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Broken Bones, a Stranger in a Wheelchair, and the Power of Scars
The kids and I wanted to do something really memorable for the last day of school a couple of weeks ago. Mission accomplished: my 6-year-old son broke his arm when he jumped out of a swing and landed wrong. Poor little guy! I think his fear was as difficult to bear as the pain. He kept saying, "I don't want to be broken!" It took some time to assure him (and his big sister) that in time, he would heal.
For the next several days, my shy little boy bristled every time we went to the grocery store, pharmacy, etc., because strangers would notice his sling and come talk to him about it...
9 Must-See Sites of Gettysburg
Gettysburg is one of my favorite spots on earth. I've visited to research for my novel Widow of Gettysburg, and then my husband and I went in 2013 for the 150th anniversary of the battle (and to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary!).
For those of you considering a Gettysburg vacation (do it! do it!), check out this list of must-see sites I put together with the help of my readers and fellow history lovers. (If you have read Widow of Gettysburg, you'll be interested to...
Grill Your Characters: 7 Questions to Make Your Plot Sizzle
I love summer! For three or four months out of the year, our family grills and eats outside whenever possible, until cold weather puts an end to it all.
But when it comes to writing fiction, grilling is always in season, and it’s guaranteed to add a depth of flavor to your characters and a sizzle to your plot. Let me explain. You may have heard it’s a good idea to interview your characters before you write your story. I say grill ‘em. Turn up the heat and make them sweat. In addition to getting their basic bio information and physical description down, you’ll want to dig...
We All Need Backup Singers
This is a picture I didn't know was being taken. What do you mean, you can tell? ;) My dad had asked my daughter what "that famous Frozen song that everyone is groaning about" is. So we popped in the Frozen soundtrack and my daughter began singing along to "Let It Go." I thought Dad was taking a picture just of her, but clearly, he captured me, her dish-wiping-but-ever-so-sincere backup singer, as well. I'm actually OK with this. In the future, when we look back together on my kids' growing up years, and notice that Mom isn't in all that many pictures (because normally I'...
My Two Secrets
*Pssst...if this looks familiar to you, don't worry. I'm not a chronic secret-keeper. This post originally appeared on author Susie Finkbeiner's blog on April 29, but I figured I should also share it with my own peeps. So here you go:
When I began writing Spy of Richmond, I had no idea I’d learn for myself what it meant to keep a...
Home Is Not Where We Think It Is
Today I'm so pleased to have with us Kimberly Drew, my co-author on the recently-contracted devotional book for children with special needs. Whether or not you find yourself in this category, I pray her words will bless you just as much as they blessed me. Take it away, Kimberly!
Military wives, if you own an ereader, I've got great news for you! From now until May 31, the Military Wives' New Testament with Psalms & Proverbs is only $3.99 as an ebook! This special NIV volume includes 90 devotions and stories written by close to 30 military wives. Features: * 60 devotions written by military wives, for military wives that provide hope, encouragement, and spiritual growth *30 Home Front Heroes stories of inspiring military wives from all generations *Basic Training Bible study guides *Favorite hymns for military wives *Foreword from...
Memorial Day, as we know it, began as Decoration Day shortly after the end of the Civil War. May 30, 1868, marked the first official national observance, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan. But the South refused to acknowledge the observance, and it's little wonder. If you read the text of General Logan's proclamation, you'll see that the day was really meant to honor...
In honor of Memorial Day, I'd like to share the following excerpt from Stories of Faith and Courage from Home Front. A knock at the door early one January morning in 1943, brought Thomas Sullivan face-to-face with three men in naval dress uniforms. “Which one?” Thomas asked. “I’m sorry,” replied one of them. “All five.” George, Francis, Joseph, Madison, and Albert Sullivan had...
Congratulations to the following ladies, winners of the book give-away I hosted for Military Spouse Appreciation Day! Winners, please check your email inboxes. I've emailed you with a request for your mailing address--check your spam folder if you don't see it! Thank you! Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front Military Wives New Testament with Psalms & Proverbs
#DEAL: $3.99 Military Wives New Testament with Psalms & Proverbs
Civil War Births Memorial Day
Carrying On: The Sullivan Brothers' Survivors
Winners of the Military Spouse Book Give-away!
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