I write everyday (well, almost everyday). But, with the busyness of parenting, teaching and my ensuing lack of energy, on some days it can be challenging to write. Now, add random commitments, household tasks, insecurity and writer's block to the mix. It's a wonder I ever get any writing done. Pomodoro has helped me a ton. Not … Continue reading Pomodoro
Are you good at managing money?
Over the last nine weeks, my husband and I participated in a Financial Peace University Class by Dave Ramsey. It was a life changing experience. Max and I have tried to do budgets and our finances before, but the reality was frustrating. Managing our finances was super challenging! This class made a huge impact, and … Continue reading Are you good at managing money?
Being too kind?
A quick internet search reveals how many people feel about excessive kindness. Kind people make less money. Kind people are more likely to be depressed. Being kind can be "lazy, inefficient, irresponsible and even harmful." The world is a mean place, after all. And, if you're too kind, you're bound to suffer the consequences. In the end, … Continue reading Being too kind?
The House by the Side of the Road, by Sam Walter Foss
"Let me live by the side of the road and be a friend to man." I love people, very much, but it takes tremendous effort for me to interact with folks. I can't remember names or faces. I can't seem to get in the loop of basic popular culture. I struggle with adhering to social rhythms. The … Continue reading The House by the Side of the Road, by Sam Walter Foss
Journals
These journals are my friends on the writing journey. I pour my devotions, inspirations, heart breaks, outlines, character descriptions, lessons learned, you name it, in them. The first one, the blue one with white flowers, I stole from one of my daughters (I think it was originally from my mom), and is the one I … Continue reading Journals
Worship
Last night we had a dinner with some amazing people. My pastor and his wife, and our dear friends. We talked about so much. One of the things was the power of prayer and worship in dealing with challenging circumstances. This morning, I'm journaling about a bunch of stuff that puzzles and troubles me, … Continue reading Worship
The Thief of Turns
My kids were arguing this morning, and one of them called the other "thief of turns" - and that got me thinking, not so much about my kids, but why some people never seem to get their turn. Here is a poem I wrote about the Thief of Turns- I'm typing it out in … Continue reading The Thief of Turns
Writing Christian Fiction
People think I'm pretty laid back, but that's only most of the time. Occasionally, I have high standards, and either the ordinary becomes extraordinary, or I become super irritating and somewhat irrational. The former is when I apply my high standards to myself. The later is when I try to apply my high standards to others (usually … Continue reading Writing Christian Fiction
Video 3, Mirror of Sparrows, setting
This is a little video about my thoughts on the setting in Mirror of Sparrows. The land of Correnstrait started out as mere backdrop, but it has taken on its own significance. In fact, the "personalities" of Northern and Southern Correnstrait give cool opportunities for the characters to come alive and develop.
When to give up…thoughts from Kristen Lamb
An amateur is not someone who is merely new. An amateur is a mindset. via Maybe It’s Time to Give Up — Kristen Lamb's Blog My family has a motto: never give up! But recently I've been thinking that sometimes it's okay to let go. Tonight, reading Kristen Lamb's post gave me further perspective. Maybe it will … Continue reading When to give up…thoughts from Kristen Lamb
Vanessa Fowler 