Books for Christmas – Now Closed

Clearly I am bad at blog writing. I would apologize, but sometimes it’s good to know our strengths, weaknesses, and priorities. Am I right? I am constantly learning this balance. I imagine you are, too. But enough about boundaries, because this post is all about CHRISTMAS and possibilities and gifts. That’s one way to start this blog back up! If …

Kariss Heart of a Warrior, Writing 1 Comment

Behind the Scenes of the Heart of a Warrior Series

I’ve been working on a project for my day job centered around this idea: “What does it mean to be courageous?” And it got me thinking about the beginnings of the Heart of a Warrior series. This series began in a fourth-grade classroom while I was substitute teaching. They were taking a quiz, and I had just watched a news update on …

Kariss Behind the Scenes, Heart of a Warrior, Writing, Writing Life Leave a Comment

On Navy SEALs and Fiction

One of the most common questions I get about the Heart of a Warrior series is: Why Navy SEALs? I usually give one answer or another: My brother considered becoming a SEAL at one point. One of my favorite movies, Tears of the Sun, showed me what flawed men and a flawed mission can sometimes accomplish when our perspective changes. …

Kariss Writing, Writing Life 4 Comments

Dear Women of America

I couldn’t stand with you this weekend, and yet I am one of you. It isn’t because I don’t believe in women’s rights and equality. I do. I believe God created men and women with equal value and different roles. I do not think that inhibits you from doing things independently or charging your own trail. I’m 28 and single …

Kariss Confronting Culture, Living Limitless 8 Comments

Slicing Through the Gray

It began with a young couple in front of a camera, fresh from the hipster state of Washington. It’s my favorite part of my job, these interviews. I get to take people’s stories and help them come to life. Yet as we rolled tape and began to dig into their lives, I couldn’t take my eyes off of them. Evidence …

Kariss Blog, Confronting Culture, Devotionals Leave a Comment

Giveaway – Remembering the Haiti Earthquake

I remember the footage all too well, the announcement that an earthquake had struck a tiny island nation, the waiting and wondering if people were alive. It’s been five years, and in that time, I’ve experienced what the Lord is doing in the aftermath. Today, I’m hosting a giveawy in support of 3 Cords, a ministry that provides jobs to …

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Gearing up for ACFW

Time for an update on my writing progress! Shadowed is with endorsers, Surrendered is underway, and the next proposal for the Heart of the Lion series is finished (as of today). Which means…it is almost time for the ACFW conference! This is the first year I will be attending as a published author. I love meeting other writers and can’t …

Kariss Writing Life 3 Comments

Rage, Rage Against the Dying of the Light

In 1951, Dylan Thomas penned a rather depressing poem called “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” capturing the empathy he felt for his dying father on his death bed. The poem addresses different types of individuals and essentially mourns the spent time while challenging them to fight for just a little more. It is postmodernism at its best. …

Kariss Confronting Culture Leave a Comment

I’m Just the Messenger

“How’s the writing going?” my coworker asked this week. Usually, I have a tailor-made answer ready for this. “It’s going.” “I’m getting there.” “I love it. It’s hard, but I’m excited about it.” “I’m overwhelmed. But at least it’s for a good reason!” But this time? This time, I groaned. Out loud. Before I could catch myself. The truth is …

Kariss Writing Life 9 Comments