Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Should Authors Stick to Writing in One Genre?

By

A fellow writer recently asked me: “How do you stick to one story? I find I have an overabundance of stories I'd love to tell, but they're scattered over different genres and times in history. I try to write whatever I can, just to get the stories down and find my voice, but it's so hard to choose just one and stick to it!” When I first started my journey to publication, the general opinion in … [Read more...]

Ye Olde Book Swap

By

Are you a swapper? School lunches. Recipes. Wardrobe items. Books. There is something about the swapping process that excites me. The old suddenly has new value. The familiar opens the door to the unexplored. Possibilities abound. That's the idea behind the book swap that we're doing this month in my Posse Facebook group, and I'd like to invite you to join us. The Posse Book Swap combines … [Read more...]

Watch & Listen

By

I thought I’d catch you up on a couple of new things I’ve been loving lately. They fall into two different categories: watch and listen. My thoughts are short and sweet today, but I hope one or the other will be something you can enjoy as well! Watch: The English Game I am so in love with this series! Written by Julian Fellows of Downton Abbey fame, it is the cross between an underdog … [Read more...]

Facing Tough Decisions

By

I'm often asked, "How did you not cave to the pressure last summer when your publisher threatened to cancel your book if you didn't make their requested changes?" In short? God started preparing me for that challenge a year before that day came (when my novel Colors of Truth was ultimately cancelled). It's not something I'm proud to admit (to confess), but it's a forever lesson God … [Read more...]

Companions for the Journey

By

A long time ago, before I had published a single word, a writer friend invited me to join a Christian writers’ group. Of course, I declined. I was much too uncertain of my calling or my future as a writer to accept. Eventually, my friend talked me into it, and I discovered the many blessings of partnering with other companions in the journey of faith. I grew a lot over the next few years, in … [Read more...]

My Favorite Covers of 2020

By

I love book covers! I never tire of admiring the skill and artistry of the graphic designers who create them. At the start of every new year, it's become my habit to look back at the Christian fiction covers of the year before. Here are some of my favorites from 2020. In my opinion, each of these covers do a fantastic job of fulfilling their purpose. 1) They grab my attention with a gorgeous … [Read more...]

Release Week Jitters & Fun

By

Tuesday Lethal Intent winged it's way into the big wide world. Be sure to read to the end, because I want to give a copy to one of you. If I were better at using GIFs, this is where I'd insert one of a cartoon character chewing his fingernails to nubs next to high fives and squeals. Even though this is book 35 or 36, it's still a highwire act of emotion when a book is released. I spent an hour … [Read more...]

Inspired by the Arts

By

As an author, I’m clearly inspired by the art of writing, but I don’t know how many authors consider writing an art and how many consider it a craft. I honestly view it as both. It’s part art, which I define as divine inspiration from our Creator to create. I believe it’s woven into us when God places us in our mother’s womb. It doesn’t automatically come out wonderful. I didn’t sell my first … [Read more...]

A Gift and a Giveaway

By

I was surprised and touched to receive an amazing gift from a talented quilter-friend: a quilt based on the coverlet Jane Austen made with her mother and sister. The original coverlet quilt is on display at Jane Austen's House Museum, which we visited during a group tour I was privileged to host in 2019. We saw the quilt (and much more) during the visit and I am honored and delighted to now … [Read more...]

Recent Posts