Writing the Wizard of Aaaahs

by Carrie Stuart Parks I never thought I could write fiction. Non-fiction, how-to draw books, absolutely, but make up a story? Never. That is, until I actually tried it. Thomas Nelson, 2014 I wrote the first draft of my novel in 2004. I felt it was quite brilliant. Steller writing. Quite Extraordinary. I proudly shared it with a writing friend of mine. She gently...

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Overcoming the Challenge of Distractions

By Kimberly Rose Johnson Kimberly Rose Johnson I am easily distracted and as a writer that can be difficult especially in the summer when the kids are off of school. This past summer has been extra challenging because I had an unexpected tight deadline and I couldn’t be distracted. I had two weeks to write the last half of a book due to a scheduling issue with my editor....

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Overcoming Depression

By Kimberly Rose Johnson Mountain Brook Ink, 2015 I’ve been a stay at home mom for almost twenty years now. I worked from home as a piano teacher for eighteen of those years and decided it would be best to stop teaching a couple of years ago. That was a great decision at the time because I was super busy with my new writing career. There weren’t enough hours in a day...

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Devotional: I'll Not Forget You

There’s an old song by Bryan Duncan that speaks of the long years of waiting by Abraham and Sarah. Through all that has come this time of year—school wrapping up, graduations, wedding—there’s still a place of waiting inside me for something I’ve dreamed of since I was fifteen. I catch myself wondering often, does anything I do make any difference? In this season of busyness, where it feels that so much is still undone, am I accomplishing something...

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Author Interview ~ Mary Ellis

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Overcoming Adversity

By Mary Ellis When I consider what challenge I have personally overcome or are in the process of overcoming only one answer comes to mind…time management. Trying to juggle too many balls in the air robs me of my peace of mind, produces many sleepless nights, and sends me to my knees in prayer often. God never lets me down. However, when I try to “go it alone,” even for a...

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Devotional: Nothing But Brokenness

(first appeared May 5, 2013)   I will admit, at the end of this week, I am completely at the end ... of many things. It feels right now like there’s nothing left, to give others, even to give God. What do we do in those moments? With this heart open wide From the depths from the heights I will bring a sacrifice With these hands lifted high Hear my song hear my cry I will bring a sacrifice I will bring a sacrifice I lay...

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