• Home
  • Our Authors
  • Blog
  • Events & Giveaways
  • Privacy Policy

Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

The Joy of Learning New Things

October 19, 2022 By D'Ann Mateer

Do you remember the joy of finally leaning to ride a bike without training wheels? Or swimming across the pool for the first time? Or learning to read and finding a whole new world of books?  We get to experience the joy of learning new things when we are young. But the older we get, the fewer things there are that drive us to master them.  Of course we often hear the call to “never … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Social Media Tagged With: learning, social media, Video

Where do your ideas come from?

October 5, 2022 By D'Ann Mateer

This is a common question for writers. I often have this question myself when reading a historical novel, especially ones by author Elizabeth Camden, who tends to find the most unique historical backdrops for her stories! But I’ve been thinking about it in terms of my own work again as I stand at the beginning of a new project. And so as I look back to see where my stories have come from, I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: History, Writing

Three One-Year Anniversaries–and a Giveaway!

September 21, 2022 By D'Ann Mateer

It’s hard to believe, but it has been one year since I launched my new website and republished my first novel, both using my real name! But perhaps the thing I’m most proud of is that this past Saturday I hit the 52nd edition of my weekly newsletter. Yep, one whole year. This was a huge leap of faith for me! I never liked sending out newsletters. I never felt like I had anything to say and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: Anniversary, newsletter, website

Hurry Up and Wait

September 7, 2022 By D'Ann Mateer

Once I make a decision to do something, I’m ready to get it done. As in ASAP. Which is near realistic, of course. Especially in our post-pandemic world where things seem to be constantly behind. So I’m in “hurry up and wait” mode on several projects at the moment and it’s driving me crazy! Our new ceiling fan. Our ceiling fan in the living room randomly turns off and on. At one point, we … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Family, House and home, Pets Tagged With: home, house, puppy

My Office Space

August 17, 2022 By D'Ann Mateer

Back at the beginning of 2022—yes, eight months ago!—I realized no one had slept in the dedicated nursery room upstairs for the entire year we'd lived in the house. What would be better, I surmised, was a playroom for when the kids came over. And it made more sense for the playroom to multipurpose with the large extra guest/exercise room and to move my office to space just for me. The upstairs … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: bookshelves, desk, office, writing space

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • …
  • 35
  • Next Page »

Search Site

Monthly Archives

Blog Categories

Recent Posts

  • 33 Years and Counting . . . June 5, 2025
  • Literary Mugs June 4, 2025
  • Happy Birthday to Deb! June 3, 2025

Disclosure

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the pages on this site may be "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, someone will receive an affiliate commission. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Copyright © 2025 Inspired by Life & Fiction | Website Design by Robin