I am very excited to introduce you today to Steven Luna. Steven and I met through our publisher and the amazing world of Twitter. I was immediately struck by his kindness in helping spread good news for others across the web, as well as a fun-loving attitude that was readily apparent in all his communications. His photo says it in a nutshell...(scroll down to see what…
Today I introduce you to one of my lifelong friends. I knew Hannah ever since she was born. I opened her first birthday presents for her (I was two years old at the time, and thought myself infinitely more capable) and we have stayed friends through high school, college, marriage, medical school... Name it, and we've probably dealt with it over the phone! Only our first…
She walked out in a pair of tiny denim shorts and a T-shirt that was falling off one shoulder. She spoke in a sweet southern accent that I’d never heard before and burst into real tears as she explained to her best friend that she’d never be responsible enough to be a mother. My sister stole the show for her acting final. I was sitting in…
It's my pleasure today to introduce you to my good friend Scott. Scott and I originally met at a meeting to discuss the creative future of an arts and news journal that our church was publishing at the time. The journal disappeared, but Scott and I stayed in touch, exchanging stories after we'd discovered we were both aspiring fiction writers. Scott was always generous with praise…
I'm honored to present to you the person and work of the talented and lovely Hilary Hayes. Hilary and I met through a writing group that I started in my living room. We write together on a frequent basis and I have found so much encouragement through this women. She's kept me pressing onward even when I'd stopping believing I could push anymore. If you'd like…
During a recent bout of summer-like weather, I decided to barefoot run. I suggest trying it at least once in your life (find smooth, clean asphalt). The firmness of the ground pounding against your bare feet is incredible. I brushed up against more than asphalt on my run around Green Lake; I got the reminder that sometimes the fastest and easiest way isn't 100% of the…
This post launches my brand spankin' new guest blog series Because I Knew You in which I invite people from all walks of life to tell us about someone who has changed them permanently, how they've been changed, and what they would tell this person now. I begin this project with a post on a very special person who changed my own life. Following this post, each Thursday you will…
IT'S A CONTEST! In celebration of Valentine's Day, I am hosting a contest, starting today, from February 9 - February 14. Five lucky winners will receive a FREE autographed copy of Moonlight and Oranges! THE RULES: There are three ways to enter to win a copy of Moonlight and Oranges - don't forget, you're welcome to enter all three! 1. Share the Love on Twitter: In honor…
I was seven and a half when my little sister came into the world. She had beautiful big eyes, which we both get from our dad and she was mostly definitely a feisty one. I remember teaching her how to snuggle, because her reaction to hugs was to push me away as hard as she could. Before she learned to talk, we all thought she was practicing…