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The Light in My Father's Eyes

This is one of my favorite photos of my father. Why? Is it because of the smile on his face? The joy in that smile? That he is clowning with a relative out of the frame? Or because this is a ...

When There is No Miracle

You’re not supposed to think about these things on your wedding day—especially during the ceremony. But the thought flittered through my mind, anyway. What would I do if I prematurely lost the woman ...

Who is Standing Behind You?

HAPPY NEW YEAR. I hope you enjoyed the holiday, time with your family, and time to rest. I have enjoyed resting and a short hiatus from writing this newsletter. I now look forward to writing more ...

Minor Characters, Major Roles

I just finished reading Richard Paul Evans’ latest Christmas book, A Christmas Memory. It is the twenty-fifth book I have read from this author who has written forty-three consecutive New York Times ...

Feeling the Words You Write

For years, I have been talking about pausing—stepping back—to see things more clearly. Sometimes the aerial view surpasses the close-up. 

This was most meaningful to me when I was a full-time ...

The Magic of Music

MUSIC. It adds a sweetness to life. We sing along with it, tap our feet to it, work out to it, and let it rock us to sleep. Experts say it has the potential to lighten our mood, reduce anxiety, ...

The Value of Daydreaming

When was the last time you daydreamed? 

Remember, as kids, we would occasionally be “caught daydreaming,” as if it were a negative thing—instead of what it really is—a creative exercise or simply ...

The Art of Noticing

A year ago, I read a blog by this name. It intrigued me. Especially since most of my life, I’ve attempted to live “slow enough” to notice things. To truly notice them--like having an aerial view of ...

What To Do When Dreams Come True

We all have dreams. Recently, I wrote to you in this newsletter about chasing your dreams. (See below.) I had a dream come true last week. I signed a contract from a literary agent who wanted to ...

Cure for the Common Life

As a writer, I’m also a reader. You can’t be the former without the latter. They work together. And, I often read near a body of water so I can sit back and take in the sights and sounds of my ...

Finalist Entry for 2022 Writer of the Year Contest ...

If you're new to this newsletter, you haven't seen this entry. If you have followed me for the past few years, perhaps you've read it. This is the issue that is currently a finalist in the WRITER OF ...

Living on the Sidelines of a Dream

We all have dreams. The problem is we don’t always achieve them. Or maybe they are unachievable. Then what?

As an author, I’ve had plenty of dreams. Publish an article. Write a novel. Pen a ...