All writers have their pet words — and I don’t mean “fluffy” or “spot.” I recently discovered that, like a hamster running the same wheel day-in and day-out, that I keep re-using two words in my writing: “okay” and “then.” “Are you okay?” “Is it okay to go back in the house?”, “Okay, I don’t know what you … Read More
Welcome to the weekend! For those of you looking for a few quiet reading hours over the weekend, I try to spend each Friday blog recommending a great read. I generally emphasize fiction titles with Christian themes. Today’s pick is Camy Tang‘s Sushi for One? I fell in love with Tang’s writing after picking up … Read More
I am way overdue for a blog update on my writing… Here’s the skinny! Guideposts Magazine has contacted me about printing my story “A Birthday Wish.” This is a rewrite of one of my favorite blog posts. They are going to edit it down (way, way down) and hope to print it in their February issue. … Read More
Wow! I have reached a major blogging milestone today. This is officially blog post #100! I feel like I should have some sort of blog party or celebration. Instead, I’m going to do what television shows usually do… a “clip show.” Many readers have only joined my blog recently, and like most bloggers — I … Read More
If you have been following my blog for awhile, you may remember that last July I chose the book Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller as a Friday Book Pick. Playing off of the title of this successful book, Christian author Tricia Goyer has recently released her version, Blue Like Play Dough. I love the way she describes … Read More
“Come OOOOONNNN!” my ten-year-old griped at me this morning when we were getting out of the car and heading for school. (Usually that’s my line, but he was the one in a hurry this morning.) I answered with HIS usual line, “I’m coming! Sheesh!” (“Sheesh” seems to be his favorite word lately. I don’t really know what … Read More
Nothing deep today… Just a smile. A few weeks back my family was listening to the radio while we were sitting in the car waiting for some friends. I couldn’t help humming along with the old tune that was playing: “If you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain…” I remember hearing this … Read More
I hadn’t even glanced at the calendar yesterday when I decided to pick Shawn Grady’s new novel Through the Fire for today’s Book Pick. It was only this morning when I realized that I’d chosen a book about firefighters to feature on 9-11. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. This debut author spins a thrilling tale of … Read More
I just looked back at my last blog post date and realized it’s been almost three weeks since my last post! I purposely took a step back a few weeks ago in order to enjoy the last few weeks of summer with my kids. We had lots of fun days these past few weeks: visiting … Read More
Click on the cartoon to read it. Courtesy of “Will Write for Chocolate by Debbie Oh. “So, how’s the book coming?” It’s the question that is making me cringe. I am happy that my friends are aware of my dream and that they are supportive and interested. But, I’m at an uncomfortable stage in the … Read More