your-blood-pumping-and-slip-on-your-long johns kind of day. In …
The World We Create
As a fiction writer, I’m drawn to stories—different kinds of stories, really, because I realize one way to improve my craft is to understand the human condition. By nature, I’m also very curious and I enjoy people. I want to know what makes them tick. I want to know what motivates them. How choices, lifestyles, and culture influence their decisions …
My One Word for 2017: Persevere
Welcome back! I’m so glad you stopped by. As 2016 drew to a close, I relished a much-needed break from blogging and social media. I savored time with family and friends as we celebrated the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of our Savior. I hope your holidays were joy-filled, as well. Now that another year’s behind us, I’ve reflected on …
Merry Christmas 2016 and a Blog Break
As our week draws to a close, today I’d like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope your holiday is filled to the brim and overflowing with peace, love, and good cheer. May you experience God’s greatest blessing—the birth of Jesus—in a new and meaningful way. May you sense hope in …
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 …
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? …
Fall Blog Break ~ October 21st Through November 2nd
The weather turned sharply cooler in the Ozarks and it finally feels like fall. It’s time for quilts, sweaters, and chili. Maybe even some hot chocolate with flavored marshmallows. Mmm… As we move farther into the season, I find it’s also time for a fall blog break. I’ll hop on social media for brief spurts, but I’ll step away from …