Redwood Chapel Writing Seminar

I had a wonderful weekend in Castro Valley at the Redwood Chapel Writing Seminar last weekend. Here's a photo of the director Jon Drury and me after my last keynote presentation on Saturday afternoon. I met many aspiring and veteran writers, all of them eager to share their messages of hope and help through nonfiction books, poetry, screenplays, essays, articles, and novels. It was a privilege to be invited to teach and inspire them to achieve their dreams. As I drove home Saturday evening I was reminded again of what a gift it is to be able to express myself through the written and spoken word and to be a voice of encouragement to those coming into the profession. To God be the glory!

Beautiful Dana Point

Charles and I had a glorious weekend in Dana Point, California where we attended a Couples Workshop. It was relaxing, informative, interactive, and a blessing to our relationship. I'm seeing more and more the importance of getting away together for fun, rest, and opportunity to look at our lives together and to appreciate each other anew. I'm grateful for our marriage and for the grace God has given to us through the challenges. We are now living in the fruit of his blessing.

Happy Valentine's Day

Here I am with my forever Valentine, Charles. We are off to Dana Point, CA today for a weekend retreat/learning vacation for couples. We look forward to romance, insight, time together talking and planning, interaction with other couples--and a lovely walk along the ocean. I hope wherever you are is a happy place with people you love. I'll post again when I return.

Prolific Author Dies

One of my beloved 'silent' mentors (Phyllis Whitney) died on Friday at age 104. She continued to write and publish until age 94.
I've read some of her books and learned from her knowledge, especially from her book on writing for young people. Because of her excellent modeling and instruction I went on to write and publish 20 books for children.

If you wish to visit her web site and learn more about her, I encourage you to do so. http://www.phyllisawhitney.com

"I always told myself that when I get old I'll reread all my books, but I never seem to get old," she said at age 79!

Heaven will be a better place with Phyllis Whitney! I look forward to meeting her one day on the other side.

Writing for the Soul

I returned Sunday night from Colorado Springs and the fabulous "Writing for the Soul" conference sponsored by the Christian Writers Guild. One of the highlights was sharing a table with students Sarah, Durga, and Sherry. We had a wonderful time getting acquainted in person. I also took a stroll around the lake behind the hotel and encountered this stand of deer. They were tame and friendly and posed perfectly for all of us shutter-bugs! I encourage anyone interested to order the CDs from the conference, especially the talks presented by keynoters Robin Jones Gunn and Bob Hostetler. Visit www.christianwritersguild.com for ordering information. We enjoyed fabulous meals, loving fellowship, and an evening of piano music with concert pianist Randall Atcheson. I recommend this yearly conference to all writers--beginners and veterans. Next year it is scheduled for Feb. 15-19, once again at the historical and beautiful Broadmoor Hotel.