What does it mean to call yourself a ‘creative?’ That you constantly come up with new ideas? That you begin a thought and then take a rabbit trail another direction? Or that your desk is always a mess? My definition of creativity involves two possibilities: For Jordan Raynor, author of Called to Create: a Biblical …
Although the music and sounds of July Fourth are now a week past, I still like to focus on freedom—specifically the freedom where I spend most of my time—writing. It feels as if this freedom has always been part of our lives. One of the things we might take for granted. But only since 1791 …
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about creativity. Partly because I’ve started a new group called Creative Connections. Partly because I learned more about creativity through the books and presentation of Julia Cameron. And partly because I like the topic. After pondering about creativity, I’ve come up with two definitions: Writers understand the whole making-something-out-of-nothing …
Last week, I settled into my table at the library. My table—and woe to anyone else who takes my spot! Another week day romp through my latest novel. This one — a coming-of-age story of a young girl in the 1950s in Oklahoma. Although my main character is NOT myself, she does experience many of …
My hometown recently hosted an author festival. Thirty authors set up their tables, complete with vertical displays, dishes of candy and an assortment of books. After I set up my table, I roamed through the library and visited with the other authors. This library was the modern version of the old Carnegie library where I …
When creativity nudges a book idea, strange things can happen. Writers usually begin with the germ of an idea, maybe a “What if” question such as: “What if a young girl from Kansas ends up in the land of Oz?” Sometimes these creative nudges become a puff of wind. They fly away, and the writer forgets …
In our world of virus warnings and political mayhem, it’s nice when life offers a surprise. A few months ago, my creative brain noodled with an idea. What about writing another Christmas book, but not one related to Alzheimers or caregiving? Why not consider the women of Christmas and the roles they played in the …
On Valentine’s Day, I treated myself to the movie, “Little Women.” It was a fabulous version of the classic story, told with back story and references to the Civil War time period. The movie was true to form, credible in its costuming, setting and historical accuracy. The theater was filled with mostly women, probably like …
Are you beginning this new year the usual way – reviewing the past and considering your direction for the future? For my 2019, I have set goals to complete three nonfiction books, begin a Coaching group and continue working on another novel. Each goal includes its own set of action steps and deadlines for accomplishment. …
Have you ever wondered what a Bible story might look like in a contemporary setting? Yeah, me too. Almost 12 years ago, I wrote a nonfiction book about Abigail, one of the characters in First Samuel 25. But I couldn’t sell it, and no one seemed interested in the background story of this incredible woman. …