Italics drive some editing professionals crazy. I don't get it. From the standpoint of difficulty reading italics in fine print, yes, that I understand, but the specific use of italics in novels serves a viable purpose. Certainly they're not a necessity, but neither are they a liability. The separation they give to characters' thoughts, to…

  The world of indie publishing has increased the need for cover designers hired by individuals producing their books. Since I've self-published mine, I've always had the last word on the cover designs. Although two of the three required more communication than the other one, the artists succeeded in expressing the novels' tone and substance.…

  Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.   Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)

                          What makes you feel touched? What gets to that place where tears threaten. What touches your heart place? Physical touch can thrill or scare. Emotional touch can elate or damage. Spiritual touch is either sublime or evil. What touches you?   Father, being touched by your Spirit is the ultimate.…

       Nicolette Larson is gone but her songs remain. The lyrics to this one are exceptionally meaningful, and I loved this song a long time ago. Still do. The musicians are great too.   Father, you provide the talent. It's up to us what we do with it. Thank you, Lord. In the Name…

Brenda S. Anderson has temporarily reduced the price of her first novel Chain of Mercy in ebook form. That's a bargain. Reviewed here.     Father, please continue to direct Brenda's writing and pour out an extra blessing for all she does for other authors. Encourage her as she does to others. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

         I spent about a month buying Bride magazines when I got engaged to my boyfriend of three years. I was 18 years old. Crazy to think of it now. Bridal magazines were definitely not me, but I indulged them for a short season.  Females come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. We claim some…

  I don't know about you, but I've worked for both men and women. I've had bad bosses of both sexes, but I will say when I've had a bad woman boss, they're the worst. When women are hard-hearted, power-hungry, and clearly lack people-management skills, they're by far more unlikable than men with the same poor…

  Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue…

           Words hold far more power than the old phrase "Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me" wields. Words can hold a person prisoner even if consciously they're unaware of their effect. A classic example of this is the sad story of the young sister of the talented singing…