Personal
Grateful for Workers
As we approach Labor Day this coming Monday, let’s pause for a moment of gratitude: 1. I can read! According to Live Science, as recently as 2009, 14% (1 in 7) of American adults were considered illiterate. 14 Percent of U.S. Adults Can’t Read | Live Science Historically, women were less likely to be literate than men. As a woman, I am a thankful reader. 2. I can work longer. Writing is …
One Writer’s Beginnings
I am asked often, “How’d you get your start as a writer?” The question has many possible answers. I usually say something like, “Well, I was raised as a reader and writer, more or less, in a family of readers and writers.” The first time I saw my name in print was in Highlights magazine when I was seven or eight years old; it wasn’t exactly a byline, but I knew I was a pretty big deal nonetheless. …
Our Essential Work
My husband and I recently attended a ceremony for a milestone event, after which we felt depressed for several days. The memory still leaves us despondent. Why? Because no one invited the Lord. No one mentioned Him in any way, shape, or form. I waited helplessly to hear His name. Luke 17:27 rang unbidden in my mind: They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until …
The Pledge of Allegiance
Since this is still Independence Day weekend in the United States, I thought it would be appropriate to present an amazing short, but powerful, presentation about our “Pledge of Allegiance.” It was given by the grand comedian Red Skelton on his show in 1969. The text of this speech is below the video for you to appreciate. While listening you may think, But those are not the right …
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
Sometimes, interviewers ask when you first knew what you wanted to do in life. As a child, I remember aspiring to be a dancer because moving to music looked fun. But when I found this “magazine” I had made for my mother when I was ten, I realized my interests (aside from trying to get my mother to buy Cocoa Krispies cereal) tended toward my future reality. In the photo, notice that the lucky old …
A Shocking Tragedy
We at the Steve Laube Agency were shocked and so very saddened yesterday morning to learn of the tragic events that took the life of our client, Dr. Robert Lesslie, along with his wife, two of their grandchildren, and two others. We express our sincere prayers and our heartfelt condolences to all who knew, loved, and worked with Dr. Lesslie, who was highly regarded in his profession and in the …
How to Say Goodbye to 2020
Among the many moving moments in the Hamilton musical is the song “One Last Time,” in which George Washington informs Alexander Hamilton that rather than seeking a third presidential term, he plans to teach the American people (and future presidents) “how to say goodbye.” Wow. What a moment. These days are a moment too. An opportunity to say goodbye to an, eh, well, um, memorable year, one that …
A Year in Review: A Look at 2020
It has been said that one should not look back because it is not the direction you are going. That may be true in one sense, but reflecting on the past can help guide us in the future. Therefore, here are some thoughts on the last twelve months. The IndustryWhen the national pandemic shutdown occurred in March, the industry was surprised by Amazon.com declaring books as nonessential! For an entire …
Warm Wishes to Each of You
Thank you for sticking with us this year and for being a loyal reader of our posts. We strive to bring a measure of insight to the conversation about writing, publishing, and all things between. Your feedback is appreciated! May you and yours have a blessed Christmas wherever you are. After Bob and Tamela’s posts this week, we will be taking the week off and resuming again on January 4.