Dear Family and Friends, I’m sorry. Truly and deeply sorry. I’m sorry for the washed-but-not-folded laundry. If you’re looking for a clean pair a jeans, check the dryer. I’m sorry that I’m not cooking. Again. Well, for me, the truth is I’m not cooking still. Thank you, God, that my husband loves to grill even during the winter months and …
In Others’ Words: Regrets
“You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.” ~Unknown When you think about it, that quote makes a lot of sense. Focus on the past? There’s no way you’ll achieve forward motion into the future. Keep looking back over your shoulder? You’ll miss the opportunities waiting for you here and now. You …
In Others’ Words: Smart
“Work smarter, not harder.” ~Ron Carswell, writer Sometimes I get to the end of the day and I think, “Where did the day go? And what did I do all day?” I know I did something. But it feels like, despite a lot of hard work, I’ve accomplished nothing. It’s Friday, the time when I throttle back (a bit) and …
Contemporary Romance Writer: My (least) Favorite Word
I’ve informed my family they won’t be seeing much of me for the next few months. Why, you ask? I’m diving into my second novel. Which is due to my publisher, Howard Books, in May. Yep. Four months from now. No. I am not panicking. Much. My editor approved the synopsis for my next inspirational contemporary romance — but …
In Others’ Words: Laughter
“Reclaiming the belly-laugh can cure a world of woes.” ~ Jamie Sams, Native American writer & artist Laughter is my all-time favorite sound. (I know I’ve said this before. No apologies for repeating myself.) Laughter is healing. Laughter is hope-filled. Laughter broadens my shoulders, helps me (wo)man up and carry the demands and troubles of the day. Laughter reminds …
Contemporary Romance Writer: A Glimpse at Setting #2: The Stanley Hotel
httpv://youtu.be/85qgvXkts14 My friend Dee Topliff corrects me on some misinformation in the vlog: Author Stephen King stayed at The Stanley Hotel (in room 217) when he wrote The Shining. The Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood in Oregon was used for all the exterior shots. Thank you, Dee! 😉 Last week I ventured into the vlog-o-sphere and gave you all a …
In Others’ Words: Potential
“We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives … not looking for flaws, but for potential.” ~Ellen Goodman, Pulitzer prize winning columnist I know, I know … …
In Others’ Words: Time
“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” ~Carl Sandberg, American poet I have this oversize plastic container that I keep in my bedroom. I’m slowly refilling it with change — an …
Contemporary Romance Writer: A Glimpse at Setting #1 — Estes Park
httpv://youtu.be/uxpwvgRdyTU I took the plunge into the vlog-o-sphere! Thanks to the inspiration of my debut buddy, Katie Ganshert, who is a vlogging trailblazer, I took my FlipShare with me when I wandered through Estes Park right before Christmas. My debut novel, Wish You Were Here (WYWH), an inspirational contemporary romance published by Howard Books (May 2012), takes place in both …
In Others’ Words: Success
“A successful person is a dreamer whom someone believed in.” ~Unknown Who believes in you? As the saying goes, who remembers the words to the song of your heart when you forget them … and sings them back to you? You’re not meant to tend the fire of your dreams alone. There are days when the dream seems … …