Last month, we celebrated the Feast of Sukkot with our Jewish friends and family members. One of my favorite things about the holiday is building and decorating a Sukkah or booth on our back deck. First, we constructed a frame out of two-by-fours then enclosed three of the sides using tarps. Next comes the fun part—decorating it with natural materials such as cornstalks, cat-tails, and pine … [Read more...]

"Beware the editor! They'll try to change your voice!" That was one of the first bits of "advice" I got when starting out on my writing journey. And I have to tell you… In my experience, it was complete hog wash. My editors—and I've worked with several through the years—have only made my work better. Yesterday was my Bethany House editor's last day, and I'll admit I got a little teary over … [Read more...]

His Highness and I just returned from a trip to Eureka Spring, Arkansas.  Are you familiar with Eureka Springs? It's an historic town that became popular around 1880 because locals believed its many natural springs had healing powers.  Eureka Springs' Main Street runs down the bottom rib of a valley.  The rest of the streets and structures snake upward from there.  What's absolutely astonishing … [Read more...]