Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

The Difference Between a Book Reviewer and an Influencer

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One of the major ways I prepare for every book's release is by forming a Launch Team made up of Influencers. In the publishing world, Influencer is often used to refer to a reader who signs up to help in the promotion of a book in exchange for a free copy of that book. An Influencer doesn't just agree to write a review of the book. Although reviews are a big part of influencing, Influencers do … [Read more...]

One of My Secrets to Managing Multiple Responsibilities

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When my twins were babies, I loved dressing them in coordinating outfits. I’d stick bows in their hair and make cute ponytails that stood straight up on the tops of their heads. When I’d take them out in the double stroller, people would always stop to admire them. I could never figure out why people asked, “Are they girls or boys?” I wanted to say, “Why in the world would I dress them in pink … [Read more...]

One Very Easy Thing Readers Can Do for Authors

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As you know by now, I'm celebrating the release of my first historical, Luther and Katharina, the true love story of the heretic monk and great reformer, Martin Luther, and the little known woman he married, Katharina von Bora. Last week I had a week-long Facebook party to celebrate the release, and I gave away a copy of the book each day. This week I'm giving away 2 books over on my website … [Read more...]

Confessions of a Pastor’s Kid

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Growing up I was a PK, church lingo for Pastor's Kid. My dad was a Lutheran Pastor. And I grew up in the church. Not literally, of course. We usually lived in a parsonage, often one that was next door to the church. But my life centered around attending potlucks, Sunday School, potlucks, church, catechism class, potlucks, church related events. Did I mention potlucks? ;-) I confess. … [Read more...]

The Strangest Tradition of All: Witnessing a Marriage Consummation

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My new historical, Luther and Katharina has released. Reviews are pouring in and invariably readers are commenting on the strangeness of one particular tradition in the book: the witnessing of the betrothal night consummation. Witnessing of a marriage consummation? What is that? Essentially the newly married couple had sex in the presence of witnesses, usually with the bed curtains closed and … [Read more...]

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