What I Told the Middle Schoolers
Today I zoomed into a middle school to talk about This Seat’s Saved, answer student questions, and provide a short devotional to encourage the students. I loved every minute of being with the students and hearing their questions and excitement about the book! For my devotional time, I talked about falling in love with God’s […]
At Some Point, You Start
I’m in the thick of writing the next book in the Elita Brown series after thinking about the plot for months and months. Ah, the writing life! If you’re a writer (or if you know a writer) who needs a little boost today, hear this: At some point, you stop thinking, and you start writing. […]
A Few Dinners We Love
After all these years, it’s fun to think what dinners stick with a family and what people request. The Italian Mama once told me that I’ll most likely have made 6500 dinners by the time the girls left the house for college. Which ones rose to the top of our list of best dinners? (Ashley […]
It Worked: Conversations a Few Days Later
Today for lunch, Ashley and I went back to Sower’s Harvest for their Jalapeño Burger Special (one day only!). Our month-long weekly workshop ended, but we couldn’t wait to get back. We waded through lines of people and felt such delight as a table of Penn State wrestlers called out to us, joking that our […]
The Last Night of the Conversation Cafe
Ashley and I agree that hosting the conversation nights at Sower’s Harvest in the month of February will forever stand as one of our favorite activities we’ve done as a couple. We experienced so much joy, belonging, laughter, and true warmth with people who were once complete strangers. Every Tuesday evening, Ashley and I taught […]
Living with a Writer
After writing ten books, I joke with my husband that he knows what’s coming with this next book I’m writing (Book 2 in the Elita Brown Series). I become hyper-focused. I write early in the morning and late at night. In the car, I’ll gaze out the window and fiddle in my mind with dialogue […]
A Little Kitchen Joy
A few weeks ago, my friend told me how much she loves her Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper. I decided to order one because I spend so much time making popcorn. Popcorn is a big part of my life, if you must know. I normally oil-pop it and add salt, but for a healthier option, I […]
The Joy of the Win
Last night, Penn State Men’s Basketball enjoyed an amazing win over #12 ranked Illinois. We played in a smaller stadium (Rec Hall), so the event felt particularly exciting. I replayed this win for my classes today, and we all smiled with the joy of enjoying a win together. I love the culture of a college […]
What You Need for Your Writing
Last week, my friends asked me this brilliant question: How can we support you in your writing? They know I’m working on the second book in the Elita Brown series, and they love being encouraging friends. What astonished me about this question? I couldn’t answer it. I didn’t really know. So I thought about it […]
When Friends Ask Better Questions
My most delightful moment from the Conversation Cafe last night came from a participant who alerted me that she came with someone she thought she knew most everything about. What would they have to talk about? What would they learn new? The activity involved a question that helped these friends learn something new about one […]