Last month in Guides and Recipes to celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, a guest post I wrote for the Inkslinger blog belonging to inspirational author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter, I described my desire to celebrate the feasts that occur during the twelve days … Continue Reading ››
All posts by Janalyn Voigt
Who Was the Real Saint Nicholas?
The legend of Santa Claus and his reindeer bringing toys to the children of the world has become a symbol of Christmas for many Americans. In England, children look forward to a visit from Father Christmas, a fellow who pops down the chimney to leave presents and sample the mincemeat pies and milk or brandy … Continue Reading ››
One Writer’s Trouble with Numbers (or How God Knew Which Husband to Give Me)
It's not uncommon for a writer to be proficient in English but challenged when it comes to numbers. I say this in my defense because I'm still living down some stories. The most famous one happened when a writing retreat group member volunteered to pick me up on the way to our San Juan Island retreat. … Continue Reading ››
Host a Medieval Feast This Christmas
For a fun spin on Christmas, why not host a medieval feast? It’s easier than you may think, although the philosophy that menus were based on in the Middle Ages seems a little strange to us today.
In my guest post for Christian Fiction Historical Society, I explain the differences and outline menu possibilities so you can … Continue Reading ››
My Writing Closet
Ever since I moved my writing office into a three-by-seven foot cubbyhole under the stairs, my husband has had no end of fun with his wife being in the closet. Why did I abandon … Continue Reading ››
Gearing Up
It's amazing how time at home can improve my mindset. That, and reaching the end of a difficult period of transition has me focused and happy. I've had to let go of a dream of publication in the western historical market, at least for the time being, but that sacrifice has … Continue Reading ››
Stretching As a Writer
Ever felt stretched just a tad too far? That's how I'm feeling lately. There's always a trade-off in energy lost when you travel and disruption on both sides of a trip. October was a phenomenal month for which I am very grateful. I'm a good kind of tired, but I'm still tired.
As … Continue Reading ››
Letting Go of a Dream
Autumn's shortening days, falling leaves, and first breath of cold whisper of mystery. A sense of timelessness lingers in every moment as nature lies down to sleep. Secrets dwell in shadow, ripe for the telling. Here, then, is a riddle: how can life arise from death? An impossible task, and yet each spring proves it. This … Continue Reading ››
Festival of the Book and a Research Trip
Land of sagebrush, rattlesnakes, antelope, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Ah yes, Montana! I once fell in love with the state during an epic road trip. Marrying my return to the big sky country with my love of books was already a happy thing, but also attaining one of my bucket list items seems too good … Continue Reading ››