The Self-published Stigma
For a long time, I resisted the idea of self-publishing my books. In my mind, a self-published book was a book that wasn’t good enough—a low quality vanity project for a person with no skill and no training. I have a lot of confidence in my stories and have worked hard on them. I have taken classes and gone to […]
Our Either/Or Society
I have a confession to make: I read the comments sections on news articles. Even though I know I shouldn’t—even though I tell myself that I won’t—they’re the disaster I can’t look away from. You could call it “online rubber-necking.” At times I do pretty well at exercising self-control, but at other times, they’re just too tempting to resist. Reading […]
Book Review: Archer by Mira Jeffreys
I read Archer by Mira Jeffreys almost a year ago and the story is still with me. I meant to write a review at the time, but I’m glad I waited, because it gave me a chance to realize just how powerful its story is. Archer follows Lena and Janine, two childhood friends who haven’t spoken in over two decades. […]
The Story behind My Latest Project
A few months ago, I came across an article from 1973 by a man named Bruce B. Clark, titled “Creative Writing in the Church: A Challenge to Young Writers.” I wasn’t looking for an article for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dealing with writing, but I’m glad I found it. What amazed me the most […]
Pre-birth Nicknames & Why We Use Them
“I told my brothers that I want to name my future son Tiernan,” the labor and delivery nurse said. “They don’t like it.” “And that’s why you don’t tell people what you plan to name your baby,” I told her. Pre-birth nicknames started in my family when my mom was pregnant with my youngest sister. My dad and brother didn’t […]
The Adventures of the Super Kids: Anticipating the Baby
“I’m going to the doctor,” Mom says. “Why?” Happy Boy asks, using his favorite word. “So he can check on the baby,” Mom answers. “Be good for Dad while I’m gone.” “Will he take out the baby today?” Sassy Girl asks. “No, it’s still too early.” Sassy Girl pouts. She wasn’t sure about having a new sibling at first, but […]
Personal Political Rules: Social Media
As I’ve said before, I’m a woman with strong opinions. That includes political opinions. Much more than I’ve ever shared. After all, my dad is an active, caucus-attending Republican, and one of the reasons my mom became an American citizen was so that she could vote for the leaders who make decisions affecting her life. But when it comes to […]
The Value of Silence
A couple of weeks ago, I watched a volcano erupt on social media. As with most volcanoes, there were signs that danger was coming. The careful observer couldn’t miss them. Despite knowing what was coming and how it would play out, the ensuing devastation was sad to watch. The fight was between conservative Christians and liberal Christians. The conservatives started […]
The Adventures of the Super Kids: Friendly Boy’s Appetite
Friendly Boy loves to have fun. He loves to watch his shows and play with his siblings and build with blocks. He loves to make Mom and Dad laugh and he loves to charm everyone with his smile. But there is one thing Friendly Boy is very serious about: Mealtime. “I don’t like that,” Happy Boy says when he sees […]