Thoughtful Thursdays
Musings on faith, family, & fiction
Though a novelist by trade, one of the trademarks of my books is the spiritual depth and exploration I includes as my characters work through what it really means to walk out their faith. Faith, in fact, is one of the things I like to ponder most. In these once-a-week articles, I gets thoughtful at the crossroads of faith, family, and fiction.
Is Saying No a Virtue?
Why does saying “No” always feel virtuous…even when it isn’t?
Death in Christian Fiction
Sometimes we get so mad when characters die…but sometimes we need a reminder of deeper truths.
My AI Policy
Here’s how I do–and do not–use AI.
Health Update April 2026
It’s been a while, so here’s the official update on my most recent cancer treatment journey
The Images of Ourselves
Does who you see in the mirror reflect who you feel like?
My Very Very Very First Book
Wanna see the very first book I wrote at age 7?
A Holy Week of Suffering
This isn’t the Triduum I want…but is it the one I need?
Agree to Disagree?
Why I hate the phrase “agree to disagree.”
The Romance in My Romantasy Books
Do you process through tears? I never used to…
On Broken Vessels in Leadership
Our leaders are always “broken vessels”…so what does that excuse–or not?
Who Should Help the Poor?
Who does the Bible say should help the poor? Church or State? Is it exclusive?
Is America a Christian Nation?
I don’t think anyone could argue against the assertion that America’s foundational documents are greatly informed by Christian principles…but are we truly a Christian nation?
The 4 Gs of Real Conversation
If you want to make actual connections and foster REAL conversation, remember these four things.
A Time to Speak
It’s time for me to speak about the current situation in the United States. And to invite you into the dialogue.
Why I Feel Betrayed
Explaining my own relationship with modern politics and my political party.
A Soft Answer
A soft answer really does turn away wrath–and one that seeks to understand rather than be understood can make new friends. I can prove it.
A Logical Fallacy Toolkit
Ever sense an argument is wrong or manipulative, but you can’t put your finger on why? Maybe this will help.
Why Now?
Should I be worrying about these things while I’m fighting cancer?
Health Update Post Infusion 1
I’m two weeks out of my first infusion, so here’s my update.
Given to Tears
Do you process through tears? I never used to…
Four Years of Patrons and Peers!
Patrons & Peers is entering its fifth year…and I am in awe of the community we’ve built together.
2026 Word of the Year – WORD
A little too on the nose? Who chooses “WORD” as their “Word of the Year”? Yeah…me. Come and see why.
2025 Word of the Year Reflection – Choose (and Chosen)
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time for me to reflect on the Word of the Year I’d chosen and how it played out in my life: Choose (and Chosen).
Here Is the Christ Child
In the busyness of Christmas, look for Jesus in…
My Characters on Stage!
What it was like to see Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor on the stage!
On His Will and Our Ill
Does God ever will a person’s illness?
The Health Update
My health update for December 2025.
Give Thanks in…
In all circumstances, we’re called to give thanks.
Strange Timing
When God is at work, sometimes the strangest coincidences happen, even in the writing life of an author.
In His Hand
A funny thing happens when we put ourselves in God’s hands…
The Peace Prayer
We can take so much inspiration from this famous prayer by St. Francis of Assisi!
The Blessing of Waiting
When you find yourself facing those things you didn’t expect…again
The Magic of Bookstores
Is there anything better than being surrounded by the written word?
Let Peace Begin with Me
If we want there to be peace–on earth, in our country, in our community, in our homes–it must begin in our own hearts.
What We Read
What kind of books do you choose to read? For me, the answer has changed over time.
Musical Thoughts
Do you enjoy listening while you read?
Time to Vacate
I’ll be leaving soon for vacation…but let’s look at what “vacation” means to my family.
Catholicism in My Fiction
Why I will NEVER apologize for characters from historically Catholic nations being Catholic…and why your reviews don’t need to either.
43 Things
Today I turn 43! So here are 43 things that have proven important to me in the last year.
Why It’s Important to Read Widely
There are going to be books you don’t like. But maybe you should read them anyway.
Behind the Scene Heroes
There were unknown, unseen, unsung heroes foiling the Gestapo in Germany.
What’s With the Banned Books Craze?
Ever wonder why people tout “banned books” like a badge of honor? I didn’t always understand it…but here’s why I’m touting it now.
The Danger of Dehumanizing
Let’s talk about why it’s so important to remember that even monsters are still men.
Theology in Fantasy
Why I made the choices I did in AWAKENED
Purpose and Legacy
What guides our decisions? What we can get NOW…or what we can affect down the road?
Rearranged
Rearranging our lives–externally AND internally–can be a challenge…but also a cause for joy.
One Year
It’s been a year since I began my cancer treatments. Now I’m done…and reflecting on all I’ve learned and been through.
How to Have a Conversation: A Primer
The art of conversation is one that humanity developed at the start…and forgets regularly. So let’s take a lighthearted approach to how to talk to people without wanting to bob ’em upside the head.
Grappling
I have a hard time grappling with it when facts don’t bear out something I want to be true. I suspect I’m not alone. So what can we learn from it?
Canceled
Is the correct push-back to ‘cancel culture’ to…cancel it?