Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
Every time I attend, or teach, at a writing conference, I am reminded of the power of community. The interaction, learning, camaraderie, encouragement, and support inspire and propel forward motion. But community isn’t limited to writers. Faith-based, creative, work-related, local, regional, and family-oriented communities enrich our lives. Following are some of the gifts of […]
This spring we’ve enjoyed watching our four-year-old grandson play T-ball. Observing four-year-olds bat, tackle the ball, fight over it, forget to throw to base, play in the dirt instead of watching the batter, cry, pout, and announce “I’m done” halfway through the game has been fun and entertaining. As I watched these little ones, several […]
Last weekend, I taught at a writing conference. Conferees, clutching their proposals, streamed into the appointment room. Some slid in the door and plastered themselves against the wall. Others danced in, anticipation and excitement apparent on their faces. Still others bounced from one appointment table to the next like a pinball hitting obstacles, searching for […]
This week, I was surprised and excited to learn I am a finalist in the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) First Impressions contest. For me, writing fiction is like writing with my non-dominant hand, or perhaps the non-dominant side of my brain is more accurate. I think and write nonfiction, which is my “native tongue,” […]
In a matter of weeks, our patterns of daily living changed as COVID-19 invaded our lives. Businesses moved to survival mode. Parents became teachers. People transitioned to working from home. Conferences were canceled or moved to the fall, and meetings shifted to Zoom. Along with these changes, came forms of new learning required to make […]
Have you wondered what inspires creativity in people? Is it an event, other people, challenging circumstances, an accumulation of knowledge, determination, heritage, or talent? The answer is likely a combination of all of these, plus more. In watching a documentary on Francis Scott Key and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” I saw some similarities […]