It’s November, the between month. Between leaves tumbling in sun-warmed colors and snowflakes feathering from a slate sky. Between roaring combines churning dust clouds and dazzling white blanketing latent fields. November. Cold, gray. I was born in a dreary November more than 80 years ago. In the same old farmhouse that cradles my weary bones … Continue reading November
Renewed Strength
This morning, two of my favorite Scripture texts became real to me as never before. You probably love these passages as well. The first is Isaiah 40:28–31. Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding … Continue reading Renewed Strength
Puritan project
Since last March, I've been writing biographical sketches about Puritans. These will appear in Puritan Heroes, which I'm writing with Dr. Joel Beeke for Reformation Heritage Books. Puritan Heroes will be formatted similarly to RHB's popular Reformation Heroes. Marketed for all ages, it will be written to appeal to twelve-year-old readers. This is a big project that I was reluctant … Continue reading Puritan project
The Delight and Truth of Fiction
William Boekestein, pastor of Immanuel Fellowship Church in Kalamazoo, MI, was recently appointed as the social media coordinator for Reformed Fellowship, publisher of the The Outlook. In his continuing task to help Reformed Fellowship build an online presence and engage meaningful internet discussion, he posted yesterday (October 20, 2016) a link to my article on Fiction's … Continue reading The Delight and Truth of Fiction
5 Basic formatting mistakes
When you're submitting a manuscript to publishing professionals, you want to avoid written work that screams, "Amateur!" While editors may be able to plow past glaring errors and see the potential of your epic story, why create roadblocks? You may think your manuscript looks fine, but someone in the industry can spot amateur mistakes at a glance. Formatting is the foundation … Continue reading 5 Basic formatting mistakes
Looking for whip-poor-wills
Have you ever heard the whip-poor-will cry down the twilight? Years since I've heard the haunting chant, it still echoes in my mind. A chance glance recently reverberated melody and memories. As a subscriber to Iowa Outdoors magazine, I receive its lovely DNR calendar each year. Each month features a gorgeous picture showcasing Iowa's natural beauty. The dates are sprinkled … Continue reading Looking for whip-poor-wills
Critique sandwiches
Next time you see a writer, you may want to offer a sandwich. If you're meeting with a group of writers, bring a platter of sandwiches. I'm talking about the sandwich method of critique recommended by Eva Marie Everson and Janice Elsheimer in Word Weavers, a small book describing how Word Weavers International began as well as how to … Continue reading Critique sandwiches
Dedicating Matthew, Take Three
What fun to place the final Matthew in the Middle book into the hands of the grandson to whom it's dedicated! The first book in the series, Matthew Muddles Through, is dedicated to my oldest grandson. The second book, Matthew Makes Strides, is dedicated to my second grandson. And this third book, Matthew Moves Ahead, is dedicated to my … Continue reading Dedicating Matthew, Take Three
Matthew is moving ahead!
Few things thrill a writer more than holding a hard copy of a finally-published book. It's a rush to see your name on the cover, but it's also such fun to see how the colors and artwork look in real life. With all three of my Matthew in the Middle books, I've been pleased that … Continue reading Matthew is moving ahead!
Matthew Moves Ahead!
Matthew Moves Ahead, the third book in the Matthew in the Middle series is now available on Amazon! After three long years of waiting, Matthew Vos is finally going to the Cadet International Camporee! He’s earning money to buy supplies, but the lawnmower slips from his grip and cuts through a customer’s garden. Matthew’s hopes … Continue reading Matthew Moves Ahead!
Glenda Faye Mathes 