So many things get in the way. I want to write. I need to clean. I want to edit. I need to cook. I want to study the craft. I need to fold the clothes. Sometimes all these distractions—these obligations—frustrate me because while I’m not sure how it’s all going to play out, I am… [ read more ]

I’m hiding from my children. I have a cup of coffee and a laptop. If I can just have thirty minutes to myself, no one gets hurt. Yeah. Right. The only way I get thirty minutes to myself is if I leave the house completely. Nothing is sacred. My kids follow me everywhere. Yes. I said everywhere.… [ read more ]

I don’t like horror. I don’t read it. I don’t watch it. I try very hard not to think about it. So it will come as no surprise that I have never read a Stephen King novel. What may come as a surprise, especially if you also avoid Stephen King’s novels—preferring to sleep without nightmares… [ 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 ]

My Thursday review is up on The Write Conversation . Please stop by and leave me a comment with your thoughts. Special thanks to my sister for getting me the subscription for Christmas! And for the never ending support!

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 ]

I’m not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions. Probably because I’ve never seen one through to the end of the year. But there is something about January that makes me reflective. Something that makes me want to evaluate where I am and where I’m going. And something about it always makes me feel unsettled.… [ read more ]