Over and over again in the writing world writers are reminded that conflict is the key element to sustaining story, to keep it moving, to make it desirable to the reader. And although I agree conflict is a key element, the degree of conflict varies tremendously with the genre. Over and over again in the…

  Do not fret because of evil men    or be envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future hope,    and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.   Proverbs 24:19-20 (NIV)

                   Five fragrances I wear or have worn: Beautiful (Estee Lauder) Pleasures (Estee Lauder) Very Irresistible (Givenchy) L'air du temps (Nina Ricci) Shalimar (Guerlain) The last two I haven't worn for many years, but they definitely held their place in time in my life.   Father, fragrance is intoxicating, and you've created so many lovely scents.…

  The smile that comes when you go back to reread your work, reconnect with the story in order to continue, and you know it's been far too long since you've written anything, let alone on this novel, and you actually enjoy it! Priceless.    Father, thank you for the inspiration, the love of writing, and…

                           He thrust stiff legs out at a rapid clip, bent forward from the waist, arms fully extended with hands wrapped securely around the piled high grocery cart's handle, the basket stacked with tied shut plastic bags. His new bright aqua tennis shoes probably replaced worn ones and looked to be about two sizes larger than…

                            My long-distance friend and author of several novels, two published, Brenda S. Anderson, is correct about me in saying I'm not a big fan of the "Women's Fiction" genre. However, Brenda's first published novel Chain of Mercy, reviewed here, introduces the Coming Home Series with both Chain of Mercy and Pieces of Granite…

  He who plots evil    will be known as a schemer. The schemes of folly are sin,    and men detest a mocker.   Proverbs 24:8-9 (NIV)

                               Five sounds I love to hear:   Birds singing in the early morning A horse's nicker Frogs singing at night The ocean "I love you."   Father, such beauty you show us in the little things. Thank you for it all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  I'm lousy at predicting what blog posts of mine will accrue comments. Not only am I lousy at it, I am often totally wrong about what sparks commenters' interests. Go figure. I thought my Oscar post would garner a few opinions – at least a nod of agreement. Nope. There have been several other…

                       In the wake of the Academy Awards those of us who used to be film buffs – and I say used to be because we used to regularly go to the movies – realize those filmmakers, those actors, and those who are involved in the film industry don't really want to be in touch…