Writing by grace and prayer

I've given it everything I have, and I'm not sure where to find what I lack. I feel not energetic enough. Not creative enough. Not insightful enough. Not intelligent enough. Not able, enough. I only can give what I can give. I only am who I am.

Friendships and mess-ups

In every friendship, there are mess-ups. People are inconsiderate, maybe even rude, hurtful, and selfish. And if a friendship has hiccups, which is inevitable, our instincts often want us to be done with that relationship. Crazy right? But frequently true. It's easy to throw in the towel. God has been teaching me about being a … Continue reading Friendships and mess-ups

a letter to young persons with a dream

My friend's daughter has a dream, and I have been thinking about how to encourage her, because dreams are precious and they are too easily lost.  I ended up writing her a letter, and I'm going to share it here. I hope that it's worthwhile reading for any young person with a dream.

Mirror of Sparrows, update

Progress on Mirror of Sparrows has been slow, but the story is moving along: The outline is settled, up to the first plot point: this book is going to be on the long side. The first plot point was originally going to be the midpoint, but there is more story to tell. My main characters … Continue reading Mirror of Sparrows, update

Cruz and a Hobbit birthday party

My son, Cruz, asked if he could have a Hobbit themed birthday party. Of course, I love the idea, but where to even begin... ...at the beginning, I guess! So, here is why I like the beginning of the Hobbit so much: Bilbo is content. He lives in a beautiful Hobbit hole (but it's a hole … Continue reading Cruz and a Hobbit birthday party

A writers’ retreat at Makapala, Big Island

Our dear friends, Jared and Tiana, invited me to do a writers' retreat  in Makapala, Kohala, Big Island.

The benefits of writer’s block: there really are none

Writer's block: an inability to think, combined with a deep sense of guilt, that no amount of caffein seems to be able to take away. But, I'm trying to look on the positive side: I'm learning patience, especially with myself. Challenges produce perseverance and character. Meanwhile, all I have to write is AHHHHHHHHH! No - … Continue reading The benefits of writer’s block: there really are none

On “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas

I'm not going to write about The Hate U Give in terms of pros and cons: this book doesn't fit into standard categories and is way beyond a simple review. It took me a while to read The Hate U Give because it was so intense. Although I feel uncomfortable reading something with so much … Continue reading On “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas