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 …
Should We Write “Real Life” into Our Stories?
There are dozens of directions I could take with today’s post, but for time’s sake, let’s talk possibility and plausibility. Since this isn’t a writing blog (although I do share thoughts on the process from time to time), I won’t bore you with rights and wrongs. The truth is everyone and their Great Aunt Alice has an idea of what …
Gratitude and Good News
Oh, my goodness. Life does move in fits and starts. On Wednesday, I shared my recent kitchen blunder. You may remember it involved the perfect meal and my less than perfect timing. As promised, today’s post is Part Two of my little fiasco along with a bit of good news. (Great news, actually. Keep reading!) Long story short—I scalded the …
Pea Accidents Happen
I know. Do you ever get the feeling that only the crazy, off-beat things happen to you? Well…busy moms, fear not! Have I got a story for you! Just kick back and relax. Please join me now as dish over cyber coffee and trail mix—the healthy kind (with peanuts, cranberries, and oh yeah…butterscotch morsels and white chocolate chips). Today’s blog …
FAITH in Hard Places
Oh, great. As I approached my car, I saw it. The dent, scraped paint, and two-inch black mark shone like a beacon beneath the afternoon sun. Someone had hit my driver’s side door, and of course, didn’t bother leaving a note. I’d been in the mall less than two hours. I suspected the culprit was the maroon car with black …
Why Joy Matters
Several years ago I blogged about something that struck a chord with people. The subject? Joy. That’s right. Joy. That simple little word we so often take for granted or we neglect to share because of other priorities. To date, 10 Characteristics of a Joy-Bearer is my most popular blog post since I started blogging five years ago. I couldn’t …
“Warm Fuzzy” Wednesday
Mid-week. Wednesday. Ahhh. Doesn’t it feel good? Today I wanted to share a few “warm fuzzies” with you because, if you’re like me, hump day is that one day of the week that reminds us we’re halfway there. Halfway done with the week and halfway to the end of it. Generally, that’s a great feeling. We recap our accomplishments and …
How to Love Twitter Without Going Crazy… My (Unofficial) Guidelines
When I jumped on the Twitter bandwagon in 2011, I thought it was the greatest thing since bell bottoms and toe socks. It was fun, chatty, and quick. I followed back most people who followed me. Conversations were friendly, snappy, and polite. I met a lot of nice, interesting folks. Then… Twitter changed. It didn’t feel the same way it …
I Love YOU More… A little post about God, writing, and you.
The dilemma. Somewhere along your writing path, the trek will grow wearisome. Sun-starved. Never-ending. You may wonder why you started the journey. You may self-compare. You may even consider quitting. What made you think you could possibly juggle life, family, writing, and oh, yeah—God—when you can barely come up for air as you do yet one more thing? Sound familiar? …
Yes, There Still is Beauty
Hello, my friend. I had a different post planned today as I jumped back into the blogging saddle, but I scrapped it in favor of something else—beauty. And a few thoughts on the recent event that rocked our world yet again. Often, there’s a fine line after such things. The tricky negotiation of should I or shouldn’t I? Should I …