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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Years ago, producing newspapers, magazines, books, or other printed materials took a small army of writers, proofreaders, advertising artists, graphic artists and typesetters. Today, thanks to technological advances, one person can spit out a product that used to take at least a dozen sets of hands to prepare. The mistake too many would-be authors make…
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Since the news broke two months ago, most folks know that in the next week or so, Skype will go dark. It’s a bit of a sad day, since it signals the end of an era—albeit only a 22-year-old one. Still, for a once-nascent technology that became so popular that giant eBay acquired it three…
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Deconstruction is all the rage these days. Once-faithful followers of Jesus have torn their faith down to the studs, taken a hard look, and decided: “Nah, I don’t believe.” This trend helps explain the great church exodus researchers Jim Davis and Michael Graham detail in their August 2023 book, The Great Dechurching. The authors say…
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Easter arrives in 10 days. If the past is any indication, that Sunday will bring our church’s largest attendance of the year. We may have to set out extra chairs to make sure all the visitors get a seat. Yet for the first time in five years, no one will be able to sit at…
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