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

Fiction’s Delight and Truth

An article I wrote about why Christians should read fiction appears in the November issue of The Outlook. You can page through this online preview to read that article as well as a lovely review of my Matthew books.

Redeemer Reader reviews Matthew Muddles Through

Greetings, readers! Janie over at Redeemed Reader has posted a review of the first book of my Matthew in the Middle series, Matthew Muddles Through.  Her review captures the spirit and time frame of the novel as she describes Matthew and his problems in creative ways. She notes that any reader with siblings can relate to some of them. … Continue reading Redeemer Reader reviews Matthew Muddles Through

Somebody who is already famous: A conversation with Janie B. Cheaney

Many Christian Renewal readers may be familiar with Janie B. Cheaney as a regular columnist for WORLD magazine. But you may not know about her multiple writing successes. She and another writer launched the RedeemedReader.com website to focus on children’s literature. She has written creative writing workbooks called the Wordsmith series. She has several published … Continue reading Somebody who is already famous: A conversation with Janie B. Cheaney

Grace Awards 2014 Winners ~ in Faith Based Fiction

Congratulations to my friend, Susan Lawrence, for her well-deserved win with The Atonement for Emily Adams in the Women's Fiction/General Fiction category of the 2014 Grace Awards. You can read the announcement here: Grace Awards 2014 Winners ~ in Faith Based Fiction. Here's my interview with Susan in May of 2014. Susan is an extraordinary storyteller and a humble, godly … Continue reading Grace Awards 2014 Winners ~ in Faith Based Fiction

Matthew has moved ahead

My book boy Matthew has moved into his final phase. He'll leap only a few more hurdles before crossing the finish line. Matthew Moves Ahead is the third and last novel of the Matthew in the Middle series. My wonderful online critique group reviewed all the chapters in it, and I'm finalizing end matter prior to submitting it to the proofreader. I'm … Continue reading Matthew has moved ahead

Dedicating Matthew, Take Two

The second novel about my "book boy" Matthew is dedicated to my second grandson, Logan. During this past week, I had the opportunity to present a copy of the book to him. Putting a copy in his hands was almost as much fun as writing this stimulating story. Others who've read the book find it exciting as … Continue reading Dedicating Matthew, Take Two

Igniting the Encouragement Phoenix

In a recent post about Slaying the Discouragement Dragon, I encouraged readers to overcome discouragement by continuing to work for God and by taking up the sword of his word. While those are crucial strategies you can and should initiate on your own, encouragement from other people can deal a definitive death blow to discouragement. Like … Continue reading Igniting the Encouragement Phoenix

Faithful friends

My friend, Susan, and her husband, Gary, regularly bicycle with a group of friends. They call themselves the OOFPAs, which may sound like a Greek drinking salute but actually stands for Ornery Old Folks Peddling Along. A biking club of faithful friends sounds like a hoot, but these folks do more than peddle around together. … Continue reading Faithful friends

Two new books launched

What a fun Friday! A radio interview and book signing doubled the fun during my local launch of two new books. Between 10:15 and 10:45 yesterday (December 19), Patricia interviewed me on the local Christian radio station, KCWN 99.9. After that, I signed books during the station's Christmas open house until 1:00. I want to thank General … Continue reading Two new books launched