Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

What Makes a Reader Pick Up a Book By a Debut Author?

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If you're like me, you probably have a handful of tried-and-true authors that you adore. We only have to see their name and we rush out to buy their book. We don't have to look at the back cover blurb or even know what the book is about. We trust that author will deliver. And if occasionally one of their books starts slow or doesn't necessarily appeal to us, we keep reading those authors … [Read more...]

The Pain Needed to Create Beauty

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When my twin daughters entered their adolescent years, it became quite clear that at some point they would both need braces. So, my husband and I prepared and saved for the occasion, knowing that even though it would require some sacrifice, this was a gift we were giving our daughters that would last their lifetimes. Two days before their 13th birthday, they went to the orthodontist and … [Read more...]

Favorite Christmassy Things Giveaway!

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Over the past 12 days, 12 different authors (including me!) have been doing a Christmassy Things Giveaway! I invite you to swing by all of the different stops for a chance to win various prizes along with a grand prize! As part of the blog tour, I'm sharing about my favorite Christmas Food and giving away my entire Orphan Train Series! Make sure to swing by my blog and enter the Rafflecopter … [Read more...]

The Book You’ve Been Waiting For! (And a Giveaway!)

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This week I’m celebrating the release of Searching For You, the final installment of my orphan train series. As always, watching a book finally make its way into reader hands is pure delight, especially when readers have been eagerly waiting for the book! Reviews are rolling in, and I’m happy to report readers are very satisfied with the conclusion of the series! One reader said: “A … [Read more...]

Projects That Are Bigger & Tougher Than Anticipated

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Over the past couple of weeks, my home has been undergoing some overdue improvements. The carpet on our stairs desperately needed replacing. After almost 13 years of seven people and five cats traipsing up and down the steps multiple times a day, the carpet had worn down to nothing. Rather than putting in new carpet and risking more wear and tear, we decided to make the stairs hardwood. Much of … [Read more...]

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