After a particularly stressful time, we were able to go away together for several days. My husband loves history and I love the ocean, so we chose the East Coast states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. We soaked in lots of pilgrim history (Plymouth) and sunshine (Cape Cod) and visited with old friends near Boston. Then we drove north to New Hampshire and Maine, where we traded … [Read more...]

While creating a novel, a writer (and eventually her editors) go through many stages. From early brainstorming on plot and characters, to research, to proposing the premise, to writing a first draft, to gaining feedback from trusted early readers, to revisions, and then onward to the editorial process. I admit I enjoy certain phases more than others. I like dreaming up situations to put my … [Read more...]

I recently learned that my latest novel, The Sisters of Sea View, is a semi-finalist in the Historical Romance category of American Christian Fiction Writer's Carol Awards. Many other authors share this honor, so I do not expect to take home the prize. But if it is not vain to say it, someday I would really like to win a Carol Award. Why? I have won other awards, and been a finalist in the … [Read more...]

***Giveaway Has Ended.*** Today, I am happy to give away a set of two autographed novels by sister-Regency author Rachel Knowles. When I last visited England, I met Rachel in person after being acquainted with her for a few years online. (I love the connections we make through social media!) She and her husband, Andrew, showed us around the historic seaside town of Weymouth, Dorset, where they … [Read more...]

Please welcome my friend and sister-Regency author Erica Vetsch to our blog today! Thank you, Julie Klassen, for the opportunity to blog here at Inspired by Life & Fiction. Those who know me know that I love history. I love history books, museums, history podcasts, history vloggers. My head is stuffed with all sorts of historical bits, and I cannot get enough history. Which is one … [Read more...]