Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Taking Back the Arts

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When I awakened this morning, I discovered that I was writing this blog post in my head as I came to consciousness. I’m sure it was brilliant in that place between sleep and awake while what I actually write will fall short of that. But I’m going to try anyway. In the 1970s, when I came under the Lordship of Jesus the Messiah, there was almost no Christian fiction. The local Christian … [Read more...]

Being a Reader In Today’s Current Market

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Today I’m taking off my author hat and putting on my reading cap! It’s over halfway through the year, and I decided to analyze how I’m doing on my reading progress for 2021. Somehow, I’ve managed to average about 50 books a year for the past 8 years (except last year in 2020 I only read about 30). As I took stock on where I’m at this year, I realized I’m on track with my 50-book average, in … [Read more...]

When God’s People Stand Together

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I've always known that God's people were a powerful force when responding to His call. Just look at the decimated walls of Jericho. Yet, I've gained an entirely new perspective these past few weeks as God's people worked a miracle in the opposite direction--shoring up my quivering infrastructure with divine support beams of prayer, encouragement, and love. On July 31, I was pronounced the … [Read more...]

Book Life Friends

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I’ve been firmly planted in the writing life for 20 years now, and in that time I’ve made some great friends—both readers and writers. One of the joys of being back in the Dallas area is being closer to many of those people again. In the past couple of weeks I’ve been able to reconnect with a few of these special people face-to-face. Several years ago I posted on my facebook page that I was … [Read more...]

Brainstorming & Birthdays

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I love brainstorming books. I love the endless possibilities at the outset, all the combinations of what ifs, and the "Oh, have you ever thought about trying this?" suggestions. Brainstorming is definitely one of my favorite stages of the writing process. That, and discovering who the characters are as I write and rewrite, digging deeper with each pass. Part of our brainstorming … [Read more...]

First Book

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Do you remember the first book you ever read? Not a book that someone else read to you—I heard hundreds of books read to me by my mom, grandparents, and my older sister, Bonnie, before I learned to read one myself. But what about the first book you actually read on your own? I think mine was this one: I was introduced to Dick, Jane, and Sally in first grade, and their story intrigued me. I … [Read more...]

What I’m Working on Now

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Instead of typing out a post, I thought I'd try something new. I'm "vlogging" my writing update this time. Here's what I'm working on now! These graphics that my publisher provided are too pretty not to share! Plus, they give a great overview of the Misty River series and characters.... What are YOU up to this summer? … [Read more...]

Book Inspired Movies: Romance Edition

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Hi friends, Happy Wednesday! Hope you’re having a wonderful week. I always look forward to spending mine with you. I wanted to share some of my favorite book-inspired movies, and I realized there are so many different genres to choose from so being a romantic suspense author and loving romantic movies, I decided to stick with classics-inspired romances. Upcoming posts will cover contemporary … [Read more...]

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