Between my history degree, my extensive reading of historical fiction, and my own research and writing of historical fiction, I consider myself pretty well-versed history, especially English history and American history. So imagine my surprise when I dove into two different historical novels last week and found mention in both of an English holiday I’d never heard of! And here’s the kicker—one … [Read more...]

A few months ago, in this post, I told the tale of my lost and found Bible. Several of you responded, saying that you'd lost and found something that was important to you, too. Your stories were so heartwarming that I decided to compile some of them into this blog post. Here's hoping they bless you as much as they did me! "After my sister and brother passed in 2013 I looked and looked … [Read more...]

When our local library reopened recently, my husband brought home a book he thought I’d like, called Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey. It’s an interesting collection of the daily routines of over 150 writers, composers, painters and scientists. Was my husband hinting that I would benefit from a more orderly routine? If so, he is no doubt right. I did not read the book cover … [Read more...]

This morning I'm coming to you with a favor to ASK and then I have something to OFFER you. The "ask" involves the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, which I've been teaching at for as long as I can remember. Last year was the conference's 50th anniversary and I was beyond touched and humbled to be named the conference's Writer of the Year. This conference has such a special place in my … [Read more...]