I'm terrified of spiders, can't fry eggs, and my inability to bake a chocolate chip cookie has become family legend. But blessings come from weaknesses. None of my children have a pet tarantula. My husband volunteers to fry the eggs for breakfast. And all of my sons and daughters are expert cookie bakers. Life if like that--it compensates for our weaknesses by sending others into our lives. Isn't that wonderful? Writing books and reading them is another wonderful way we can strengthen ourselves and others. I believe it is a writer's duty to craft words that lift people and help them feel better about their personal lives and those around them, to see the good in life. That is a responsibility I take very seriously.