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
This is the time of year that many people dust off their dreams and make resolutions to help them achieve their goals. I did that several years ago and set out to follow my dream to become a writer. In case you’re just starting out, I thought I’d offer what I think are six of … Read More
I just took down the old calendar and put up the new. It’s always a poignant moment for me, because I’ve made it a family tradition to decorate our calendar with family photos from the year past. I make them online and give them to my family for Christmas gifts. Changing the calendar on Dec. … Read More
My daughter’s class memorized Luke 2:1-14 to recite at the school’s Christmas program. Today, while her brother was busy playing with a friend, she and I looked for a fun mother/daughter project to keep us occupied. We decided to record her saying her verses. The amazing girl did it in a single take. We paired it with … Read More
If you need to get away from the Black Friday Madness, is there a better escape than into the simplicity of Amish fiction? Amish stories are in high demand among readers of Christian fiction and it’s no wonder. Our lives are filled with busyness, struggle, and crisis. Many readers long for the purity and clarity that the Amish … Read More
My nine-year-old was playing with our magnetic letters the other day and said, “I wonder what’s the longest word you could make with these?” It tickled my word-fascinated brain and I decided I had to figure out the answer. We brainstormed for a few minutes before turning to Google. Thanks to “Fun With Words,” we discovered that dermatoglyphics, … Read More