Forging or following: finding your own way
A couple weeks ago, I grabbed my trekking poles and followed a trail from our neighborhood into the national forest. Normally an easy route to navigate, deep snow rendered the path undetectable. With no human tracks to follow, I drew on past experience until a few familiar landmarks confirmed my location. And I started thinking…
Read MoreBorrowing trouble from tomorrow: a reminder to focus on the present
During a recent trek through a fresh snowfall that blanketed our wooded neighborhood, my thoughts drifted to the many pressing matters that needed my attention in the days and weeks ahead—from medical appointments, to finagling schedules around contractors and winter driving conditions, to several writing commitments and a few road trips in the works. As…
Read MoreSharing the love: your next sweet read by author Nicole Lam
My newsletter this month was all about sharing the love through giveaways, a sneak peek at a new Guideposts book that features my family’s inspiring true story (stay tuned for more about that), as well as links to your favorite Harlequin Love Inspired books and authors—including yours truly. And with Valentine’s Day and Library Lover’s…
Read MoreSharing the load: tips to combat discouragement
I recently attended a webinar presented by another author entitled “Encouragement for Writers.” Not only did I walk away equipped with tools to combat discouragement in my creative practice, but I also received validation through the collective stories shared by other writers that I’m not alone. But I also believe the takeaways expressed by the…
Read MoreWhen you can’t see where you’re going: inching ahead
How often do we desire to make a change or move forward with a decision, but the specifics are unclear? I remember a cross-country trip through Texas decades ago when my husband and I hit a patch of thick and soupy fog, the visibility nil. My fingers clenched around the moving van’s steering wheel—our Ford…
Read MorePlanning for a new year: incremental changes that add up
As I planned for the new year, I considered how to set myself up for a successful 2024. For those armed with big “resolutions,” I applaud you. But for the majority of Americans who make resolutions, researchers noted in an article published by Ohio State University suggest that only 9% complete them. Further, 23% of…
Read MoreWhen the going gets tough: committing to the life you want
Recently I stumbled across a quote that struck a nerve in one of those classic “truth hurts” moments. Simply stated, the struggles we encounter serve as tests to see if we’re committed to the lives we say we want. At that moment, I realized I’d been silently casting blame on others and/or my circumstances for…
Read MoreThe launch of something new: calling all lovers of inspirational romance
With the advent of the new year still brand new, I figured what better time than to step out of my comfort zone? Although I’m new to the book launch scene, I thought it’d be fun to launch my very first influencer team for my Harlequin Love Inspired debut novel—“A Father’s Vow”—which releases March 26.…
Read MoreChristmas every day: approaching life with childlike wonder
Another Christmas in the books means the advent of a clean slate. For some, it’s “same old same old;” for others, each day is a new beginning filled with childlike wonder. I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I want to celebrate Christmas every day. And we should. Because on that first Christmas two…
Read MoreWhat happens next: saying ‘yes’ to you in 2024
The shopping has long been done, we’re all partied out, the gifts have been unwrapped (and a few returned), the cookies are now crumbs, the decorations sparkle a bit less—which can also be said of many of us. It’s that time of year, much like within the world of a good book, when we reach…
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