A few days ago, I received a pleasant surprise: the new omnibus edition of the Sons of Encouragement. Caleb is on the cover. I love the story of Caleb. He and Joshua were the only men who believed the Israelites could conquer the Promised Land the first time they approached because God was with them. …
I’m a fair weather gardener, which means I only work in the garden on warm, clear days – like today. I thought I could just slip my little shovel into the soft soil, lift, plop in a bulb and voila, we’ll have summer gladiolas! The ground was hard as a rock. I got my pick. …
I’ve been working on a new proposal. Same heart of the story I’ve been dreaming about, but transplanted into a different body. The character sketches came together quickly. The names are a little hokey, but then character names often change several times during the course of writing a story. As I write, the characters begin …
I’m scrapping my proposal and prologue today. Shredding it is a better idea. I’ve been thinking/working over a story idea for months! I dream about this “thing”, whatever it is. It’s been like living in a rabbit warren and the rabbits keep producing more rabbits. In this case, ideas are reproducing ideas. I’m living in …
Writing isn’t about making friends with my characters, but trying to understand them. It’s a process. What I write in a “book proposal” is a faint shadow of who the characters are and what they will do. I don’t even know any of that yet. What is important is what these new people in my …
I am told by those close to me that I always go through the same process when I’m writing a new book. It always starts with doubt and fear. Whatever made me think I could write anything, let alone a novel? I know I’m not alone in this. Other writer friends feel the same way. …
Does anyone else out there have a problem with having their picture taken? If I was Angelina Jolie, I’d be smiling at the paparazzi, too – or Betty White before she gets hit by the football player. I’m not either, and I’d rather be behind the camera than in front of it. I confess. The …
Our church women gathered on Saturday to take classes in “the lost arts”: tie dye, knitting, quilting, ornament making, cooking (raviolis and bread – from scratch!), make up, picture framing, pressed-flower cards. I took knitting. We have several experts in our congregation who make everything from blankets to sweaters, baby booties to stylish hats and …
My husband had knee replacement surgery on January 3. I moved into a small hotel within six blocks of the hospital so that I could walk there and spend time with him every day. The surgery was on schedule and went well. The nurses had him up and walking the first day. The physical therapist …
Rick always knows when I’m getting antsy to begin writing again. He can sense the inner tension in me, the restlessness. Maybe I get a twitch or something. Maybe I grind my teeth. Sometimes I drum my fingers on the counter, as though there is an invisible keyboard. Not that anything I would write at …