Saving Mr. Banks

I was privileged to attend an advance screening of Saving Mr. Banks last week and I have to admit, staying home on that rainy night during this busy season was tempting.  But we talk a lot about good mental health on this blog, and going to this movie was a good...

The Facts About Bipolar Disorder

 Three generations:  Grandmother, Mother, Daughter As we approach 2014, I spend too much time every day trying to imagine what it will be like to have my debut book in hand.  Ah, the exciting great unknown!  Which brings me to the driving force behind my book in the...

Remembering President Kennedy

 Eternal flame at John F. Kennedy’s gravesite   This past week many news articles and TV specials have featured memories of President Kennedy on the fiftieth anniversary of his death.  My debut book, CRAZY, being released by Eerdmans in Fall 2014, is set in...

The Construction Zone

November is National Novel Writing Month, better known as NaNoWriMo in writerly circles.  You can officially sign a commitment online to churn out a 50,000 word novel or you can modify the plan, like I have, and use the framework to challenge yourself unofficially....

Losing Weight/Gaining Self-Esteem

    I’m an advocate of good mental health, and good mental health is often closely related to good physical health.  Danielle Dooley is my 22-year-old Great Niece who has made some choices in her life that have impacted her physical and mental well...

Meet Lisa Kline and Win SEASON OF CHANGE

Congratulations to Laurie Cramer for winning a copy of WHEN CHRISTMAS FEELS LIKE HOME.  Leave a comment (and your email if I don’t have it) and win a copy of Lisa Kline’s book, SEASON OF CHANGE.     Today I am pleased to welcome award-winning author Lisa...

When Does Christmas Feel Like Home?

Today I am privileged to feature Gretchen Griffith, author of the recently released picture book, When Christmas Feels Like Home.  I first met Gretchen some years ago when we were both in the same critique group in Charlotte.  Recently we reconnected at the SCBWI...