The other day I went out to the chicken run and didn't see Ringo, my amazing rooster. So I looked inside the coop, and there he was, dead. My heart broke. He was beautiful, and he did his job so well. The girls and I will miss him. Why do I keep a rooster? Hens don't need a rooster to lay eggs--they only need a rooster to lay fertilized eggs. Ringo fathered many of my current chickens, … [Read more...]
How My Writing Journey Began
People are always asking how I became a writer, expecting, I fear, some mystical story. They also ask what inspires me, and tend to look disappointed when I truthfully reply, "The mortgage." You see, being a writer is a job like any other. You show up, go to work, and earn a check, which you only earn when your readers buy new books. (Used books don't count). But there is a necessary … [Read more...]
Lost and Found
Two weeks ago, my gentle, adorable grandson went to preschool for the first time. His entire family went to drop him off, and once he was safely at school, they left for work. Dad would pick him up when school dismissed. So at the appointed time, Dad drove into the pickup line and turned on his phone's video camera, because he wanted to record the moment for posterity--GrandBoy's first pick up … [Read more...]
Bulletin Bloopers
Does your church still print a bulletin? Even if they don't, I hope this collection of actual bulletin bloopers will brighten your day! The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals. The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus." Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and … [Read more...]
Theological Dig
When I write historical fiction, whether based on biblical characters or not, I take great pains to get the history right. That can be especially challenging when writing about ancient times, but the challenge is often fun! The following is an old email conversation between me and one of my like-minded writer friends (this is what we do when we should be writing). The subject: How long was … [Read more...]