Ahh, there’s nothing like a little retreat to rest the body and mind and reinvigorate the soul. And no, I’m not talking about withdrawing from enemy forces after a defeat … or maybe I am … But I digress. As I was saying, there’s nothing better to refresh ourselves than taking a day or two or more–preferably more!–to get away …
Top Posts in 2013
I find it interesting to look back over the year’s blog statistics. What resonates with readers (and what doesn’t) often surprises me and always teaches me something: Interviews and book giveaways are very popular The number of comments often doesn’t correlate with a post’s number of views Using a widely Googled term will draw in many readers who normally wouldn’t …
Exciting News!!!
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve just signed a four book contract with Winslet Press! Yes, after eight-plus years of writing and editing and learning and conferencing and pitching and hearing No, I finally got my Yes! Proof that it does pay to persevere. 🙂 As you can see, the family is excited as I am! We even did a …
Favorite Novels from 2013
According to my Goodreads records, I completed 104 novels in 2013. That’s down quite a bit from my 2012 total of 126, due mostly to the fact that I was more selective in 2013. I’ve decided time is too valuable to waste on a book that doesn’t interest me, so chances are my 2014 totals will be smaller yet. But, …
Have a Blessed New Year!
How are you spending the final minutes of 2013? With friends? Family? By yourself? Our celebration may look humdrum to others, but it’s a day our family anticipates each year. It’s a day we spend together–bowling and watching movies. As our children get older (21, 19, & 17), I realize that these times are to be cherished–it won’t be long …
Merry Christmas!
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
10 Books That Made an Impact
This past week, I was tagged on Facebook and instructed to list ten books that have made an impact on my reading life. I dutifully answered the request and figured it would also make a perfect blog post for this busy time of year. 1. The Bible, of course. As a linear thinker, I really like reading a chronological version. …
What are You Reading?
Picture this: It’s snowing outside, the heavy, sticky snow that coats your bare maples and frosts your evergreens in sparkling beauty. The thermometer reads *cold* (Insert your own definition of cold.) You’re curled up in a chair beside the fireplace where a fire crackles and heats. A mug of hot cocoa stirred with a peppermint stick awaits on the end …
Living Out Our Gratitude
Fluorescent light and a thump on the bed awake you. You blink, slowly bringing your child into focus. His eyes are wide with expectation. “Wake up! Santa came!” And though, as a teenager, he doesn’t believe in the Santa of the red hat and white beard anymore, Santa’s spirit is very much alive. You shoo your teen from the room …
From the Innkeeper’s Perspective
I’m blogging over at Inkspirational Messages this morning, seeing the eve of Christ’s birth from the Innkeeper’s perspective. Would love to see you over there! https://inkspirationalmessages.com/2013/12/no-room-in-the-inn/