Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

The Author-Editor Relationship

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Recently, my local chapter of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) asked me and my longtime editor, Karen Schurrer, to speak about the author-editor relationship. Karen Schurrer has edited Christian fiction for almost twenty years, primarily for Bethany House Publishers. She has worked with me on all twelve of my Bethany House novels in one capacity or other, along with my acquisitions … [Read more...]

Like Minds

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A few days ago, Karen Witemeyer wrote a lovely blog post (read it here) about the spiritual aspects of a recent writers retreat we both attended, along with Inspired By Life members Jody Hedlund and Becky Wade, as well as authors Katie Ganshert and Courtney Walsh. (Sadly, Dani Pettrey and Katie Cushman were unable to join us this year.) I will just add a few things. There is something so … [Read more...]

Follow Up: How to Write Historical Christian Fiction Class

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As I blogged about last time, I was asked to teach a 2-hour class on “How to Write Historical Christian Fiction” by a public library in northern Minnesota. I asked if I could share the challenge with local author-friend, Michelle Griep, and they (and thankfully, Michelle) agreed. That turned out to be a good decision. The class was this past weekend, and we received positive feedback from the ~20 … [Read more...]

How to Write Historical Christian Fiction

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I've been asked by a public library in northern Minnesota to teach a 2-hour class on "How to Write Historical Christian Fiction." Apparently, their patrons requested such a class after an inspiring visit from beloved historical fiction author, Lauraine Snelling. Lauraine lives in California, so they sought out a local author instead—me. A joy shared is a double joy. A burden shared is half a … [Read more...]

Write, Read, Revise, Repeat…

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I wish I wrote perfect first drafts ready for proofreading, but I don’t. (Nor do the vast majority of authors I know.) I rely on feedback from early readers and my editors, and continue to revise and edit a manuscript until it is as strong as I can make it—or until my deadline arrives, whichever comes first. :) Currently, I am busy working on revisions for my next book due out in December, … [Read more...]

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