The Gospel according to Oprah

Can We Really Be Friends?

Free from Captivity - The Strength of a Mother's Love
Not sure if you followed the story, but after 15 months of captivity in Somali, Alberta journalist Amanda Lindhout and Nigel Brennan, an Australian photographer, were finally released!In Amanda’s own words, she lived under “extremely oppressive conditions. There were times that I was beaten, that I was tortured. It was an extremely difficult situation.” I think she put it mildly. Pistol whipped, chained, starved and forced to sit on a floor in a corner … I couldn’t begin to imagine the horrors she went through. When I heard on the news that the reason for her freedom was not because of the Canadian government but rather because of her family, I was

The Disbanding of Neo-Nazism
How is it possible that in today’s age of modernism, a group of Neo-Nazi’s could not only exist but grow and successfully threaten others? How is it possible with the celebrations only a few weeks old, of the stories told of surviving the concentration camps, of honoring the dead who fought so bravely for our freedom – which a group of hate filled teens are able to create a group so full of violence and NOT get caught?    In today’s Calgary Sun there is an article informing the public that the Neo-Nazi group which existed within

The Countdown is On
Can you believe it’s exactly one month till Christmas?  This year has gone by so fast! With only a month to go, the lists seem endless right now. So much to do, so little time!  What about you?  Do you create lists to help you survive the holiday season or do you just ‘wing it’?I bought a little book last year to help me keep track of all the gifts I bought during the year. I like to start early – that way I’m not overwhelmed and broke at Christmas. This year added another thing to my lis

Full Manuscript Critique Contest!
I came across a blog today that I've now included on my favorites list. The Bookshelf Muse. They are hosting a massive contest right now. You don't want to miss it!Just for following you have the chance for the following prizes:FULL NOVEL Critique (WC Max 85,000) I will read your complete novel and offer wide-angle feedback that will help you build a stronger product, including a focus on Characters, Description, Character Arc, Plot, Dialogue, Proportion, Style, Stakes, Resolution & Voice. You'll get 100% honesty from me on how to strengthen your

My Mind is Full
My mind is full, stuffed, overflowing with ideas, thoughts, mistakes and words. Words, words and more words.   Adverbs, verbs, passive, active ….   It is virtually impossible for my brain to expand anymore – it hurts already. Yet, I can’t stop. I read the blogs, research information on line, read articles … I’m addicted!   Yep, it’s official. I’m addicted to becoming a better writer. It’