Yesterday, my son ran up to me, an accusatory tone in his voice, “Mom, she LICKED the dog!” “Sweetie,” I glared at my daughter. “Don’t lick the dog.” (I added this to my list of things I never thought I’d have to say). She retorted, “HE licked the dog first!” *** My nine-year-old smiled at … Read More
Facebook has been a tough place to go, recently. It’s heart-wrenching to log in and read as another friend (or the parent of a young child) announces a cancer diagnosis. Some days it feels like too much. “God, why?” I ask. And then I tremble at the thought that the next cancer patient could be … Read More
I arrived this afternoon at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference and even before I stepped out of the shuttle van, a tremor of excitement ran through me. The first year I attended this conference (2009) I was scared out of my little mind. I walked the grounds in awe (and terror) of the multi-published … Read More
I clutched the packet to my chest as I pushed through the post office door. Mailing manuscripts to editors attending the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference always brings a sense of wild anticipation, not unlike the upward climb on a rickety roller coaster. The postal clerk looked at me with tired eyes as I handed him my … Read More
Hmm. Where is the dog? Doesn’t she usually meet me at the door all wags and slobbers? Mystery? Where are you? Oh. So why are hiding behind the sofa with your head between your paws? Is that a hair clip? Or, should I say, WAS that a hairclip? Bad dog. Oh, well. It was just a cheapie … Read More
If you haven’t heard about the newest social networking craze, Pinterest, then you’re in for a treat. Yes, a time-consuming, addictive treat–but what treat isn’t? Pinterest is the new chocolate of the internet. It’s the best best new tool for writers and readers since Google. (And no, I don’t work for them.) What is it? Pinterest … Read More
Courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation How did you learn about history? Did you memorize lists of dates from dusty old textbooks or did you dive into historical novels like Little House on the Prairie and The Red Badge of Courage? Today, history is refusing to stay confined within the covers of books and teachers and history … Read More
The bulk of Christian historical fiction is set in America, but what do you do if you love Jane Austen, Jane Eyre and everything Regency? Look no further. Julie Klassen is the perfect author for you. I just finished reading The Apothecary’s Daughter and enjoyed following Lilly Haswell as she attempts to navigate the fine line dividing her father’s world … Read More
“What is a weekend?” Maggie Smith as Lady Grantham, the Dowager Countess. What makes Downton Abbey my favorite show? Oh, my…where do I begin? A unique time period. Beginning with the sinking of the Titanic and continuing through the first World War, the show embraces a period of massive change–both socially and technologically. Gorgeous sets … Read More
I have read several things lately about people choosing–or praying to receive–a single word that will represent 2012 for them. One of my writer friends, Jessica Patch, wrote a fantastic blog post about her word for the year, “Strength.” Author Debbie Macomber was featured in this month’s edition of Guideposts magazine, writing about choosing a single word … Read More