If you’re anybody on Facebook, certainly you’ve seen that little word—like—that can say so much. It can boost a businesswoman’s confidence when she sees how many Facebook friends like her photography, or it can provide affirmation to a nervous high school senior who has finally make her college choice. In many ways, though, I wish the folks over at Facebook had found a word other than “like.” Just the feel of the word throws me into a time warp back to sixth grade, when dog-eared notes were passed between classes (and sometimes during class). “Mandy Alexander likes Jerry Turley. XOXOXO. Mandy and Jerry sittin’ in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g . . .” There’s also something shallow (and a bit narcissistic) about the thrill we feel when we see how many others approve of something we said or the photos we posted or the YouTube video we linked to. This concept of…
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Do you ever have to learn things the hard way? Unfortunately, I’ve had to do this a number of times in my fortysomething number of years. You’d think I would have learned by now. But no. I just did it again. Recently, a company that sends me editing projects offered me one on the “Holy Trinity.” I assumed it was a typical theological book describing the three persons of the Trinity, as recognized by Christian theology. I admit it. I’m guilty. I saw the print print. It was smack-dab in front of my face. I should have read it. But I didn’t. The book is about Buddhism. It’s all about absolute reality and dharma and locality and nonlocality and reincarnation. Pretty confusing stuff I know absolutely nothing about. Oh boy. Granted, there is much one can learn by editing a book like this—and yes, one should always be learning. But…
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Yes, the release date of my second suspense novel, The Tenth Plague, is January 29, just four days away. This has been a lengthy journey but not one that takes God by surprise. I’m glad all things are beautiful in His time (Eccles. 3:11). As I look back at the last few hectic months and years of balancing writing with work and family, I can’t help but reflect on some of the important truths I’ve learned through this whole experience. I hope this little pep talk is encouraging to you; it applies to so many areas of life. 1. It’s okay to feel good about completing a task. “A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul” (Prov. 13:19 ESV). The finish line. Yes! 2. But every good task I do is a product of God’s grace in my life. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).…
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I saw this great post and wanted to let my readers know about it. Recently, Christian agent Terry Burns said some great things about publishing that go right along with my series on clean speech. It’s great to hear other voices of reason participating in the discussion. Check out his article, “The Wrong Question.” Here’s a good quote: I know bad men use bad language and bad situations occur in real life, but I believe a good writer can show what they want whether it be someone cursing or other non-family-friendly content without actually using the words or showing the action in a graphic manner. And if done well I don’t believe it dilutes the power of the scene. But it does take better writing skills. . . . Never mind what the publisher will or won’t accept, what are we willing to attach our name to? Because when Satan lures…
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