“How did you get the idea for the Journey of Dreams series?” It wasn’t the first time I’d ever been asked the question. As usual, I launched into a description of the recurring dream that had prompted me to write Prairie. I told about hearing the “Theme from a Summer Place” over and over in my Continue Reading
What I Loved about Running and What I Hated
He joined our group as if he’d been there forever. Laughing, joking. The two of us were the disruptive influence that night. That probably shocks everyone… that I could be a disruptive influence, I mean. I love fun repartee. Dave knows how to do it and do it well. So, when he asked on the Continue Reading
What Characters Do I Love to Write Most & Why?
The question didn’t surprise me. People ask all kinds of things. Where you get your ideas, what your favorite genre to write is, what your favorite genre to read is… So asking what kind of character is my favorite to write seemed reasonable enough. “Kids, I think.” That earned me a blank look Continue Reading
Wanted: Readers Who Love the Agency Files & Will Help Me!
About six months ago, I got an email. I can’t recall the exact wording, but it went something like this. Hey! I just finished A Forgotten Truth, and at the end, it said there’d be book five in 2016. But I can’t find it. Can you tell me the title?” I fired back an apologetic reply assuring him Continue Reading
Another Way I Was Surprised at the SoCalCWConference
I already told you how God slapped me upside the head and taught me how to lay down my preferences and focus on Him in worship at the SoCalCWConference HERE. But that wasn’t the only way I was surprised. Amid all the hubbub, the people asking for help with this, offering encouragement for Continue Reading
3 Reasons I Have Nothing but High Praise for This Book
“Mom… there’s this guy at church. His name is Kevin HAVOC!!! Can you believe it? His poor wife.” “Mom! Remember Kevin Havoc? The quiet, shy guy at church? Guess what his nickname is? Mayhem! Isn’t that like calling a giant of a dude, ‘tiny?’” The day eventually came. “Hey, Mom. Kevin Havoc? Continue Reading
5 Reasons to Hire This Guy Next Time You Need a Bodyguard
He wore a Stetson. Boots. Jeans. And plaid. He had a mustache some years and a beard, others. And a twang. His voice had that distinct Okie twang that always reads “home” to me. My Uncle Gene. A short man. Wiry. I always pictured Marty Robbins’ “Mr. Shorty” as being like Uncle Gene. And when I Continue Reading
What about Minding the Light Did I Love & Hate
The balmy night air blew hair about my face as I made a long loop up the short block in front of the Lighthouse. A young man smoking a cigarette approached, crossing the street as he did. So, I did what anyone would do. I greeted him. “Nice night.” “It is now—just got off work.” We Continue Reading
My 5 Favorite Things about Discovering Hope
She wore saris and flip-flops. Even in twenty-degree weather, she’d push the cleaning cart from room to room at the motel wearing those flimsy saris and flip-flops. She took special care with each room—as did her husband. It was their motel, and we lived there. You see, we’d come to California Continue Reading
What Did I Find Endearing about Enduring Love?
“Is there an author you can suggest who has really grown in his or her craft? I’d like to see if I can see the progression.” It was an unexpected question, but a good one. And I had an answer—blurted it out before I realized I did. “Toni Shiloh.” “Okay, so how has she grown?” I remembered Continue Reading
Celebrating These 21 Indie Books for Independence Day
America. Land of the free--the ruggedly, independent, "don't tread on me" free. Our heritage includes innovation, expansion, settlement, and just a little more of that independent spirit. We didn't like taxation without representation, so we broke free of those chains. A couple of centuries Continue Reading
I Survived a Weekend of Contemporary Worship & Loved It
"Hey! How’s the conference going for you?” She’s a beautiful woman who just radiates the love of Jesus as she plays her hammered dulcimer, sings, or just sits and smiles up at you. I sat down. I had a confession to make—one I thought she should hear. It might help if you knew a bit about my Continue Reading
