Post on November 13, 2026: I once sat down to try to figure out what my priorities were, and in what order.  Mainly because I find it useful to psychoanalyze myself. I came up with a really long list, the top one being, "Do whatever God says to do." After much further pondering, I realized I had overcomplicated it. There are really only two priorities in my life.  Everything else is a subset of these. Priority #1: To receive the most virtue. Priority #2: To give the most virtue. In that order. Does that make me selfish?  Probably.  Let me explain why I think this is the correct order of priorities. First of all, let's define virtue.  Virtue is Latin for "power."  In English, we generally use it to mean "goodness."  I mean it in both ways. I have complete control over how much virtue I accept.  There are many sources of power and goodness — for instance, education — but God is always the strongest and best.  God has an infinite supply of virtue, and is infinitely willing to share it with me. Since every other source is finite, choosing anything before the only infinite source would be pretty darn stupid. This is my first priority because I have total control over it. Now for the second priority.  Why is this the second priority? Because I don't have control over how much virtue other people accept!  The best I can do is offer everything I have, and let them decide how much they're willing to keep. I can't put this first, because I have little control over it. Those are my two priorities.  Everything else is a subset of them.

About the Author Hi!  I'm Emily Martha Sorensen!  I have a wonderful husband, seven kids who are often a handful, a madcap eccentric swarm of characters in my head, and I'm a devout Christian who always prioritizes loving God and loving my neighbor. I write fantasy and science fiction that is full of whimsy. I write clever characters who charge straight through my plot and spend it spinning wildly off the rails.  (Those brats.) I write magic systems with strict rules and surprising limitations. I write plot twists that will make your jaw drop. I write romance after the happily-ever-after.  That's where the relationship starts! I write darkness that exists only to help characters grow towards greater light. I write — Wait, where did those uncooperative protagonists put the plot this time?  They just ran off with it, cackling maniacally! Well, I hope they'll leave you grinning.

Can I write to you? Sure!  If you want to talk to me about something (which does not involve buying your marketing services), fill out this form, and I'll probably reply fairly soonish.  :)                       If you enjoy any stories I've told, I'll be thrilled to hear from you!  I love hearing from people.  ^_^