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The Value of Courses, Challenges, and Community for Writers
Most of us cannot get where we want to be on our own. We need to learn from others, to be challenged by others, and to be supported and encouraged by others. The same is true for writing. At first, I was too nervous to share my writing (except my hymn texts) with anyone but…
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Thinking About the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice — with reflections on Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery
Yesterday, November 11, 2018, was the 100th anniversary of the signing of the treaty that ended the 1914-1918 war, usually called World War I, known then as “the war to end all wars.” We all know now that although that name was filled with hope, that hope was quickly dashed. In ceremonies in many countries,…
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A Journey to America on NPR’s FROM THE TOP
I shared this post on my other blog a couple of weeks ago, but its message is so important that I wanted to share it here, today, as well. Music can truly be like a candle lighting the darkness, whatever darkness might surround a person. This post will show how music created light in one…
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A Writer’s Need for Feedback – What it means to have a good first reader
This is the second in my monthly series of posts about writing, This Writer’s Voice. The first post, about why I write what I write, can be found here. Whether you use the term critique partner, first reader, beta reader, or even if you have a whole critique group or two or three, one of…
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PROPERTY OF THE REBEL LIBRARIAN by Allison Varnes (MG)
June is a middle-schooler who loves to read, and who never gets into trouble — until her parents and then her school start banning books. This would be a good book to read with your child, to discuss with them, and to open or continue the conversation about dealing with the unfamiliar and the sometimes…
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Books to Help Kids Understand Dementia
Many, perhaps most, of us know someone who deals with dementia. My first encounter with dementia was when I was in my early teen years, although that word was not commonly used then. We’d go over to visit my paternal grandparents, and Grandma would say, “Father is confused today.” We accepted this confusion as part…
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Celebrating Three Special People
Cue the herald trumpets! Those of you who have been reading my blog for some time will know that October 1 is a special day of celebration for me. It is the birthday of three people whom I admire, who have directly or indirectly provided guidance, example, wisdom, and strength. As is my custom when…