Through the Eyes of Love – the Dedication
“To MARY CATHERINE”… the dedication reads. Short, sweet, and to the point. Very German, some would say. And I expect they would be right. Mary Catherine was my maternal grandmother, and had been Grandfather Rilling’s helpmate and companion for nearly 30 years at the time of this writing. Not to mention the mother of his […]
Maybe we should judge a book by its cover
You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but you can start there. In fact, I must. I received a mailed copy of Dr. Rilling’s book, “Have a Good Day,” that appeared to be in quite poor shape. Mildew had stained the inside cover and, while the dust jacket was mostly intact, it was fragile […]
I want to write the book my kids want to keep
My bookshelves are piled high with titles from the past. Books I purchased because they were assigned. Books I used for reference. Books I consulted. Books that taught me how. Books that showed me where. Books, books, books, books! So many, in fact, that I couldn’t read many of the spines, because we were long […]
The Life of a Book
My paternal grandfather didn’t set out to be a writer. In fact, I’m told he wanted to be an opera singer. These aspirations took him traveling across Germany where he learned to speak the language fluently and, as it turns out, fell in love with the life and writings of Martin Luther. So much so […]
Looking Our Best
There I am, in all His glory. Funny, when the book needed an author photo, I thought, really, who would want to see me on the cover of this thing? But it’s a coaching and fitness book, and don’t you want to know who you’re taking advice from? Does she look like she practices what […]
What would Jesus Tweet?
“Your words were a blessing.” It may have been the timing or the delivery or the situation, I don’t know. They were just words, my words, on a card or letter. Not flowery or lovely or well-heeled, but offered sincerely whenever I felt the nudge to write. After I had heard this blessing-thing from a […]
Why wait to be moved when you can move?
Use More Active Verbs: That’s one of the prime advisories offered by writing coaches everywhere. This confused me at first. I mean, it’s a verb, right? So it’s already active. Someone or something doing, right? Or, being done to or acted upon. And there’s the rub. No one wants to read about someone being acted […]
Our enemy is not format but following along
Yesterday I attended what’s known at Floris church as the “11:00 service.” It’s the more traditional service, with more traditional hymns, more traditional liturgy. You get it. However, it is held in a sanctuary that holds 800 or more people that is equipped with large screens, sound booth and video capability. In other words, it’s […]
If I Say I Am Writing a Book, Does that Make me a Writer?
I tell people — actually my daughter does — that I am writing a book. (That’s her way of being proud of me.) People are usually interested in this. I/we get several responses: But very often I get the response, “Oh, I would like to write a book.” I’m never quite sure how to respond […]
