It’s wonderful to be back with you today! Thanks for extending grace during my blogging respite of the past several months. While, technically, I’m still on hiatus. I wanted to share a brief update with a few end-of-the-summer tidbits, some book news, and a couple other fun things. (Click-to-Tweet) I’m now about four months or so from my launch date—January …
Writer’s Fog… The Struggle Is Real
Do you ever wonder where the day went? How about the past three months? Maybe, for a moment, you have to think about that. No worries. I understand. It’s part of the malady. A symptom of overwork and exhaustion. A byproduct of euphoria and anticipation. The thing we hesitate to name. Writer’s fog. (Click-to-Tweet) Huh? Is that really a thing? Yes, …
Author Newsletters: Why They’re Important
Do the words “author newsletter” strike fear in your heart? Depends who you ask, of course. To our readers, we certainly hope not! We love you. We want you to love us (authors), too. We hope you enjoy hearing from us! To my writing friends who tremble at the mere thought of adding yet another thing to your must-do list—no …
Coffee Break and Catch-Up
Several weeks ago you may remember we talked about some temporary changes to the blog as I move forward with writing projects and additional commitments. If you missed any of the wonderful blog guests we’ve had so far, no worries! Grab a cup of joe—don’t be shy—and settle in for a bit. No need to put on your party duds. Your …
Upcoming News…and Guest Blog Update
Recently, I mentioned some upcoming changes to the blog. Specifically, I shared my new season of busyness with you and gave a call-out to those who might be interested in guest-blogging. Wow. You showed up in a big way. Thank you! Because of your overwhelming response, I now have a fantastic guest-blog line-up for the next few months. From April …
My Six Favorite Heartfelt, Homespun Blog Posts
As you might guess after writing 600+ blog posts, I have more than a few favorite heartfelt, homespun thoughts. While encouragement is the heartbeat of this blog, hearth and home and small town life are near and dear to my heart. I love sharing bits and pieces of the Ozarks with you and inviting you into my world, if only …
The Truth of the Matter Is…
When I jumped back into writing after a five-year hiatus, I rarely took breaks. I convinced myself that success meant I had to plow forward no matter what. Well, the truth of the matter is… When we do this, we risk burnout. Writers should—must—take breaks or accept premature defeat. We weren’t created to work 24/7 without recharging our batteries for …
Friday Catch-Up from the Ozarks
Friday already? I can hardly believe Thanksgiving is past and Christmas prep is well under way at our house. We’ve put up our Christmas tree and decked some of the halls, but I still have more decorating to do. (Stop by next Wednesday and I’ll post a few labor of love photos. Always fun stuff going on over our way!) …
The Value of Community
Recently, I met with a friend for brunch and catch-up. Over danishes and drinks (no—not those kind of drinks), we talked about momlife, busy seasons, and oh, yes—writing. Writing—the thing that causes our hearts to drum a little faster. The thing that rocks our comfort zones. The thing that drives us to dream bigger, try harder, and work smarter as …
Happy, Blessed Thanksgiving to You and Yours
Happy, Blessed Thanksgiving, my friend! I pray this finds you well and in a mindset of thankfulness. I’m beyond grateful for so many blessings—more than I can count and far more than I deserve. Over our way we’re knee-deep in Thanksgiving prep mode. Turkey’s thawing, menu’s planned, and my party apron’s at the ready. (And of course, coffee’s brewing!) On …