Posts
When You Grow Weary in the Waiting
Even though I’m contracted for my first novella, there are moments of lulls in my writing life. Moments when I want to move forward, but I can’t for one reason or another. It’s a part of the writer’s life…waiting. Right now I’m waiting on the Writer…Interrupted blog to launch so I can rebuild my platform.…
50 Ways to Edit Your WIP
When I signed my first contract and agreed to chop 30,000 plus words off my 55,000 word WIP, I knew what I was getting into. Well, sort of. I knew it would be painful to cut that many words. I knew scenes I loved would have to go and be condensed. I knew it would…
St. Patrick: Who Was He Really?
I don’t think I really started to think about St. Patrick, the man until I got married to an Irish/German/American, and had kids. Growing up, St. Patrick’s Day was all about wearing green and drinking beer. Yet, if St. Patrick was alive today, I think he’d be heartbroken over what his name has come to…
Children and Lent
Lent is about life, not a lifeless tradition. It’s about drawing closer to Jesus by pulling away from the things that distract us from him. It’s about reorienting lives to make more room for God. And it’s something children can participate in. Our children have practiced Lent as long as I can remember. At seven…
Seasons of Writing and Waiting
In January, I was all set to dive into my WIP. I had just put my daughter in school full time, and I had my days mapped out by the hour. Then “I got the call.” The novella I submitted to Barbour for an anthology the week before was sold! After the shock registered, I…
More About the Season of Lent
I think those who are afraid of Lent don’t really understand it. Some remember the drudgery from their childhood of being forced to give up something they love. Others just don’t know what it’s about. For me, I remember the season of Lent fondly from my childhood. Giving up something I loved because I loved…
Making Room for God
Lent snuck up on me this year. Usually by this time I already know what I want to give up, but this year I’m clueless. I think it’s because in the last year my life has drastically changed and I’m making more room for God than ever. This time last year my morning devotions were…
Ten Reasons Why You Didn't Get Your Contest Entry in on Time
Since I was contracted in January, I’m ineligible to enter the Genesis contest, but I remember those days with fear and trepidation. Here’s to all of you who submitted on time or were planning on entering but… 10. You were too busy doing your taxes. 9. Your critique partners didn’t get your entry back to…
Personal Sacrifice to Save Money
When the whole family sacrifices to save money, the pain is shared and maybe the mutual suffering makes it easier. But when each member has to examine their own lives and personal spending habits, that’s where the real pain comes in! There are indulgences, unnecessary things in my life that make me feel good. That…
Sacrificing to Save Money
What are you willing to sacrifice to reach your family’s goals and dreams which may include getting out of debt, saving for a new car, or a much needed vacation? Could you go without Starbucks, Dish Network, or fast food? These are the things I have contemplated giving up over the last couple of months…