As I begin training for my fourth marathon, I thought I'd tackle the issue of fuel for runs. During my first marathon, I did everything wrong: didn't train well, ate way too many carbs, and knew NOTHING about fueling for runs. Turns out, your body can only go for so long with out fuel before … Continue reading How to Fuel for Runs: Before, During, and After
“I think that writers are made, not born or created out of dreams of childhood trauma—that becoming a writer (or a painter, actor, director, dancer, and so on) is a direct result of conscious will. Of course there has to be some talent involved, but talent is a dreadfully cheap commodity, cheaper than table salt. … Continue reading The Free Writer's Workshop Wednesday: The Writing Process
I just started training for marathon number four. The past three marathons have been absolutely terrible, so much so, I’ve questioned whether or not I should continue. Sometimes I wonder why I keep going after things that I fail at. And, oh yes, I have failed at many things. It hurts. It really hurts to … Continue reading Facing Failure: What You Can Learn from Failing
You sweat over a piece of writing. You pour your heart and soul into pages and pages of words. You comb through every last little comma until you're certain it's perfect. Then you send your baby out into the world, hoping it will find its home somewhere. And then, your baby is turned away, your … Continue reading How to Deal with Rejection as a Writer
Well, it's February. I know, I'm shocked too. Did you January fly by as quickly as mine did? Did you know most New Year's resolutions are broken by February? I don't know the exact statistic, and I don't really care, but it's something I was thinking about at the beginning of this year. I don't … Continue reading Creating Habits that Stick
There's something that happens when a child picks up a book. Whether they toddle over to a parent and plop on their lap or sneak pages under their sheets in the glow of a flashlight, when a child reads, magic happens. I don't say this to sound prosaic or poetic; I truly believe it. I've … Continue reading Writing for Children
Hi Friends, It's been a while since I've shared anything on this blog. Partially because life can be hectic with littles and life, but partially because I've been pursuing some other goals. Goals that will cause some changes around here. I like to write. No surprise, right? I've been blogging for nearly four years now, … Continue reading A New Chapter
Something happens when the leaves turn and the air chills. I'm not talking about going crazy for pumpkin everything and busting out the boots. I talking about how we suddenly crave warm comfort foods: soups, stews, and casseroles to name a few. There's something very nostalgic about the scent of yummy food after coming in … Continue reading Gluten-free Cornbread
I've been thinking lately about how God closes doors on us sometimes. In fact, there's a story in Acts about Paul and Silas about that very idea. After driving a demon out of a young girl, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison - the very definition of closed and locked doors. Not only were … Continue reading When the Door Closes
You're not good enough. On more than one occasion, I have heard those pesky words echoed in my head, whispering nastily in my ear. Like a tiny little seed, they fall on the surface of my heart and mind, and their small roots start wriggling their way deeper and deeper, like little fingers reaching. Maybe … Continue reading How to Battle Self-doubt
