I've long been a fan of Max Lucado. His books have such an element of simple truth to them that they never fail to resonate with my soul. His book A Cure for Common Life inspired me to pursue my dream of writing when I was just starting the journey, when fear and doubt threatened to paralyze me and tempted me to forfeit my calling. This book encouraged my spirit, made me brave, and confirmed in … [Read more...]
New Year, New Post!
I got in on the first try! Yay, me!!! Of course, our dear Robin Lee Hatcher gave me a big hint on how to do that. Saved and noted! Happy 2016. Hard to believe it's already five days into the new year. I am fast approaching my first deadline of the year. On January 15th, I have to turn in the fourth book of my Men of Millbrook Lake series for Love Inspired. It's been a fun series since I wanted … [Read more...]
Divine Appointments
Over the Thanksgiving holidays, my mother-in-law came for a visit. She flew from Massachusetts to Michigan. Flying these days is not for the faint of heart, especially when you get stuck with a change of planes at O'Hare. I think half of my gray hairs are a direct result of mad dashes through O'Hare to catch connecting flights. But I digress . . . So, my mother-in-law VERY rarely flies. … [Read more...]
The Spiritual Life of a Reader
I remember the first Christian novel I ever read. It was Love Comes Softly by Jeanette Oke. I was in high school, and my spiritual life was a mess. Around this time I was also reading things like The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough and Pet Cemetery by Steven King—books that truly vexed my soul. Reading Love Comes Softly was like finding a cool spring of fresh water in a blazing hot desert. I … [Read more...]
Novelist Retreat: 11 Heads Are Better Than 1
Last week I got back from a very special retreat. Every year, for a dozen years, a group of writers have gotten together to Plot, Pray, and Play. Here is our group photo: … [Read more...]