I started this blog on August 21, 2012, with the release of my first book, Titan Encounter. Most of those posts are now in what I call the “Early Blog.” I’m gradually updating their format and bringing them into this new journal. Back then the sole purpose of the blog was to promote my books, but gradually that changed.
That’s how it started but, over the years, I’ve mused about other things that are important to me, such as my family, my farm, rural life, and occasionally about politics and country. However, I try to limit the politics in this journal. If you want to know more about my political leaning go to The Conservative Alternative.
Due to the COVID virus, last year’s Southwest Washington Writers Conference had to be canceled. I helped organize and spoke at the first SWW Conference back in 2014, and so this was a disappointment. A few weeks ago, I heard that the sponsoring organization no longer wished to continue with the conference. This compounded my disappointment.
Read MoreOn February 23rd I had the pleasure of speaking at the Oregon Christian Writers one-day winter conference in Salem, Oregon.
I arrived about thirty minutes late due to an accident on the freeway but, after checking in, I entered the main auditorium and listened to the keynote speaker, Carrie Stuart Parks.
Read MoreFor many years the Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference was the only conference that I attended.
These last few years I regularly attend more events, but OCW is the one where I feel most at home. I have friends here. Don’t misunderstand me; this is not some small gathering of casual writers. A few years ago I was eating lunch in the main hall and Frank Peretti asked to sit at my table. I can’t remember what I ate, but I’ll never forget our conversation about his books and writing in general.
Read MoreThis year’s Southwest Washington Writers Conference is over and we’re already being asked if there will be one next year.
Yes. As some of you know I’ve been involved in the planning of this conference from the start and this year, like those past, it did well. The organizing committee quickly decided to proceed with the fourth annual conference.
Read MoreThe third annual Southwest Washington Writers Conference was held this last weekend in Centralia, a nearby town to where I live in western Washington state. I’ve been involved in the planning and operation of this conference all three years, and believe this conference was the best one yet.
Read MoreTonight the Cascade Awards were presented at the Oregon Christian Writers Conference.
During the awards dinner, I sat with friends Barbara Blakey and Kristie Kandoll. Barbara is a past Cascade Award winner and Kristie was up for the Unpublished Historical Fiction Award tonight along with another friend, Julie McDonald. I really expected one of them to walk away with the award, but the winner was the third finalist, Kathleen Freeman, with her book Children of the Revolution.
Read MoreI had a chance to talk with author and editor Ben Wolf on my second day at the Oregon Christian Writers conference.
Ben edited my upcoming novel Seekers of Earth, and will be editing the second book in the series, Recall the Earth.
Read MoreI never set out to make book proposals to agents and publishers. I’m a successful indie publisher, what could a traditional publisher do for me? Well, I put that question to Sue Brower, vice president of acquisitions for Gilead Publishing, at the first dinner of the conference.
Read MoreMy friend and mentor, Joyce Scott is visiting southwest Washington State. Joyce is the author of six books that range in genre from historical fiction to fantasy and murder mysteries. Today she travels with her husband in an RV, but several years ago she lived in Chehalis. Before she moved from the area she and I were in The Inklings critique group.
Read MoreI know it’s a long way off, but the Southwest Washington Writers Group posted a nice write-up of my upcoming workshop with bestselling author Carolyn McCray on their website today. I liked the title of their blogpost, Amazon vs. The World, so I stole it for this post.
Read MoreWe’re already planning the next Southwest Washington Writers Conference.
The rains came down hard and steady today, but still I ventured to downtown Centralia for a meeting at The Station Coffee Bar & Bistro across from the Fox Theatre.
Read MoreAuthor friends and now Carol Award winners.
The Carol Awards are the American Christian Fiction Writers’ recognition for the best Christian fiction. This year the ACFW conference was held from September 17th through the 20th in Dallas, Texas. While I didn’t attend several people I know did, and received awards.
Read MoreThe 2015 Southwest Washington Writers Conference is over.
Seattle has conferences for writers, and so does Portland, but until last year this area lacked that level of education and networking. The first year of the conference, I both presented and helped with the organization and operation. This year I just helped.
Read MoreOregon Christian Writers Summer Conference, Day Three
The third day of the 2015 Conference required endurance.
I know I’m late with my summary of the third day of the conference, but I have two things I must tell all of you.
Read MoreOregon Christian Writers Summer Conference, Day Two
The second day of the 2015 Conference ended with a critique session.
I started the day with the first session of a coaching class taught by authors Susan May Warren, James Rubart and Jeff Gerke.
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