Closed Circuit: Managing Our Social Media Habits
closed circuit (noun, Electricity). “a circuit without interruption, providing a continuous path through which a current can flow.” (dictionary.com) When it comes to modern technology, a closed circuit is an incredibly useful thing. Closed circuits allow electricity to flow through the appliances we use every day, giving us light, heat/air conditioning, the wonders of washing […]
Our Publishing Dreams
We’ve all had longings or yearnings during our lives, especially when we were young. Having the whole world before us, we could dream about what our lives would look like as writers/authors. “If only I could publish a book” “I wish I could find the perfect literary agent” “If I could only have more sales” […]
Bird By Bird: A Timeless Writing Resource by Karley Conklin
“‘So why does our writing matter again?’ they ask. Because of the spirit, I say. Because of the heart. Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: they feed the soul.” –Anne Lamott, pp. 237 Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott should be on every […]
Would Your Life Win an Oscar? by Jarm Del Boccio
”Do You Hear the People Sing?” * ”I Dreamed a Dream” — that They Won All! * Am I ”On My Own” in this? * Les Mis should have won more Oscar Awards! At first, I was discontented. Well, okay, miserable. Only three awards out of eight possible? C’mon! Couldn’t the judges see the […]
Finding Comfort in our Crisis with Les Misérables by Jarm Del Boccio
Do you hear the people sing? Well, no. But I do hear fears expressed and complaints a-plenty! There was trouble during the French Revolution, and there is trouble today in the form of a virus — the coronavirus. Although many are in dread of the contagious enemy, we as Christians know we have nothing to […]
Have You Ever Doubted that God is Good All the Time? by Ava Pennington
When a friend had successful cancer surgery, she joyfully announced the results, along with her conclusion that God is good. And the social media responses were positive and predictable: Yes, God is good! God truly answers prayer! God really loves you! God is an awesome God! Everyone rejoiced in her prognosis because we understood […]
Mr. Rogers – Will You be Our Mentor? by Jarm Del Boccio
Our family had the opportunity in December to watch A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood starring Tom Hanks, who, by the way, did a fabulous job portraying Mr. Rogers. It would not surprise me if he won an Oscar. It helped me understand the heart behind the man so dearly loved by his young viewers. What […]
CONTENTMENT: MY Writerly Word for 2020
This past year was a difficult one for me. Due to our financial situation, we have not been able to travel, which has always been my go-to for inspiration. A new destination has the ability to shake up my brain cells and send them in a new direction, but this year, they stopped. Cold. […]
Are You Thankful for Troubles? Building Character Through Trials by Jarm Del Boccio
Although my husband and I live in an almost-empty-nest, sometimes I catch myself reminiscing. Our homeschool history course many years ago includes a mini-unit on Shakespeare and his works. We’d listened to an excellent 3 part DVD series by Schlessinger Media called, “Shakespeare for Students.” The concepts are simply explained, but meaty. In The Characters […]
Overcoming a Writer’s Fears by Attending Conferences
As a writer, I often find myself bogged down in fear. Fear that my writing may not be good enough. Fear that I am too old. Fear that I don’t know how to write. Attending conferences gives me the insight to overcome those fears through encouragement, instruction, resources and reminding me that my writing needs to be covered in prayer.