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

Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Mysteries of History

March 18, 2020 By D'Ann Mateer

One of the reasons I love history is because so often it is full of mystery. As a novelist, I love stepping into that mystery with my imagination, building from what I know of an era to fill in the spaces of people’s stories that history has left blank. But being trained in history, I also love pursuing the mystery, digging and digging until an assumed-to-be lost story suddenly comes to life. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Family, History, Movies & TV, Reading

Book Movies

March 4, 2020 By D'Ann Mateer

In the past few weeks, my husband and I have watched three book movies—movie adaptations of classic literature. (One was technically a mini-series, but still.) We love these kinds of movies, both because we know the story will be good, for it has endured the test of time, and also because we enjoy the historical world on screen.  Also, It’s always interesting to see how closely a filmmaker … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Movies & TV, Reading

The Beauty of Waiting in the Writing Life

February 19, 2020 By D'Ann Mateer

I first met Rachelle Rea (now) Cobb 10ish years ago at a writing conference where I was giving free critiques. This darling 18 year old sat across from me waiting to hear my reaction to her story. Of course it wasn’t publish-worthy at that point, but there was so much potential and desire in this sweet girl. I encouraged her to keep at it. We kept in touch via social media. She grew up and had … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Writing

Marmee’s Library

February 5, 2020 By D'Ann Mateer

We recently learned that our sweet Ivy (and her mommy and daddy!) will be coming to visit our house next month! We are excited for so many reasons, but maybe the biggest joy for me will be introducing Ivy to Marmee’s library. Being a book lover, of course I kept not only the books my children loved, but also a few of the books that I loved as a child! There are the hard-backed Madeline … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Family, Reading

Day Trip: Taylor, Texas

January 15, 2020 By D'Ann Mateer

When we moved to Austin almost 4 (gasp!) years ago, my husband said we’d spend our weekend taking day trips around Central Texas. Little did he know his job would be so all-consuming and travel heavy as to make that nearly impossible! But just before Christmas, when the frenzy of holiday parties had ended and we hadn’t yet left to visit family, we had a rare, free Saturday and beautiful weather, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Assorted & Sundry, Family, History

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • …
  • 40
  • Next Page »

Search Site

Monthly Archives

Blog Categories

Recent Posts

  • Reminder May 15, 2026
  • Here’s to new adventures and new books May 14, 2026
  • DNA Revelations (and a giveaway!) May 8, 2026

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 © 2026 Inspired by Life & Fiction | Website Design by Robin