“And it came to pass nigh upon nineteen hundred and sixteen years ago” This begins Frances Hodgson Burnett’s little book published in 1916 about a rejected, deformed orphan boy who is sent to beg for the cruel woman who keeps him. One day, hiding in the brush near the road to Bethlehem, he watches a … Continue reading Review of The Little Hunchback Zia by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I Bring You Great News
Christmas, to me, is evidence that God wants to be with us—near us—not far away. That changes everything I used to believe about God being a looming taskmaster whose main purpose was to hand out a list of rules and dire consequences with a warning, “Now don’t mess up!” Christmas shows the … Continue reading I Bring You Great News
You can make Homemade Christmas Cards with Classic Art
A couple of years ago I was having trouble finding the kind of Christmas cards that I wanted in the stores. I was looking for a Biblical scene and Bible verse, and wanted some extraordinary art. It was early in December, so I decided I'd try to make my own cards. For anyone interested in … Continue reading You can make Homemade Christmas Cards with Classic Art
Free Download of my short story “I Guess I Robbed a Bank”
...and many more short stories! Flashy Shorts 2 is free from December 11 - 15! You can buy it here. You can read more about the book, publisher and my story in my previous post here. Perhaps you are looking for a unique present to send electronically to someone dear and far away...? How about … Continue reading Free Download of my short story “I Guess I Robbed a Bank”
Fair’s Fair in Calgary
Fair’s Fair is my favorite used book store in Calgary, actually a “chain”, with 5 locations around the city. They are a joy to browse because they are organized, neat, well-lit, clean, well-labelled and full of near-new books (that is, except for their wonderful vintage books!). The staff at all locations are friendly and helpful. … Continue reading Fair’s Fair in Calgary
One Story’s Path to Publication
Great news! Standard Publishing will be publishing one of my stories in their teen publication, ENCOUNTER—The Magazine! This is a special thrill because it is one of my favorites. This story grew out of a fun assignment for a writing course with the Institute of Children’s Literature. The instructions were to go to a public … Continue reading One Story’s Path to Publication
A Summer Full of Kids’ Books
I’m back working at school and this summer is officially over tomorrow morning, so this is a good time for a round-up of what I’ve been reading during the long, lazy days of the holiday. Lately, I have been reading and writing about old books, serious books. But browsing through the library feeling the full … Continue reading A Summer Full of Kids’ Books
7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers — now available on Kindle
The life of a writer can be an isolated one, and a writer’s group can be an encouraging and educational help. I joined Inscribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship several years ago in order to find writing tips and a supportive community of likeminded wordsmiths, and to grow in my faith. One of my first experiences … Continue reading 7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers — now available on Kindle
Review of Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson
For the past year or two I have been working at de-busying my life and my concerns, in order to focus my energies and quiet my mind. This includes weeding out the unnecessary activities and commitments. I have a tendency to want to say "yes" when I am aware of a need that I can … Continue reading Review of Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson
Discovering Out of Town Book Stores
While on holiday visiting relatives in the Denver area, I decided to check the yellow pages for used bookstores, just in case I had some time to visit them. And I lucked out and got to go to three of them! The Bookworm in Boulder, Colorado This bookstore came highly recommended by a friend of … Continue reading Discovering Out of Town Book Stores
Happily Writing 