Recently, as I’ve taken strolls out in nature, I hear the voices of life around me. The chirping of swallows, the screeching of hawks, and the knocking of woodpeckers. Each sharing their story. Despite the dead of winter, life emerges in spring. It’s my favorite season. And how inspiring that Easter falls during this pandemic. We need the reminder that …
SMART goal during a Pandemic
Once upon a time, there was a freelance writer working hard on a novel. She desired to get her stories to the world. But then a quarantine halted everyone’s plans. Including hers. Although she was fortunate to work on this novel during social distancing, she had other personal issues affect her time and energy. So, she set her novel on …
Author Showcase Highlights
Saturday, March 14th, six authors and ten guests came together for an Author Showcase. Little did we know, this would be the last time we’d get together publicly before COVID-19 halted all public gatherings over ten. We sat around a Hibachi table listening to a variety of readings, eating sushi or stir fry, and fellowshipping with each other. Enjoy the …
Famous First Lines
They say to to judge a book by its cover, but who judges based on the first lines? For me, if the first line is subpar, I might continue reading, especially if came highly recommended (or for an assignment). But I enjoy when that first line whisks me into the story’s world. Ever experienced that? So, as we’re practicing social …
Don’t Fireball the Neighbors, Q & A with Author, Loren Selby
NOTE: Today’s Q & A is with author Loren Selby. She’s working on a Middle-Grade fantasy story, Don’t Fireball the Neighbors, part of the trilogy series, Tales of Mundus. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Loren since I’m serving as her book coach. She’s witty, imaginative, and resilient. And she can sketch. The featured image is a self-portrait with her two …
Haiku Challenge
It’s March Spring Forth month! Spring is my favorite season of the year. Leaves sprout on trees, flowers bloom, and weather is warmer (at least in Oklahoma). I went for a refreshing walk the other day and the air felt serene. For Spring Forth month on the blog, I’m encouraging everyone to let their voice bloom. Even if it’s posting …
Touch Someone with a Handwritten Letter
Activation from video Write down someone you want to write a handwritten letter to. (Feel free to share in Comments below.) Write down a deadline for writing and mailing the letter. Get stationary. I used the floral stationary and the Jinhao Texture Fountain Pen. Check out my February Resources for other stationary and pens. Or you can find stationary and …
Head West! Q & A with Novelist, Kathleen Bailey
NOTE: I met Kathleen Bailey at a writer’s conference (American Christian Fiction Writers) a few years ago. We quickly became friends. Kathleen is witty, authentic, and intelligent. I enjoyed cheering her on when she won an award in the Romance category at the conference. Even though she lives in New Hampshire, we’ve kept in touch. I was excited to read …
Love At the Mayo
Imagine a woman, named Celine, is waiting at a hotel lobby for her blind date. She’s attending a charitable gala. Her close friend set her up with her brother, but they’re over an hour late. She’s texted and called her friend, but the calls go straight to voicemail. Should she leave? Even if she’s wanted to meet this brother for …
Love Conquers Fear
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou Can I tell you a secret? I’m afraid to share my novels. So much that I have three novels in the editing stage. But I haven’t submitted any to an editor. Why? They’re not perfect. If I share them in their imperfect stage, even to an …