Frozen Grapes While Writing
I’m like a puppy. I need to chew. When I’m writing or especially when I’m grading, I like to munch on things. But if I munch and crunch too much, my jaw hurts. And one can only eat so many carrots. But I found something I love: frozen grapes. It’s odd: they freeze, but not […]
Never Too Old for a “Sick Tray”
After writing about taking care of yourself, my oldest daughter ironically runs a fever and stays home from school with a cough and aches. No matter how old they grow (she’s officially an adult now), they are never too old for the Sick Tray. Nobody is. You don’t grow out of needing loving attention when […]
Taking Care of Yourself
I’m constantly reminding students and my own family to hydrate, to sleep, to wash their hands, and to listen to their bodies if they feel run down. It’s that time of year. Students and friends endure the actual flu, and it’s no joke. So let me remind you: more water, more sleep, more hand washing, […]
Always Something Growing
I’m thrilled to report that the Norway Spruce bonsai seeds have sprouted (our second attempt to grow bonsai). We watch how they grow and unfold every morning now. They start as little Chinese lanterns that then splay out and reach for the sun. Downstairs, the plumcot grows; it gains enormously every day. I must strengthen […]
As You Search for an Agent
Today I want to encourage you if you have questions about finding a literary agent to represent your manuscript and take care of you during your writing career. My new agency, Illuminate (formally DJ Jacobson), walks you through what agents are looking for. Click right here to check it out! Or go to http://illuminateliterary.com/submissions/ What […]
A Plan for Prayer
When I think about what I would want for myself in the next 5-10 years, I would say I would want to develop most in the area of prayer. More and more, I’ve finding opportunities to teach and write on what I’m learning about prayer. Maybe I have another book in me after all! The […]
Something of Majesty
Today I reframed how I’ve been thinking about the mundane and tiring tasks associated with running a household. The moment happened while reading Proverbs 31, in particular these verses about the “wife of noble character” in verse 25-27. We read this about her: She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days […]
Sometimes You Slide Along
On the icy driveway this morning, I find myself skating along in my slippers. It’s the only way to travel on ice. You can’t run. You can’t even walk without your legs flying out from under you. So you slide along. I call out to my family about the treachery of the driveway. Once safe […]
The Unanswered Questions
In graduate school, I took a creative nonfiction class where the professor offered a fruitful writing prompt. She asked us about our “unanswered questions” that still linger in our lives. These questions–about people, place, events, unresolved mysteries, or anything else that comes to mind–might then shape a short story, essay, novel, or longer memoir. When […]
A Scripture Passage to Memorize
I’ve been stuck this morning on the beauty of Psalm 71:14-18. It’s a powerful passage, especially for someone growing older. It’s from a writer who looks back on God’s constant faithfulness while looking ahead to hope in the Lord. As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My […]