I will launch the summer edition of the newsletter today. Please comment on the newsletter and the flash fiction here. I am excited about this issue. Not only is it a milestone for the website (1st newsletter) but I enjoyed writing the flash fiction. (Flash fiction is a short story, usually less than 1,000 words.) […]
Crafting my first novel is a learning experience. I’ve learned a lot about the publishing industry and have more to learn. I’ve also learned a lot about writing fiction. I give thanks for beta readers. Elaine, Rachel, Denise, Debbie, Brittney and Amy provided helpful feedback. My current editing pass (the fourth) will improve the characters,
A few years ago, I searched for an e-book to while away the hours flying over the Pacific. I discovered Spinward Fringe Origins by Randolph Lalonde. Great characters and action populate this series sci-fi space opera. The galaxy Lalonde builds includes many themes, including slavery, advanced technology, prescience and the storage and transference of consciousness.
Recommended: Spinward Fringe Series by Randolph LalondeRead More »
Many of the incidents in Growing Up Ozark Poor have a basis in family history. I was editing today where one is mentioned. A girl lowers a twine noose through a brush pile trying to lasso a rattlesnake. The story is not vital to the plot and it may not survive. But I love the
This week The Sparking Faith Podcast will focus on the armor of God in Ephesians chapter 6. Superheroes, stickers and sports help us understand how to approach the spiritual battle of life. Listen to each two-minute episode on your favorite podcast, or at the website www.sparkingfaith.com.
A blast from the past. That’s me — the tall one in a shirt! What do you think is happening? Who am I saving? How many stitches did I need after this feat? The real story? Zero stitches needed. I was baby sitting the bear for a friend building a new house. He wasn’t a
I have a confession to make. I usually don’t read romance novels. However, my wife loves the books by Johnnie Alexander. Since I am working to improve my writing craft, I decided to try a new genre. So I picked up one of Johnnie’s latest books. The Cryptographer’s Dilemma was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed
This Sunday, June 26, I will be filling the pulpit for Jeremiah Holcomb who is vacationing with his family. Jeremiah preaches for the Refuge Christian Church in Eudora, KS. My mother attends here. I’m looking forward to speaking on “Five Factors for Following Jesus.” The message is based on Luke 9:46-62.
What story do you see in this photo? It is part of my inspiration for my WIP historical novel about a small boy growing up in the Ozarks at the end of the Great Depression. I imagine his grandma looked like this. This is a photo of my great grandmother taken on her cabin porch.
During part of my youth, we lived in the country. Sometimes my brother and I would pluck long stalks of grass. You know, the ones with a big seed head on the end? We’d clamp the stem end in our teeth and let the head hang out front. I don’t know why. I guess we
