I love a good historical novel. One that sweeps me into a location that is enriched by a time I don’t know and a place that is new. Tracie Peterson has created such a place in her latest novel A Beauty Refined. This story is one of finding the truth in a forest of lies, discerning the truth when deception …
As we’re back from Italy, it has brought back so many memories of our two months in Germany. As that country has experienced terrorist attacks in the last few weeks, I’ve been praying for this country that is dear to my heart. Here are some of the photos from that time…they only begin to capture the amazing beauty of an …
ACFW is about three weeks away — Gack! That means there’s a lot of excited chatter…including yours truly. For me, it’s like a once a year family reunion with my writer peeps — including so many of the Writer Alley pals and Grove girl sisters. These folks understand a big piece of my life. This year I’m coleading a continuing education session, so I’ll be pretty busy preparing for that. Today though my heart is turned toward those who won’t be able to attend.
This summer I got the privilege and joy of teaching 29 undergrads in Italy. Yes…I just typed that magical word…Italy. My family was based in Siena while I taught every day for two weeks. Then we had some flexibility as we split time between students and seeing a bit more of Italy…particularly Rome. This was an incredible trip…dream come true …
I’m just back from living a dream — spending a month in Italy. Hard work, but a dream. For ten years, I worked toward the dream of writing for one editor at one house. I’ve had the great privilege of writing many books for many wonderful editors, but there was a special click when I met this particular editor at our …
Several years ago when my writing bud Nicole O’Dell asked me if I wanted to be part of a novella collection with her, my initial reaction was “of course!” Nicole is so prolific and accomplished I couldn’t imagine not writing with her. And if it also meant I could help a Valerie Comer, a debut author, get her first contract, …
Last week I started explaining what tools I make sure I have in my writing suitcase as I launch on a new writing adventure. Those included a killer what if, a lead character I can build a story around, and a setting that can become a character in the book. Since it’s still vacation season, I want to share the next …
It’s summertime and that means many of us will take vacations of some sort. Maybe we’re staying close to home and exploring places around us. You know you drive past them everyday and never quite make the time to stop. Or maybe you are traveling where the flight takes 10 or 15 hours and you have to deal with jet …
As a writer I have this quirk…it might be one you have, too. My mind constantly spins with what-ifs. If my husband is late, I wonder what-ifs…and they’re rarely positive. I wonder what-if so and so wins the election. What-if such and such happens when we travel? Did you know I seriously clean the house before we leave so …
I have a secret weakness for stories that weave in pieces of Old Hollywood. In her latest novel, Kathryn Cushman does that as she tells a story of unexpected friendship. Lauren Summers has her dream internship and a dress she worked on walking the red carpet. Then it all derails and she’s left desperate for a job and place to …