There are moments in your life that give you pause. Some are bitter, some are sweet. I received my Christy Award Hall of Fame award in the mail last week, which was definitely a sweet one! I opened the package, then the box and, for a moment, I simply stared, letting what still feels like a fairly surreal blessing sink in. My thoughts quickly turned back to 2008 when I won my first … [Read more...]
What’s your “book-to-movie” wish?
Do you have a "book-to-movie" wish? A book you've treasured forever, that you've read several times through the years, and that you'd LOVE to see made into a movie? Well, I have several. But one of my all-time favorite book-to-movie wishes is coming true! By now I'm betting you know that Francine Rivers' bestselling novel Redeeming Love is being made into a movie. Or has been made. The … [Read more...]
Fabulous First Sentences (from 2019 Christy Award Finalists)
You already know I love reading first sentences of novels, and here are some really good ones! From a few of the 2019 Christy Award finalists, no less. Not all of them, mind you, just a few chosen at random. I love the varieties in style and hope you do, too! And GET READY TO VOTE because I'd like to know your favorite! #1"I discovered a secret."Falling for You by Becky Wade Christy Award … [Read more...]
Celebrating Christian Fiction in Nashville!
Hey friends! If you live in or near Nashville, then this invitation is for you! First, a conference for writers . . . If you're a writer—either published or hoping to be—this conference is for you! I've attended this gathering in the past (and hope to this year!) and it always offers excellent information and teaching. Plus encouragement! I always leave uplifted and rejuvenated. Second, … [Read more...]
10 Writing Tips for Staying Focused
Are you list lover? I am. I recently made a list of 10 truths that I've revisited recently in my own writing career in regards to staying focused and to "finishing the book!" But these are truths that also apply to life in general. Which of these 10 tips resonate with you? Disconnect…and be disciplined about it— So easy to say, so hard to do.In my early years of writing there … [Read more...]