Goodness, it's a busy time of year, and a very busy week for me and I'm guessing for most of you as well. My Christmas will be a simple one, due to multiple deadlines. I haven't yet baked a single cookie or wrapped a present, but will be busy today, trying to catch up! Still, I wanted to pause a moment and wish a Merry and Blessed Christmas to all the Inspired by Life and Fiction readers and … [Read more...]

This past weekend I attended the annual Christmas event of the Jane Austen Society of North America's Minnesota chapter. We gather every December to honor Jane Austen, whose birthday is December 16th. This year we enjoyed a delicious brunch at an elegant country club, where we were entertained by a talented singer/songwriter named Monica Livorsi, who performed songs from her album, All About … [Read more...]

When my first novel, Lady of Milkweed Manor, released nearly 17 years ago, I didn't think ahead and imagine I'd have twenty books someday, I was just thankful to have one! I know lots of authors have written many more novels (including several authors here on Inspired by Life and Fiction) but I am still so very thankful. Being a published author is my lifelong dream come true. And being an … [Read more...]

My friend Michelle Griep has opened a new Etsy Shop. She is offering gifts that readers will love: T-shirts featuring cute readerly quotes, stickers, mugs, her fabulous Story Letters, Victorian Advent Letters, and more. With Story Letters, you choose the subscription that intrigues you most. You’ll receive a letter twice a month with an intimate message from a historical character. But … [Read more...]