The other day, someone asked me if I knew of a good, quick read or three she could take on a summer trip. Her criteria? “It needs to be a quick read—preferably with a realistic romance. But not just a clean romance. I want some solid faith in there, too.” She doesn’t ask for much, right? Look, Continue Reading
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What Is the Best way to Choose a Genre?
“Oh! You’re a writer? Cool. What genre?” *insert blank look* And this is where I usually reply with something like, “Um, the answer to that question is kind of a novel in itself.” For a while, I just said, “Christian Fiction.” But who knew that opened up one confusing can of worms? I Continue Reading
Warning: This Book Isn’t Free from Sexual Tension
“…just so glad I can grab any book with your name on the cover and know it’s safe for my kids and grandkids to read…” The longer the woman talks, the drier my throat becomes. I try to speak—I fail. Half-gasping, half-wailing to the Lord for help, the words miraculously (okay, a bit of hyperbole Continue Reading
The Unexpected Blessing of Unlikely Mentors
She wore white—a cotton t-shirt and jeans cut off at the knees. I’d been told not to wash my hair with shampoo, not to use hairspray or cosmetics, not to wear perfume—nothing with a scent. I felt ugly sitting there in the sweats and a t-shirt she’d left waiting for me in her garage—with my hair Continue Reading
3 Important Things You’ll Find in My Favorite Books
The scent of books mingled with coffee lures you in through the doors. You wander down past the array of clearance items, gift bags, goofy book-themed gifts, and hit the discount racks. Bestsellers. Science Fiction. Mystery. After wandering through the rows of beautiful “repurposed trees” for a Continue Reading
The Hidden Blessings in Losing Your Memory
“Who are you, again?” “I’m Joe’s, daughter. Vyonie.” My sister pointed to me. “This is Chautona.” For some odd reason, the niece she spent the least amount of time with, Aunt Doris remembered—somewhat. But she didn’t remember Vyonie from what I could tell. She smiled at me, that amazing, sweet Continue Reading
What Book Would Make the Best Last Literary Meal?
Okay, let me just be super transparent here, okay? Last meal. When I saw that question on this week’s blog challenge, I kept wanting to ask, “What do you know that I don’t?” It’s strange. I’ve never been afraid of death. Okay, I’m not so keen on the dying part. Not unless I get to do something Continue Reading
Why I Hate Summer Vacation More Every Year
Three little girls. Two with blond, curly pigtails. One brunette with cute swinging bob. They wear bicycle shorts and swingy tunic tops. Frankly, they look straight out of an Old Navy commercial. Laughing, giggling, they weave through the aisles of Walmart with their mother. “Can we get water Continue Reading
Who Are My Cheerleaders? These 7 Fabulous Folks
When you're weary and exhausted, no matter how much you love the game, you're just done. Enter, the cheerleaders. Rah, rah, sis, boom, bah! You can do it, yah, yah, yah! Pompoms wave, crowds cheer! The team flags, but with the cheers going, they pull through and... SCORE! Whew! Exhaustion fades Continue Reading
What 4 All-American Things Do I Absolutely Hate?
I was a kid in the seventies. I mean, you almost couldn't BE a more seventies kid than me. Time-wise, anyway. I was born in 1970--on the first anniversary of man landing on the moon. WOOT! Most of the other 70's kid stuff didn't really apply to me. I didn't watch much TV, I didn't get into pop Continue Reading
Why “All You Need” Is Brilliant & Annoying
It’s one of the most annoying answers in writing. The question? How many words should my book be? Answer: as many as it takes to tell the story. Commence head banging now. The problem is that this is the right answer. It’s brilliant. And it’s annoying. There are those who say, “Word Continue Reading
How the Most Annoying Pet Peeves Inspire the Best Stories
I have a secret to share. Better listen closely, because I'll only admit to this once. The ghosts of authors past will haunt me in my nightmares if I dare to do this as it is. But you see, authors aren't just hyper-creatives who crack open the rooms of their imaginations and allow you a glimpse Continue Reading
