Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

How to Write a Book Review

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With two novels releasing within one week of each other (Like the Wind earlier this week and All She Ever Dreamed on Monday, Dec. 5), I’ve been reading a lot of reviews. I’ve become increasingly aware of what makes a good review and what doesn’t. I thought I’d share my opinion. First, let me say that I write reviews for all the books I read and I post them on Goodreads. I do not … [Read more...]

Christmas Blessings, Pay It Forward

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Last year, twelve authors joined together for a giveaway that asked only one thing of the entrants. To pay a blessing forward during the Christmas season. It was great fun reading all of the 1200+ comments that were left. A blessing to see how everyone loved the idea and were thinking of ways they could bless others. Well, we're back with another Christmas Blessing Giveaway. Twelve authors … [Read more...]

Decisions, Decisions

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In my last blog post, I shared a little bit about the changing face of publishing since I got my start in 1984. I’m even more aware of the changes as I move more deeply into the indie publishing world. Wide or Kindle Unlimited? One of the decisions an indie author has to make is whether to go wide (meaning ebooks are available across numerous devices and retailers) or whether to be exclusive … [Read more...]

My, How Things Have Changed

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A Bit of History My first book was published in 1984. That was before the internet. It was before most business offices even had computers. Back then, authors sold their manuscripts to publishers by sending a query letter and sample chapters. We watched our mailboxes like hawks because everything happened via mail. Publishers sold books into bookstores with sales reps who took samples of … [Read more...]

New Directions

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I was sorry to see Jody step back from blogging after so many years with us on Inspired by Life...and Fiction. But I am delighted that the timing was right for me to return to a regular blogging schedule. And so here I am, your first and third Friday author. The year 2022 had a big change in store for me at the very start. In January I made the decision, for a number of reasons, not to … [Read more...]

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