Want to slow down and savor the season?
The holiday season is here--I'm bombarded by Black Friday ads on TV and my phone. I'm hosting for Thanksgiving, and realizing December is next week, and also suddenly aware of the fact that I have [...]
Self-publishing essentials: Do I need an ISBN?
This is one in an occasional series on the details of self-publishing. Writers considering self-publishing often ask if they need to purchase their own ISBN, especially because you can get one for “free” on amazon's [...]
Don’t fear the “H-word”
When you hear the word “hospitality” what comes to mind? How do you feel about it? A. Entertaining in my perfectly clean and tastefully decorated home (which feels pressured) B. A gift or skill that [...]
Make 2024 the year you finally write your book
You’ve always wanted to write a book. What if 2024 is the year you make that happen? Registration opens today for the 2024 Powerful Story Writers' Group. Read on or jump to the application here. [...]
Transformational travel: Why I traveled solo to France
To some of my friends, it made no sense at all. To others, it made perfect sense. Why would a happily (well, mostly happily) married 60-year-old decide to travel solo to Chamonix, France, to hike [...]
What does it take to get a royalty book deal?
Many aspiring writers think that the only way to get their book published is to self-publish, or pay someone to publish their book. But traditional royalty publishers pay their authors to write books. Sounds great, [...]
Writers: Let curiosity guide your research
If you're writing a book, or thinking of writing one, a vital first step is research. But maybe you chafe at word, or the idea. This week's Substack offers tips on how to lean in [...]
Holding one another’s stories
I recently took on the adventure of mentoring a small group of writers. I sometimes wonder what I was thinking. This is no easy task. I daily doubt myself. But today I read through some [...]
When God seems distant, a strategy for connection
If I were to ask you to list three things you’re grateful for, what would make the list? In fact, I am asking you to list what you’re grateful for. I mean, it's up to you. [...]
Do I Really Need an Editor for My Book?
Note: If you're a writer, do you really need an editor? We've been talking about this recently here on the blog, and in the Powerful Story newsletter. This guest post from a professional editor offers [...]