When I left the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in May of 2010 I overflowed with writerly confidence. My manuscript had received a positive critique. The words “you’re almost ready” had been uttered. I left with marching orders . . . to submit fiction proposals to three agents and one editor. And I intended to. As soon as I incorporated… [ read more ]

Some of the first “grown up” books I can remember reading were in the historical fiction genre. “Prairie romances” I think they’re called now. These days, I still love reading books set in a different time, where the plot and characterizations are influenced by the mores of the day and both time and place are… [ read more ]

Wednesday. At Blue Ridge, everyone is settling in. The newbies are learning their way around campus. The veterans have reconnected with old friends and made new ones. Everything is in full swing. They’ll be challenged this morning with a devotion and some time in worship. So before we dive in, let’s take a few moments… [ read more ]

Tuesday. At Blue Ridge , the conferees are heading to continuing classes and workshops. The paid critiques and meetings with agents and editors begin today. Let’s take a moment to pray for everyone who is about to lose their breakfast or lunch over the prospect of having their “baby” shredded to confetti and for those who didn’t… [ read more ]

I’ve been thrilled with the positive response to the Blue Ridge from Home Conference . I wish this blogpost could be full of all the things I’ve done in the past week to prepare…sadly, I’ve got nothing. The pedicure? Didn’t happen. The new outfit? Fat chance. But, I’m not giving up. Nasty stomach viruses and mountains of laundry notwithstanding, I’m determined to… [ read more ]

The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference begins May 9th. So many of my writer friends are going that my emails, Facebook and Twitter feeds buzz with all the preparations. I AM SO JEALOUS!!! (And yes, that was me yelling). OK. I’m better now. I am. And I have a plan. Just because I can’t go, doesn’t mean I can’t use… [ read more ]

Hyp-o-crite: 1. A person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion. 2. A person who acts in opposition to his or her stated beliefs or feelings. I am a hypocrite. I’ll give you a few examples. I’ve been known to shop at the health food store . . . and then run… [ read more ]

image courtesy of photobucket.com Several weeks ago, when everything seemed to be falling apart, I was sitting at my desk praying. And I felt strongly that I needed to read Psalm 119. I can’t say that kind of thing happens to me all the time. But it did this time. Psalm 119, for those who… [ read more ]

I’m currently in the midst of an intense revision of my manuscript. It is NOT fun. I have to force myself to do it.  I keep finding excuses to do everything else. Maybe I should whip up a blog post? Great! Clean the bathrooms? Absolutely! (Um, not really, but sometimes the idea is appealing). Revise?… [ read more ]

Don’t worry. I’m not confused. I know the conference ended Thursday. Technically. But I think it may take a few weeks to get back to normal. My husband and children were so glad to have me home. They had flowers and a plan for supper that did not include cooking! I so appreciate their –… [ read more ]