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Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

I miss Libraries & Book Clubs

October 8, 2020 By Cara Putman

It's October and there are many things I'm missing as the pandemic drags on. These may be limited to Indiana, but maybe you can relate. I miss having some of my Purdue students to our home for cookouts or taco bar. I miss being able to worship at church without a mask. I miss wild hugs and even simple handshakes. I miss reading my students non-verbal cues that are covered by masks. I missed … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Reading Tagged With: cara putman, libraries, Readers

Creating a town and other brainstorming fun

September 24, 2020 By Cara Putman

I'm in the midst of planning and scheming my next book series. In fact that's what I'll be spending the bulk of today doing. There is so much that goes into that process. I have to create characters. Heroes. Heroines. Supporting characters. Pets. Churches. Jobs. Places they work. And towns. Sometimes I use real places. Other times I've used fictional. Both work and can be fun. But for this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: cara putman, giveaway, Name a Town, Proposal

The Reality of Romance

September 10, 2020 By Cara Putman

Romance is hard work. In our novels, we often stop at the point that a couple is discovering and leaning into their new love -- unless it's a marriage of convenience, and then they have to learn to love each other as newly married strangers. They go through struggles to reach that point, real barriers, but then the book closes with an acknowledgment that life won't necessarily be easy, but as … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: marriage, romance

Books I’ve Loved this Month + Giveaway

August 27, 2020 By Cara Putman

I think because classes started this week at Purdue, I've been in a race to read some good books. The above are just a few of them that I've inhaled and recommended. Here's why I loved them: The Price of Valor is Susan May Warren at the top of her writing game. Susie is a master of creating characters and plot that will not let me go as a reader. This book is no exception. From the opening … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Reading Tagged With: cara putman, fiction, giveaway, Lynn Blackburn, rachel hauck, Susan May Warren, Team of Five, Toni Shiloh

Books to Encourage in Chaotic Times

August 13, 2020 By Cara Putman

In our hourse we're preparing for the kids to return to school and for me to return to face-to-face classes at Purdue. We all came home in mid-March, and I'd say we're largely ready to see what the fall has in store. This year has been the year of Flexible Chaos, and I'm certain it's not over yet! Those who know me well would be quick to confirm that I don't do chaos well...at all. In fact I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: Beth Moore, cara putman, Chasing Vines, Get Out of Your Head, giveaway, Jen Wilkin, Jennie Allen, Jess Connolly, None Like HIm, Rebekah Lyons, Rhythms of Rest

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