A worldwide fleet of Titanic novels, histories, dramas, musicals, documentaries and films have launched during this year’s 100th anniversary of the luxury liner’s maiden voyage and sinking. Christian fiction authors, determined to find messages of hope and redemption in Titanic’s wake, have not missed the boat. The list includes, in order of release: Promise Me This, by Cathy …
Great Reads For “Downton Abbey” Fans
Amazon recently compiled a list of “Great Reads for Downton Abbey Fans,” and to my delight, included Promise Me This! Watching Seasons I and II of Downton Abbey was like watching the research for Promise Me This race across my television screen: England and France in living color. I was mesmerized by the lavish costumes, the wonderfully drawn characters—upstairs and …
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
The greening of the forest outside my office window has come. Skunk cabbage raises its impertinent, emerald head along the Laurel Run, beckoning me to explore the creek banks in search of spring. Bright blue periwinkle crowds the ground cover in the garden outside my kitchen. Daffodil leaves have not only pushed through a rain-wet earth, but have grown straight …
Opening Day
I pour my first cup of coffee—fragrant and strong—and smile as I open this beautiful new website. Today I enter my first Journal Notes from Laurelea. I’m new to blogging, but eager to make new friends. I’ll be right here on Fridays, strolling through my garden or sitting by the fire, a steaming mug of joe or piping hot cup …
The Road Less Traveled to Publication
Originally posted on Seekerville Because I took the twists and turns of a road less traveled to publication, I thought you might like to stroll down memory lane with me. Heaven knows that writers love uncharted paths, and from my strange meandering, you might discover a new trek for your own journey. Let’s begin at the beginning—or nearly. I was …
Finding the Reader’s Hook
Originally posted on AFCW Some of the best writing advice I’ve ever received came from the editor of a small town newspaper: “Discover what’s going on in world or national news, then find that story on a local level.” The problem was that the hottest story in world news at the time was a widespread accusation that trusted clergy had …
I’m thinking “Spring”
It is blustery in my neck of the woods but daffodil leaves have made a brave showing–pushy about getting on with things. Birds at my feeder discuss the situation hourly but are adamant that it is not yet time to close down the free feeding station. Still, the wind shouts with just enough onion on its breath to convince me …
Twist on a Familiar Tale
Originally posted on NovelRocket We’ve been mesmerized by James Cameron’s Titanic love story of Jack Dawson and Rose Dewitt Bukater, about to be re-released in 3-D. We grew up with Walter Lord’s “A Night to Remember.” We’ve been inspired by stories of Mrs. Strauss, who chose to die with her husband, and uncomfortably plagued by the decision of Bruce Ismay, …