If your mom was anything like mine, you grew up with the adage if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. One of those lessons we learn early and often forget later in life. I know I’ve struggled at times to swallow back things best left unsaid. I was recently convicted by the Holy Spirit …
Do you often read the promises in the Bible and find them too fantastical to believe? Or maybe you believe they’re for others, but not for you. I will admit, I have much more grace for others than I do for myself. Maybe it’s because I know the fickleness of my own heart. But the reality is that none of …
Writing is an odd profession. The first time I attended a writer’s conference, I remember walking through the dining hall at lunchtime and catching snatches of conversations here and there. It took me a moment to realize the attendees weren’t talking about real people and situations; they were discussing their fictional world and characters with the same passion as if …
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6) There comes a time in each of our lives when we need to find our own faith. We cannot cram a belief system down our children’s throats and expect …
The writing of every book or story doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Inspiration comes from many different sources, whether it’s a person, town, or even scent. For example, I can tell you where I was and what I was doing the first time I was aware of the smell of fresh-cut grass (which is not a part of Providence). There …
I’ve put together a short (two-minute) video with Providence and review quotes. I’m no filmmaker, and I’m certainly not technologically advanced, but I enjoyed the process of this project. I hope you’ll enjoy the results.
Often, when I read a book, I am able to take something from it that may help me in my own life. Sometimes, I just want to understand the characters a little better. Discussion questions are often a vehicle to discover what those nuggets might be. You can use them as a supplement to Providence, whether you read the …
You’ve probably heard the saying, “It takes a village.” It’s in reference to raising a child, but from my experience, the same can be said for launching a book. When I quit teaching in 2007 to give writing a fair shot, I had no idea what I was doing. There are days I still feel that way. I’ve always enjoyed …
Every writer has a voice. I didn’t understand what that meant until I truly studied the craft of writing. The first time I ever heard the term “voice” was when I taught middle school and was introduced to rubrics—forms used to grade essays. A writer’s voice is the unique way in which they put words together. You could probably recognize …
I’ve joined the 21st Century with my first Facebook Live video. If you missed the momentous occasion, you can still see it here. I’m answering questions about the writing process, character development and Providence in particular.
