I’ve been contemplating a website makeover for a while – it’s like getting a new outfit or hair-do – it feels great and has the added bonus of being more reflective of what websites are supposed to do. Namely to let folks know who I am and get a feel for my books when they visit. My old design was …
Looking Back at 2013
Tomorrow we’ll put 2013 to rest. It’s hard to believe that in a few short hours, it will be 2014. How has this year been for you? It’s been a mix of triumphs and challenges here which I suppose is a sign that I’m still in the game! I do like to reflect on the past, if just for a …
Five Truths About Writing Competitions
I was recently honored to be a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award. I didn’t win, but it got me to thinking about contests and writing competitions and what they all mean. By nature, I’m somewhat competitive at least in academic matters. I think that at some point early in my childhood it was obvious that I was not going …
Ramblings on the Writing Life
Once upon a time, I dreamed of writing a book. I’d read thousands of them, surely I could write one. My first attempt was rather feeble. The most that can be said for it was that I finished, and an editor said I had an engaging voice. It wasn’t published, but the bug had bitten and writing became an all-consuming …
Two Opportunities
This week, while I’m splashing in the hot tub with grandkids for fall break and enjoying the first crisp days of autumn, I’m thinking of you. Promise. To show it, I have a treat for you. This month is the 5th Anniversary of the Seekerville Blog – a group of women I adore as writers . . . and as …
Road Tripping
Sorry I’ve been absent this week. I’ll take a detention. The truth is, sometimes you just have to get away. And what better excuse than speaking to a group of writers? And then tacking on a four-day vacation. Well worth a detention and then some. The Siloam Springs Writers invited me to speak at their fall workshop a while back, …
Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt
WELCOME to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! I’m Carla Stewart, one of the stops for the debut edition of the Christian Fiction Scavenger hunt. I’m thrilled to partner with eleven other authors for this fun event. If you’re just starting, you can find the rules for the scavenger hunt here. If you get lost or need directions at any time, …
Book Review Week: AT EVERY TURN by Anne Mateer
My agent recently said that September is the new January – It’s like the lazy, hazy days of summer came abruptly to a halt and everyone is scrambling to kick off fall. I’ve always loved September because a new school year seems like a good place to make a fresh start. My schedule is already filling up fast! Recently I …
Roadside Memories: Part 3 – Filming the movie Giant
If you’ve just joined us, this is the 3rd installment of a series about vintage motor courts. You can read about my fascination with them in Part 1 and the memories of Susan (Sue) Cunningham whose father built the San Jacinto Courts in Marfa, Texas in Part 2. 1955 was a year of excitement for the folks in Marfa, Texas. …
Roadside Memories: Part 2 – The San Jacinto Courts
During the release month of Stardust, I had the privilege of being on a number of blogs to talk about my book, the writing process, and so on. Usually I offered a drawing for a book giveaway to people who commented. Imagine my surprise when one day I read a comment from someone who said that her grandfather built a …