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Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

From Anne to D’Ann

September 15, 2021 By D'Ann Mateer

Ten years ago this month my first novel released. It was a time of dreams come true in so many ways. But there was one dream I didn’t see realized in that moment—my true name on a book cover. When I received that first publishing contract from Bethany House, they had one request of me: a pen name. Why? A couple of reasons. First, they had historical author Deeanne Gist under contract. For … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Writing

Feeding our History-loving Hearts

September 1, 2021 By D'Ann Mateer

Jeff and I went to Boston to visit our daughter a couple of weekends ago. Which was so fun. But in spite of all the history in and around Boston, that is not the focus of today’s post! Instead, I want to tell you about the few days we tacked on to the end of our trip just for us.  It’s been a crazy almost 11 months and we were exhausted. (Well, really it was crazy for 5 years, bu the last … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Family, History

Book Life Friends

August 18, 2021 By D'Ann Mateer

I’ve been firmly planted in the writing life for 20 years now, and in that time I’ve made some great friends—both readers and writers. One of the joys of being back in the Dallas area is being closer to many of those people again. In the past couple of weeks I’ve been able to reconnect with a few of these special people face-to-face. Several years ago I posted on my facebook page that I was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Friendship, Reading, Writing

Moving Forward

August 4, 2021 By D'Ann Mateer

photo by bruno nascimento on unsplash.com

For the first time in several years, I’m at the beginning of a story that will see publication. The blank page stares at me, mocking my previously noted ideas of character and plot. I have sudden urges to clean the house, reorganize my pantry, or go shopping. Even when I can hear the characters in my head and see the story taking place in my mind, putting those first words into black and white is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Faith, Writing

Say Cheese!

July 21, 2021 By D'Ann Mateer

I’m not a person who loves to get my picture taken, so when it comes to new headshots, I tend to wait far too long to update my look. However, with some exciting new things on the horizon this fall and into next year, it was time for some new photos. A few weeks ago, my niece-in-law, who has done some great wedding photography, agreed to be photographer for this go-round. And as I was smiling—and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Assorted & Sundry

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