OK, so I’ve watched the movie “Grease” one too many times of late. It was either that or my favorite movie “The Wizard of Oz” from which I can recite many of Dorothy’s and Scarecrow’s lines. Don’t even get me started.

What was that, a request to elaborate on the WIZ?

Fine, you asked for it.

Dorothy: Now which way do we go?
Scarecrow: Pardon me, this way is a very nice way.

Dorothy: Who said that?
[Toto barks at scarecrow] Don’t be silly, Toto. Scarecrows don’t talk.

Scarecrow: [points other way] It’s pleasant down that way, too.

Dorothy: That’s funny. . . Wasn’t he pointing the other way?
Scarecrow: [points both ways] Of course, some people do go both ways.

Yep, it’s one of my favorite scenes, perhaps because I identify their conversation with life in general and which way I’m suppose to go with my novel writing. And let’s not forget those lions, tigers and bears along the way? Talk about obstacles and distractions.

Whoops, talk about getting waylaid. I’m there!

Firstly: I apologize to all who gave up reading my blog. My only alibi is that I’m attempting to regain my foothold in the writing world. It’s been a long haul, and that’s includes failure to blog on a regular basis. I fell short of my ambitions and once more, I’m sorry.

Summer’s breezing out the front door, (Hence the ‘Grease’ theme) and so has my family . . . again. I won’t expound upon what a challenging 18 plus months this has been on the home front and that there was very little time to write. To safeguard my loved ones privacy I can only share how watching God mend broken marriages is an awesome privilege. And to be part of such a healing process is one enormous blessing. I’m thankful to Yahweh for restoring my child’s marriage. God is awesome!

Writing wise, I’m excited to be attending the (ACFW) American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Minneapolis, MN this September 18-21^st. I can’t wait to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. It will be a blast!

Starting September 15, 2008 I will once more lead the women’s reading group at our local B&N store, called Inspired Readers. Each month we read a different genre of inspirational fiction novels. This is our fourth year. As an outreach group IR is fun, interesting and definitely influencing our community for Christ.

In October multi-published author, Kathryn Springer, will be the Inspired Readers guest author as we discuss the book three of her ‘Prichett’ series, ‘The Prince Charming List.’ Kath, I can’t wait!

Update: I’ve been asked to speak at a 2009 Women’s Spring Retreat on writing and I’m gathering material for that event. Cool Beans!

Presently I’m writing several book reviews for other authors and refocusing on my writing.

Shared Wisdom: At my age, I tend to assume I’ve learned about all there is to know. Hogwash!

I must consistently remember to start and end each day asking God to lead me in all His ways, even when I’m merrily and obliviously skipping down that Yellow Brick Road of life in the opposite direction. Yeah, that’s when I really need Him to direct me onto the narrow path that leads me home to Him.

So, I guess it all comes down to which way we should go, huh? Left or right? Forward or backward?

Or like the Scarecrow said, “Of course, some people do go both ways.”

Somehow, I suspect those both-way folks end up on a dead end road going nowhere.

So which way are ya going?

Until Oz,

Linda