I asked Trish to tell us a bit more about how she developed Kara as a character. I have to admit I love the name she choose! Here are Trish’s thoughts. Enjoy! When Kara came into existence, she was originally the heroine’s sidekick, because I actually wrote the follow-up book, Too Good to Be True, first. My publisher decided to …

The Chicago Times recently ran this photo. Someone had a lot of fun creating this billboard. The golden arches move along the array of eating options depending on the time of day. First thing in the morning, it lands on the coffee and by noon it’s on the Big Mac. It makes me hungry just looking at it!

Last week I picked up this book expecting to spend a minute or two in it, and then put it down till I had more time. That plan lasted for the first fifteen pages. By then I could relate to the main character Kara (great name isn’t it!). A smart yet klutzy gal, she stumbles into a cafe that’s under …

And I’m addicted to email. At least that’s what my husband tells me. Repeatedly. At least three times a night lately. Does anyone else have this problem? Please tell me I’m not alone. You see we have one computer with internet access. My laptop is too old and fried for such new fangled things, though it does just fine with …

In honor of Labor Day, the following post is serving double duty. I’m the blogger at Writer Interrupted, a blog with several of my friends about moms who write. Have a blessed day with your friends and family! I’m in a season right now where God is reminding me (on an almost hourly basis) of how very little control of …

I wonder if any of you can relate to this. I’m walking through one of those mega-store, super-centers earlier today. Looking at all the women pushing carts loaded down with kids, groceries, and other sundries. Poor women. I’m glad I’m not that old. Then I look in my cart. One almost three year old little boy, with an almost six …

CONGRATULATIONS to my baby brother Joel who just got engaged and is getting married next month. Wow! It’s really hard to wrap my mind around the fact he’s old enough to get married. Sure, he’ll be 26 at Christmas, but really should a baby brother be allowed to get married no matter how old he is. Michelle, I’ve tried to …

Monday I found this article about schools in Pinellas County, Florida limiting how many times a year cupcakes could be brought to school for special occassions. (Click here for the local take). Sounds like similar policies are being adopted in other communities, too (click here for more). Made me think of three things: 1) only in America would a policy …

“Imagination rules the world, boasted Napoleon. He was right. There is a quiet power to the creative spheres, the ability to shape the moral imagination, the beliefs and behaviors of a culture — all through songs and stories, architecture and advertising, film and fashion. And the creative class, as defined by Dr. Richard Florida in his book The Rise of …

Saturday, I drove to Plymouth, Indiana for a meeting of the Indiana ACFW chapter. Plymouth is a charming town — a perfect example of the type of setting I’m trying to create for Cherry Hill. Quaint downtown stores located in brick buildings no more than two stories tall. Large lots for big and small houses. And a wonderful mixture of …