One of the lessons I learned early as a writer was to write what I know. That’s why my first heroine had the name Dani, lived in Lincoln, NE, and worked at a TV station. That’s why my second hero and heroine were based on my grandparents and their love story in my hometown of North Platte, NE. That’s also …
The Jerk Magnet Review
When this book arrived at our house, my daughter scooped it up immediately. A day later she returned with it and plea for the next book. Melody Carlson is quickly becoming one of her favorite authors. Here’s more from my daughter:What if beauty is more than just skin deep? Chelsea Martin is a teenager who blends in and is tired of …
Fun Photos from writing
Someone needed some photos of me at booksigning events. So here are a few fun ones. Hmm, I’m wearing that same jacket today! With a reader at Christian Book Expo With a reader at booksigning Booksigning after the month I had two books and a baby. With Colleen Coble and Robin Jones Gunn Right after I won the Carol Award …
Anybody else watch the Super Bowl last night? It was so fun to watch one of the guys my brothers grew up with catch a Super Bowl pass for a touchdown. Go, Danny! And in the spirit of winning, random.org selected the four winners of the books I was giving away Friday. There were 41 comments, so I added one …
Looking for an alternative to Twilight?
Today, I’m delighted to introduce you to my friend Heather Burch. Isn’t that cover incredible? It’s for her debut YA novel, Halflings. I got to know her through first time orientation for the ACFW conference last year. Then I got to spend time with her at the conference. I was delighted to win a basket she donated for the silent …
Here’s a quick way to train for a mini-marathon
The first weekend in May, Eric and I will run the Indy 500 mini-marathon. This will be my third time, Eric’s fourth. While I’m by no means the fastest runner, I actually enjoy the way training forces me to do something those dreary winter months when it’s easy to keep my posterior planted on the couch. So how do I …
In honor of romance…some reviews!
My anniversary is this week, so I’m in a romantic mood. So I wanted to tell you about two books I’ve read recently that I loved! One is The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter, a contemporary romance set in Montana with a cowboy flair. The other is The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, a delightful regency by Julie Klassen. In The Accidental Bride sets up an almost impossible …
Want to take your writing to the next level?
I’m thrilled that my friend Tricia Goyer and I will be co-teaching a continuing education class at ACFW’s conference this fall. This is just one of six sessions — the only thing that makes me sad about teaching is that I can’t attend one of the other sessions! Here’s more about our sessions: In this class multi-published, award-winning authors Cara …
Looking for a Game Changer on Prayer?
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson is a game changer for me on the way I approach prayer. While prayer is a practice Christians are urged to do as soon as they make a profession of faith, Batterson brings a new approach with the concept of circling our dreams with expectation. And the challenge that if our dreams are small …
Devotional for Boys
Triple Dog Dare is designed to fill a year with devotions for boys. Written by Jeremy V. Jones, it is similar to Truth & Dare, only clearly targeted at the slingshot toting sex. The layout is one verse a day, followed by a summary truth, a short devotional, and a triple dare to apply the truth. Then there’s a chance to …