Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Muffin Hats and Mob Caps

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A week or so ago, I attended a meeting of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Minnesota Chapter. Instead of having a speaker, this month we made Regency-era hats and caps. I have made myself two or three caps to wear of evenings since I came home, and they save me a world of torment as to hairdressing.”—Jane Austen letter, 1813 I am not crafty, but I thought it would be fun to gather … [Read more...]

A Different Kind of Cover Story

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I just love stories about how a book cover came to be—the process of working with a publisher's design team and models, or for some of the more creative among us, how you designed your own cover. Or in my case, how my husband designs the covers for my books. (He designed these beauties below!) But maybe a more accurate title for this blog post would be "A Different Kind of Title Story." My … [Read more...]

Spring Happenings!

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This spring has sprung with all its beautiful green glory here in central Michigan. After a very long winter, we are loving every single second of the warmer weather and regaining our color after the past six months of a dull gray landscape. In addition to my usual writing and editing projects, this spring has been busy with a couple of major events. The first was the annual rummage sale … [Read more...]

The Joy of Song

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I have always been a music lover. I can remember singing every commercial jingle that came on the TV when I was kid, just because it was musical. I remember the pre-K teacher who brought her guitar to class and taught us folk songs like "You get a line, I'll get a pole." (Yes, it was the 70's back then.) I remember singing America (This land is your land . . . ) after saying the pledge of … [Read more...]

It’s All in the Simmer

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I’m not a cook. I don’t like it. I’m not good at it. But there is one category of food where I feel somewhat confident: soups.  Not complicated cream soups, mind you. I’m talking basic broth soups here. I think a lot of my comfort in this area of cooking goes all the way back to our early married days. Jeff was in law school; I was working at the university in a job that paid little but at … [Read more...]

You Can Rest

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Have you heard about You Can Rest by Katy Boatman? If you have a preteen girl, they need this book—and keep reading because I'm giving away a copy TODAY! Preteen girls have lots to be anxious about these days, and Katy Boatman, who has worked with them for 15 years, understands that. With an authentic voice and mentor mindset, Katy wrote You Can Rest to help young … [Read more...]

How My Writing Journey Began

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People are always asking how I became a writer, expecting, I fear, some mystical story. They also ask what inspires me, and tend to look disappointed when I truthfully reply, "The mortgage." You see, being a writer is a job like any other. You show up, go to work, and earn a check, which you only earn when your readers buy new books. (Used books don't count). But there is a necessary … [Read more...]

Turn to Me’s Cover Shoot (and gifts!)

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The cover shoot for Turn to Me took place around eight months ago. The novel released last week. And TODAY I get to share behind-the-scenes photos + give away a fun set of gifts! Here Senior Graphic Designer Jennifer Parker discusses wardrobe options with the Hair and Make-up Stylist. In my cover design questionnaire, I'd explained that Finley dresses with BoHo flair and gravitates toward … [Read more...]

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