It seems like a lifetime ago, yet 50 years have passed since a soldier in the United States Army was wounded. Ross McCollum (my husband) was one of the lucky ones in that fire-fight. He was serving with US Army’s 9th Infantry Division’s Mobile Riverine Force in the Mekong Delta Region of Viet Nam. Six […]
Remembering Ross 50 Years Later Read More »
YAY spring! A time of change, coming alive, and the fragrance of lilacs. It’s great to experience a surge of energy to clean up, clear out and begin the projects that seem to sit eternally on the To Do list. Some projects take us outside, others—like book projects—take us within. Writing a book is a
Three signs of an Author’s Spring Read More »
Grab your coffee and get ready for your heart to melt when you read Janet’s story of falling in love. Even though it took place 70 years ago, it’s magical. Falling in love stories inspire our imaginations, making us feel a sense of hope.
Janet took my Story Writing class about a year ago, and the whole group enjoyed her reflections of her life. Just like those beginning college today, she had choices to make and seemed guided with good sense and maybe an angel on her shoulder.
Janet’s Love Story Read More »
I love to hear shoe stories. It’s my favorite workshop question because everyone—EVERYONE—has at least one good shoe story to tell that makes them laugh, shake their head and remember a tucked away day from the past. Our shoes are more than a fashion statement. They take us “…where we want to go and how we
What’s Your Best Shoe Story? Read More »
There is a WHO and a YOU. As you write your book, search for the perfect mix. Here are Seven Tips as  YOU work your way through This WHO/YOU mix. WHO offers YOU a direction. Think small. Think of one WHO, maybe two. Which WHO will benefit from what YOU know? It’s common for authors to
WHO will read a book by YOU? Seven WHO/YOU Tips Read More »
Comedians joke about the stress of family togetherness at holiday time—and these jokes reflect the truth.  Many of us dread these gatherings because talking about politics and other current hot topics can ruin the holiday. Yet no matter who shows up at your table on Thanksgiving, sharing personal stories creates a bond of understanding. In
4 Thanksgiving Dinner Questions to Encourage Conversation Read More »
Jan had such a great time doing this interview on Business Radio X hosted by Karen Nowicki. So, we thought we would share a few clips from the show as well as a few pictures of Jan with her guests including, Ellen Harrington, Kelly Lorenzen and Maria Tomas-Keegan.
Business Radio X Interview Read More »
Who doesn’t like a good quote? Like a great slogan or tagline, the best ones are short, memorable and touch the mind and heart. Here are 20 of my favorite quotes for you to consider. In the next few weeks, I’ll be reflecting on what they mean to me and those in my circle
20 Favorite Story Quotes Read More »
In my family, when things work out in a strange and mysterious way, we say, “It’s a God Thing.†Carol doesn’t use those words, yet her reflection of a difficult year captivated our writing class. It’s an important lesson for all.  GOD PROVIDES by Carol After much prayer and discussion, in the fall of
Writing About God: Reflection Boosts Understanding Read More »
