I’m a people-lover. And because I care about people (YOU) I love to spread joy! I’ve had some disappointments. I’ve walked the valley. (I’ve shared some of those trials here and here.) I think when we experience life’s heartaches, we view others’ hardships through a fresh lens. We’re more inclined to nitpick less, listen better, and love more. Sometimes, it’s …
The Way to a Man’s Heart is through His Wife’s Kitchen
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his wife’s kitchen. Or is it the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? (I’ve heard it both ways.) I’ve not tested this theory intentionally, but I do believe there’s some truth to those statements. I mean, what normal, red-blooded man doesn’t like a warm slice of bread baked …
Start Your Dream with “Pretend”
Hello, all! This is an updated post, but one I think you’ll enjoy. Like other little girls, I often played “pretend.” I dreamed I was a princess, a Barbie, a mermaid, or a teacher. It changed from day-to-day. Between the ages of seven and eight, something else stirred within me. I realized I wanted to tell stories, too. I don’t know that I …
Passion: 15 Tips to Kick-Start Our Creativity
Are you passionate? Are you enthusiastic about whatever it is you’re called to do? If not, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate. Granted, I’m speaking from a writer’s perspective, but creativity isn’t limited to writing. Our creative pursuits are as unique and diverse as we are individually. Passionate folks tend to see the world through a different lens. We love hard, …
Meet Marjorie Vawter (And a Giveaway!)
Sometimes, in life, you meet certain folks and you just click. You might share similar life philosophies, spiritual beliefs, and mutual goals. Bonus points include: a funny bone, a compassionate heart, and truth with tact. (I call these God-ordained appointments “Jesus Hook-Ups.”) I first met Marjorie (Margie) Vawter a little over a year ago at our local ACFW MozArks chapter meeting. I …
If You Write Fiction, Do You Still Have to Research?
How fun is research? Does the mere word send shivers of delight OR disdain skittering down your spine? For those who write historical fiction, the value of in-depth and painstaking research can’t be stressed enough. For my contemporary fiction writing friends, we, too, understand the importance of dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s. If we’re to make our stories and characters come alive, research is …
Ditch Doubt, Define Your Destiny
As a child, I knew I was different. When I was about seven, my second grade teacher confirmed it. (“It” not being tangible in terms of a label per se, but more a stark realization than anything else.) Mrs. K spoke with deliberate, adult-like precision and put it into perspective for my little girl brain. Her words transcended my finite knowledge of a …
I Bared it All and You Can, Too.
Yes, today’s blog post title is a shameless play on words, but please, “bear” with me. (Stale humor–I know. Still recovering from weeks of little sleep. But…the good news is my mama’s on the mend.) A few months ago, I talked with someone about a subject near and dear to my heart. Writing, of course. In fact, it was that conversation that sparked today’s thoughts. …
Blogging: Is it Going the Way of the Dinosaur?
Welcome back! I’m so glad you joined me today! Pull up a chair, have some coffee, and let’s chat. (Don’t let the photo fool you. Yes, I am going to talk about blogging today, but I wanted to offer you some deelish cyber treats first.) Last week was spring break at our house and I’ve been on a blogging hiatus. Beginning this week, I’m …
10 Ways to Kick-Start Our Creative Muse
I try to do it all. Meaning: I’m a wife. I’m a mom. I’m a writer. I’m a blogger. I’m a million things rolled into one. Sometimes, all the hats I wear leave me breathless. I have a lot of thoughts and ideas that run through my mind, but occasionally, the creative well runs dry and I’m left scratching my head. Where do I go for …