It has been a while since I led a day-long workshop for a group of Christian writers near Boston. I spent considerable time planning it, but a spontaneous comment I made in one session offered my best piece of advice that Saturday. “You want to know the key to being successful?” I asked. Then I…
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As we head into the United States latest birthday celebration next week, I can’t help thinking a year ahead. That’s because 2026 will mark Uncle Sam’s 250th birthday. Technically, that will be known as the “semi-quincentennial” (no wonder it was easier to say “bicentennial” nearly 50 years ago). For me, the next July 4 will…
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Every so often I encounter a story that makes me sit up, take notice, and exclaim, “Wow! Wish I had written that.” Most recently, that happened when I read an article by longtime freelancing colleague Deann Alford. Though she and I have lost touch over the years, she still turns a mean phrase. Though it’s…
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Christians from various backgrounds gathering to pray ought to be common. But because of the spiritual enemy that works to keep us divided, we remain splintered. However, there are inklings that may be changing. Three months ago, I learned of a prayer movement in the Fresno, California area that has been building for three decades.…
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Most folks know the acronym: FOMO, or “Fear of Missing Out.” With would-be writers, I suggest another: FOBS. That stands for “Fear of Being Stolen.” Over the years, it’s one of the first questions raised by new writers: “How can I make sure nobody steals my work?” Locked up by irrational fears over something that…
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May marks the high point for graduations, whether high school, college, or some other form of schooling. For my wife and me, the excitement of seeing our great-granddaughter receive her bachelor’s degree in psychology nearly three weeks ago will be followed by a high school graduation in June. It will be our third consecutive annual…
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As we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day next Monday, it brings to mind one of my favorite holiday memories. It involves a former work associate who had come to Louisville, Kentucky (where we then lived) the weekend of Memorial Day. He was there to accompany his father to a World War II reunion. Ironically, we…
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As a journalism school graduate and former newspaper reporter and editor, I’ve long been a supporter of freedom of the press. So when President Donald Trump tried to go after CBS and get the network’s broadcast license suspended, I sided with the network. Making the president mad for quoting foreign leaders on 60 Minutes who…
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“Honor your father and your mother.” The first six words of Exodus 20:12 (ESV) will be quoted from numerous pulpits this weekend as church attendance swells. After all, Mother’s Day (59%) ranks only behind Christmas (84%) and Easter (93%) in popularity for church attendance. Presumably, one reason is recalcitrant children joining Mom to please her.…
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As a member of a professional editors group, I regularly receive inquiries from would-be authors about editing their book for publication. Many aren’t ready for editing, let alone getting their words typeset and between the covers of a book—whether in printed or electronic format. Too many newcomers think their job is done once they have put…
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