The loss was unexpected. In the matter of a few short weeks my friend was gone. Ovarian cancer, without a warning signal, took her life. Her service, like most, was about the things that mattered most about her. It wasn’t …
Waiting: The Time Between Pitch and Answer
You finally did it.
You polished your proposal, refined your sample chapters, prayed over every word, and hit send. Your pitch is now out of your hands and sitting in an agent’s or editors inbox. Now the waiting begins.
For …
Before You Write Another Word
Most writers think their problem is discipline. If they could stay focused, log in more hours or quit binge watching Netflix, then the words would come easier. But often, that isn’t the issue. More often, the struggle isn’t lack of …
Writing that Lasts
This past weekend I was far from home speaking to women about God’s love and the path to living a better story. 
As always, I brought books with me. I expected my newest release, Ten Minutes with God, to …
Don’t Quit: Faithfulness When the Outcome is Unclear
Every calendar year I start the days off with fresh intention and renewed goals. I make outlines, set deadlines and forge into the next chapter of life with limitless hope. But give it a few days and something happens. My …
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Gratitude and the Writing Life
This year is quickly wrapping up and the holidays are already upon us. How did that happen so fast? Some are closing out the year with great joy and reason for celebration while others are struggling with disappointment. With Thanksgiving …
Five Practices for Becoming a Better Writer
Whether you’ve just started putting pen to paper or you’ve been writing for years, one truth remains constant: there’s always room to grow. Becoming a better writer isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike—it’s about showing up consistently, pushing your …
Make Non-Fiction Come Alive
Nonfiction comes in a variety of genres and can have tremendous impact on the reader. But within each, the importance of keeping the reader’s attention and giving them solid take-away is important. Your writing can come alive when you use …
Three Things for a Writer to Consider
As a literary agent my goal is to champion the writers that I represent. A champion is committed to guide the writers journey even if that looks different than they thought it would. With that in mind, here are three …
Do You Have the Stamina for Traditional Publishing?
I’ve heard it said that “traditional publishing is not for the weak of heart.” That sounded absurd to me when I was unpublished with stars in my eyes, hoping to be noticed. Twenty-five years later, I know that the statement …
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