Recent Blog Posts

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The Writer’s Funk

Sometimes all of us, writers included, get in a state of being that’s been called many things. Some call it a funk. Others call it the valley of dry bones. Or the valley of the shadow of death. Recently, one blogger called it the dark night of the soul. In …

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Testing Our Character

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Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. Psalm 105:19 (NLT) In the Old Testament, God tested Joseph. A lot. Mistreated by his brothers. Sold into slavery. Falsely accused of rape. Thrown into prison. Forgotten by those he helped. Did you ever wonder why Joseph had …

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Be Encouraged

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One of my close critique partners challenged me a little while ago to write a blog to encourage writers. At the time, I needed someone to encourage me to keep writing. I didn’t see how I could encourage others when I was ready to quit. But here I am still …

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Time to Refocus

As you know from previous posts, I have a heart condition. A serious one. And sometimes it’s tempting to give in to it, to pamper myself, to let it limit my experiences and enjoyment of life. But I don’t. I want to live to the fullest, to enjoy all God …

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Why Do We Write?

  A blog by Andrea Merrill got me thinking about this. She raises the question of what is the true motivation for why I write. Am I an approval addict? Do I write looking for approval? I think this is more real than I’d like to admit. I think there …

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A Perspective on the Shooting in Texas

  I’ve been thinking…Not always a good thing where my mind is concerned, but it is what it is. This past Sunday, there was a horrific shooting at a small church in a rural area nears San Antonio. In Texas terms, that’s not far from where I live in North …

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Being Equipped

God has a will, or a plan for each of us. Psalm 139:16 (NLT) tells us, You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Each of us is on this …

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How to Know You’re Really a Writer

I am excited to share this blog by Jerry B. Jenkins Do you ever wonder whether you’re really worthy to call yourself a writer? You have a deep desire to impact people with your words. But doubt creeps in and you ask yourself: “What makes me a writer? I’ve never …

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What Should I Write Today?

Many days, I have several projects calling for my attention. My novel simmers, waiting for me to stir the pot. My blog hovers, the due date pecking like a bird. A class needs to be prepared, notes and ideas for slides sprouting like dandelions. Short stories whisper their songs in …

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What Keeps Us Going?

Earlier today I was preparing a topic for an online discussion group. The topic asked about moments when readers told us our writing affected their lives. Over my years of writing I’ve received many compliments about my stories and my characters, about how my fiction entertained and sometimes presented stuff …

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