I had some interesting conversations with budding writers and enthusiastic readers at last weeks’ book signing. Surrounded by the smell of books and the chatter of authors, we discussed reasons to write. Some people want money. Some want fame. Some want the prestige of becoming a bestselling author. Others want to convey a message, reach […]
writing
What’s the Hurry?
The Omega Writers conference last weekend was great. Held every two years, this in-person gathering promises good teaching on writing craft, encouragement, inspiration, solidarity, prayer, worship, laughter, tears, books to buy, and possible critiques on your writing. It’s an amazing, albeit intense, experience. That last bit is still hanging around for me. It was a […]
Yeah, I’m a Fan of Conferences
It’s no secret that the Omega Christian Writers conference is happening next week. Preparations have been underway for months now (OK, for two years actually, since the last in-person conference) and now it’s almost time! Squeeee! But what is so good about a writer’s conference? I’ve written about the advantages of conference before: being with […]
Why You’re Not A Bad Advert for God If You’re Sick
‘How are you feeling?’ my friend asked as I walked into church. I jiggled a pair of dice in my head. When you live with a chronic illness, innocent queries after your health can backfire quickly. Well-meaning people can pray for healing that is not forthcoming, or I can get caught in a web of […]
Continue reading Why You’re Not A Bad Advert for God If You’re Sick
My Dead Friend’s Gift
My friend died a couple of weeks ago. His funeral was last week. I watched online from interstate as his friends, family and wife shared funny and heartwarming stories about his life. He was a gifted musician, a cellist, among other things. He was the kind of musician who could organise, orchestrate and conduct entire […]
Names of My Children
Here we go again: Mother’s Day. This day invariably brings up grief for the children I wanted but never had. This grief, while uncomfortable and distressing, is a natural reaction to the loss of carefully planned hopes and dreams in my life. But how to grieve for these children? There are many ways to grieve […]
Changing Lanes and Taking Risks
‘Stay in your lane’ is a frequent social media soundbite that is not so much advice as it is admonishment. And I get it. I do. There’s only so much a millionaire can say about living on the poverty line, for example. Or that an expert on Russian poetry can tell me about when to […]
Of Beauty and Rage
No one tells you about the rage. I wish someone had. I wish when I was first diagnosed with lupus that someone wise, a doctor, a counsellor, a pastor, had sat me down and said, ‘Now, Steph, lupus is going to change you as a person. You will come to resent your own skin and […]
Happy Birthday, Book Baby!
‘I live with lupus,’ the lady said, ‘and when I saw in your author bio that you live with lupus too, I told myself I simply had to meet you!’ ‘I’m so thrilled to meet a fellow lupie!’ I laughed. Lupus is a rare condition and I often feel a bit alone and lost in […]
‘The Most Important Thing’
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was recently forced to watch free-to-air TV. I don’t watch much free TV, having long ago joined the ranks of the stream watchers. But I was locked down with the flu from hell in a hotel room, so free TV it was. Part of my torture program included […]