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 […]
A Desk of One’s Own
I bring marvelous news: I now own my very own writing desk. It might not matter to anyone else, but to a writer, it matters! It matters! As perhaps the finest object I now possess, this writing desks contains within it an entire network of personal history, friendship, and artistry that now provides the literal […]
3 Ways to Restore Creativity
After all this time, I’ve learned a few things about creativity, and I hope this list encourages you. 1. We sometimes limit creativity to mean only one thing (writing a breakout novel, overflowing with wisdom in some area, or feeling inspired to produce something in one category). But creativity, like water, takes many forms. When […]
Loyal to One
My aloof and highly mysterious cat Merlin desperately needs a good brushing. But one can hardly see Merlin much less catch him in one’s arms. He hides. He slinks around. He bathes peacefully and rests soundly on the far side of the room (and often behind something for protection). It’s always a celebration of some […]
Learn from the Younger
When you raise teen girls, at least mine, you learn about skincare and makeup and hair care. You let them advise you—with all their expertise—on everything you need. I’m no longer the wise one in these areas. But I admit, it’s so fun to learn.