I was a straight-A student in high school. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I enjoyed tests, but I was good at them. They were a source of pride. Proof that I had learned the material. And then I went to college. The first year or so went smoothly. But then my engineering professors… [ read more ]

One of the things I am most thankful for is that my husband is a reader. I come from a family of readers and I’m not sure what I would do if I couldn’t share my love of books with him. I’m always on the hunt for authors Brian will enjoy, but he reads with… [ read more ]

I think the truest test of the power of a book is whether or not it lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. And if, in the lingering, it inspires you to change. Based on that definition, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp is a powder keg in hardback. I was a little skeptical at first. I… [ read more ]

Last week, I posted a review of Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman. Emily blogs at Chatting at the Sky and she issued an invitation  to join her in blogging for 31 days straight on the topic of our choice. Last year, she blogged on 31 Days of Grace (how appropriate) and this year, she’s taking October to share with us 31 Days to Change the World (she aims high)! When I finished reading… [ read more ]

I would have made an awesome Pharisee. Except for the fact that I’m not Jewish. And I’m a girl. But still . . . I love rules. I love following the rules. I’m such a “good girl.” My list of “nevers” is long and impressive . . . if you care about that sort of… [ read more ]

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 ]

I will forever be thankful for the four months I spent taking Fiction that Sells through the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild . I’m talking about that today over at The Write Conversation . Please stop by and say hello!

I’m a pretty organized person. Or. Um. I used to be. Before. Before having a baby. And then another one. And another one. And then moving when the last one was three weeks old. (Sidebar: I do NOT recommend moving with a newborn. Avoid at all costs). I miss my old organized self. I miss… [ read more ]

Prayer is not my specialty. I believe in it. I’m a big fan of it. At least, I think I am. The harsh reality is that while I have good intentions, my follow through leaves a little, something, a lot to be desired. I find myself wondering if it really makes any difference? If God… [ read more ]

I am a total Martha. Not Martha Stewart. Trust me. The decorating gene chuckled, laughed, snorted hysterically as it skipped by me. I’m talking about Martha. From the Bible. I am often “anxious and troubled about many things” and I am not above pointing out to God that “Hey, I’m busting my tail here and… [ read more ]