One of the hardest things about writing–for me, at least–is the constant application of self discipline that is required: At the beginning, and at every ensuing stage, the task can look overwhelming. There is a plethora of chaos that needs to be organized and structured into an interesting and readable format. I have to make bargains… Read More
Our words reveal our character
The words that come out of the mouths of the the people in a book are vital clues to their character. In the book I am currently writing, the mother of one of the lead characters had a big influence on his life. We get to know her–in the most part–by the maxims she repeated often.… Read More
Can empowered women exist in patriarchal societies?
What is it like to live as a woman in a patriarchal society? I’ve been asking that of Ruth, the protagonist in my historical novel, Less Than a Widow? While researching this subject, I listened to a Tedtalk called “My daughter, Malala” by Pakistani educator Ziauddin Yousafzai. You can watch this video at: http://www.ted.com/talks/ziauddin_yousafzai_my_daughter_malala#t-273074. Mr.… Read More
On deadline for my historical novel: 5 months and counting
After twenty years of writing for others, I am seriously working on my own first novel. Let’s be honest, I’ve been working on it for a few years—am actually rewriting it for the seventh time. Why is this taking so long? It started out as a movie script for a variety of reasons, but the… Read More
light sources: freckles
The sun’s rays haven’t touched my face yet today, and I long to feel their warm kiss on my skin, eyes closed as I lift my face, open my arms wide, and bask in their embrace. The sun has been shining since before I woke up, yet I haven’t made the effort to soak up… Read More
If I ran the world
If I ran the world I would choose: adoration over abstinence, beauty over bravery, cameos over character, desire over deliberation, entertainment over endurance, fulfillment over frustration, gifted over growth, happy over hearty, id over instructive, joy over justice, keep over keen, lovely over lonely, me-centric over maternal, now over next time, opinion over orientation, peaceful… Read More
cry out to Jesus
So many people I know are spending these winter days, weeks, and months beside a loved one who is dying. I can’t always be there with you, at your side to sit quietly in support, to hold your hand or give you a hug, to weep with you… So I give you music that filled… Read More
