FOR WRITERS: LEAVING THE CACCOON

We writers feel happiest sitting in a corner by ourselves, tapping at a keyboard. Preferably, the house is empty. At the very least, the door is closed. We only emerge from our cocoon for coffee and potty breaks, curling back in our chairs to tap the keyboard again in sublime solitude.

Writer’s conferences are a wonderful opportunity to connect with other people in the industry, learn about the craft of writing, and be inspired.

This weekend, our Northern California Christian writers organization, Inspire Writers, had a wonderful 2-day conference. I’ll soon be posting some insights and how they clicked with my own writing, but wanted today to simply urge writers to do whatever they can to connect with other writers.

To read this post, please click here. 

FOR READERS: A CANDLE IN THE DARKNESS

As a writer, I know I’ve only got a few short lines to capture an editor or an agent’s attention. A book only has a few lines to capture a reader’s attention, too. Entire writing workshops are devoted to first pages, first paragraphs and even to first lines. And how to get them right.

So when I read the first two lines of Candle in the Darkness, I knew author, Lynn Austin had hooked me:  The first scream jolted me awake. The second one chilled my soul.

And those first two lines did not disappoint.

To read the full book review, click here.

FOR FAITH: HOPEFULLY DEVOTED

I grew up in a Christian home as a pastor's kid. One ever-present item found on our kitchen table—along with the salt shaker (back when folks used salt), oleo (back when cheaper was more important than healthy) and the daily devotional.

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FOR KIDS: FLAG FANCY

Vexillology (veks-ih-LOL-uh-gee) is the study of flags.

Here are some flag facts.

Flag Symbolism

 Flag colors have special meaning. Red can symbolize blood shed in the fight for freedom. White often means peace. Orange represents courage and sacrifice. Black may represent determination, ethnic heritage, or defeating one’s enemies. Blue often represents freedom, justice, or prosperity. Green can symbolize the earth, agriculture, or the Islam religion. Yellow often represents the Sun, wealth, or justice. 

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FOR FAITH: PRAYING NAMES

Each month I create prayers for people we love based on the meaning of their names.

This month, as the friends of Lisa celebrate her life well lived and pray for the dear family she left behind, I focus today’s post on praying that her husband, Dan and their three children will live the meaning of their names.

To read this full post go here.