Easter Blessings

We had a beautiful Easter Day at my daughter Erin's. Good food, warm fellowship, a fun time hunting for eggs. But the highlight for me was the message of Easter itself. Christ is risen--after dying for me and for all. And because of what He did, the gift of eternal life is ours if we accept it--by faith. I am forgiven. I am made new. I can scarcely take it in. Thank you God for your love and for your grace and guidance. May I walk with you all the days of my life.

Writing in the Redwoods!

Here's a photo of my nonfiction mentoring group at Mount Hermon. We had four days together surrounded by cherry trees and giant Redwoods. A sanctuary for writing. Joe Bentz was my partner. We each had six attendees. I believe we got even more from the experience than our students. It was a wonderful time of learning, laughing, talking, writing, weeping and just being. I am already looking forward to next year.

Mount Hermon Here We Come!

I'm gearing up for the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference this week--one of the highlights of my year. New writers and veterans, agents, publishers and editors gather to gab about writing and gather as much info as possible to carry on with their careers. I'll be leading a nonfiction mentoring track, helping aspiring published writers to put their book proposals in top form before submitting to an editor. I highly recommend this beautiful place in the mountains north of Santa Cruz, California. The conference is held on the Palm Sunday weekend and the following Monday and Tuesday each year. For more info about MH and its many attractions and opportunities, visit the conference web site: www.mounthermon.org.

Spring Comes to Watsonville

The sun is shining, the air is warm, trees are leafing out, and tulips and daffodils are poking their sweet heads above the soil. I am in heaven! I love Springtime. Here is a photo of my husband Charles, chief gardener at our house, planting 75 English daisies--in a mix of colors. He's pausing here for a picture and a glass of lemonade. Today, Sunday, the job is complete and we enjoyed looking at this lovely portrait of flowers as we drove off to church, praising God for his gracious provision and profusion of color and life.