I was an innocent bystander. Really! I was. I just sat there, reading a fabulous book (you can read my review HERE), and cracking up over the heroine’s hijinks when it happened. There, described in brilliant detail (without too much, mind you) emerged a scene that transformed itself in my mind. Continue Reading
A Love Letter? What’s In It For You?
I opened the missive with fear and more than a little trepidation. After all, it isn’t often you get a letter with bold, beautiful script and sealing wax on the back. From an admiral in the Royal Navy! EEEP! Have you ever broken the seal on a letter like that? Talk about ominous. And a bit Continue Reading
2 Simple but Effective Rules That Changed My Life
It might surprise you to learn that I was a rather talkative and, frankly, arrogant child. Hang on while I jerk my tongue from my cheek... In fact, I coined the term “thunder puppy” to define that sense of “I’ve gotta fix the world” attitude that kids like me get. Dad saw it in me at a Continue Reading
Last Words in the Last 5 Minutes of Life:
You’re dying. No, really. You are. We all are. But what if you were dying… now? What if you only had five minutes to convey your last message to those you love most? Just a “time out” before death to write the one message that fills your soul. This was an exercise at last year’s retreat. Continue Reading
More Unlikely Mentors & Their Incredible Lessons
Quiet, steady, hardworking, sincere. I’ve always admired him. The love he showed his family, his never-wavering commitment to provision and protection. His smile. Music fills my mind. Dah-dee-dah-dee-dee-dah…dah-dee-dee-dah-dee-dah… An old Model AA pickup appears. The smiling faces of Continue Reading
Why Is It That People NEVER Read?: A Rant
The post appeared in my feed. Just a short story about how my friend’s mail guy had a Monday Moment and took out her mailbox—splintered post and all. She posted with just a picture and a comment that read something like, “Pray for our poor mail guy. He’s having a tough day today.” Followed by cute Continue Reading
What Happens to Your Life When the Word Is the Standard
We sat across from each other in the booth at Denny’s. While she looked at the menu and chatted about something funny she saw on Facebook, I second-guessed my decision to get her opinion on my dilemma. What I had to ask wouldn’t be popular—even with someone as clearly committed to Biblical thinking Continue Reading
What’s Wrong with This Sequel & How to Fix It?
I remember everything my favorite music teacher taught me about music. Odd, though, I don’t remember her name or anything she told me about my own playing, but about music, I remember. I can hear her as if I’m still standing in her little studio, violin tucked under my chin, wrist hanging from the Continue Reading
Why Do I Blog All the Time? My Top Reasons
While drunks demanded pancakes and bourbon chicken skillets, the woman slid my open planner toward her and skimmed the entries. Yes, she asked before she did, and I didn’t care. I mean, it’s just my editorial calendar—the books that are on sale, the upcoming releases, books I have to ship, social Continue Reading
Just What Is the Future of Christian Fiction?
With a disdainful look at the cover of an overly airbrushed young woman in plain dress and a white kappe, the woman shoves the book back on the bookstore shelf. “I used to like these, but they’re all the same, now.” “Try something with a little more action—like maybe Dee Henderson or Brandilyn Continue Reading
The First Just the Write 10 Best Novel Awards
“Who won the Christy Award?” “I don’t know, but did you hear who won the Carol Award?” “Nope—but I did hear that… oh, what’s his name. The guy who wrote that one about the cult living in a New York high rise? He won the Illumination Award!” “And my favorite author won the Christian Book Continue Reading
3 Reasons Why You’ll Love Lead a Merry Dance
April Hayman sat across from me at Denny’s, planning her next novella in The Christmas Lights Collection: Making Spirits Bright. “I think I’m going to make this year’s novella about Trip going on a cruise— a honeymoon cruise.” The words got my attention. I mean who doesn’t love the idea of a Continue Reading
