We all are looking for success of one type or another. Maybe you’re focused on personal success, becoming a better version of yourself in some way. Run faster. Think smarter. Live kinder. Or maybe now is all about professional success. Achieving your dream job. Or a promotion. Or recognition of some sort that says “You’ve done it” — whatever laudatory …
In Others’ Words: Sometimes
You ever have a week that felt like seven Mondays in a row? Or are you staring down a lo-o-o-ng Monday? Was last week filled to the brim with frustration … or discouragement … or sadness? And now it’s the beginning of a new week and, oh look! you’re still frustrated or discouraged or sad. Sometimes that’s just how the …
In Others’ Words: Attitude
I wonder what kinds of attitudes I’ve left strewn around this past week? Little bits of me, of remembrances … for better, for worse. (Of course, I’m prepping this blog post early, with all sorts of good intentions … but I’ll reread it at the end of the week, with perspective and conviction.) But I digress. (And let’s admit it: …
In Others’ Words: Progress
Sometimes progress is hard. It’s tears. And throwing myself on the floor in a virtual old-fashioned wail of a temper tantrum. And sitting in silence because there … are … no … words. And venting the emotion that won’t be exhausted no matter how much I hash it out. Again and again and again. But sometimes, oh hallelujah! Laughter is …
In Others’ Words: Reflect
My friend, author Edie Melson, stopped me in my mental tracks this weekend. In a post titled “Only Still Water Reflects,” posted this past Sunday on her blog The Write Conversation, Edie wrote of the busy-ness of life, and how a recent seven-day vacation at the beach helped her realize that only by slowing down, by living in God’s rhythm, can …
In Others’ Words: Remain
Circumstances are powerful. For all their changeability, circumstances have one steadfast quality: They can change me. I can start the day off feeling settled, self-assured, at peace with myself and others. And then circumstances do an about-face … or maybe they do a complete end-over-end. And suddenly that oh-so-confident me has left the building. The whole “Who am I?” question …
Speaking of Book Covers: Somebody Like You (May 2014)
I’m in love with the cover for my May 2014 release, Somebody Like You! And yes, developing this cover included wonderful give and take with my editor and the talented people in the art department at Howard Books. My heroine, Haley, is beautifully rendered — and there’s subtle symbolism woven into her depiction too. And once again, we’ve retained the …
The Making of a Book Cover: Catch a Falling Star
There’s a lot I like about being an author with Howard Books. A lot. One of the things I appreciate the most? My editor, Jessica Wong, and the art director, Bruce Gore, invite me to participate in discussing the covers for my books. It’s an interesting process to get from my manuscript all the way to a cover that represents …
In Others’ Words: Live Well
It’s been a week. A good week … but one of those fasten-your-seat-belts kind of weeks. And I don’t know about you, but it’s Friday and I’m feeling all “Whew!” and “Whoa!” and “When can I have a nap?” And then it came time to write this post. And I’m thinking: Which quote do I pick? How do I want …
Celebrating Book Clubs, Readers & Romance!
httpv://youtu.be/ZE02mnin-QM I’m looking forward to having some fun this month as I celebrate book clubs over on my Author Facebook page. As I mention in the video, I love connecting with readers. I also helped start a Mother-Daughter Book Club several years ago with my youngest daughter, CJ, as well as visiting with several book clubs after Wish You Were …