Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler

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I spent last week in New Orleans! While we were there, one of our tour guides mentioned the phrase laissez le bon temps rouler -- let the good times roll -- which captures the flavor of New Orleans well. I'm glad I set aside a whole week for our trip! Because we took our time, we were able to explore numerous facets of the city. The history, the food, the music, the … [Read more...]

When the Headline doesn’t disappear + Giveaway

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One thing that I learned early in my writing process is that I have to find an idea I can fall in love with for two years. Yep, you read that right. Two years. It takes roughly two years to go from building the proposal to writing and editing the book then through marketing the book as it releases. I knew I had to find an idea with Beyond Justice that could carry me through that space of … [Read more...]

Springtime Adventures

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Hi friends, Always happy to spend a day with you. It’s springtime, and I’m thrilled! Minus spring allergies, of course. But it’s staying light until after 7pm, flowers are starting to bloom (hence allergies), and the days are warming up! One of my favorite things about spring is getting to spend time outside without freezing. Here are just a few of the activities we enjoy! Hiking. We’re … [Read more...]

Cornwall’s Enduring Appeal

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My newest release, A Castaway in Cornwall, is about a young woman who is transplanted to rugged, remote North Cornwall after her parents die under mysterious circumstances. Laura lives there with distant relatives but never feels like she belongs. One night, Laura helps rescue a shipwreck victim and tends his wounds, though there is something odd about the man’s injuries and accent. Laura soon … [Read more...]

Hope for Times Like These (two giveaways!)

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I wanted to let you know about a great giveaway that's happening between now and Easter, featuring wonderful authors like Elizabeth Musser, Sharon Garlough Brown, Mesu Andrews, Roseanna White, Michelle Massaro, and many others. I'll be giving away two copies of my new novel, Bridges. Author Christine Dillon heads up the giveaway saying, "This time last year we were entering a time of real … [Read more...]

Four Tips for Crafting the Mood of a Scene

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Over the past decade, my five children have all moved into the teen years. Needless to say, we’ve had drama. And quite a bit of it. Moods swing high. And they swing low. Sometimes in a matter of minutes. All the moodiness in my house reminds me of the need for creating moods in our stories. But all too often, manipulating the mood falls to the bottom of our list of writing to-do's. When … [Read more...]

Heroes on Covers

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With my new Hanger's Horsemen series, I've enjoyed having covers that prominently feature heroes on the covers. The Heart's Charge is coming this summer, and there are TWO heroes in play. Double the fun! It's been nice to switch things up with my covers this time around. One of the reasons I enjoy historicals so much is the fairy-tale feel of the period costumes, especially the dresses worn by … [Read more...]

Going Gray

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I’ve always dreaded gray hair. Maybe that’s because my hairdresser found several gray strands on my head before I graduated from high school! From my late teens through my early 40s, I waged war against going gray, first with drug store color, then with highlights and lowlights. But somewhere in my mid-40s I made peace with gray hair. Not that I wanted it then, mind you. I was just okay with it … [Read more...]

Winners & more winners (is YOUR name in this blog post?)

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If your name is in this post, then you've won something! Today I'm announcing the four winners who each won an audiobook of Colors of Truth, a Carnton novel from my post two weeks ago. But first . . . I've got two past winners who have yet to claim their spoils. Are you one of those winners? Here's one last chance for these two gals to claim their prizes! GALE you won Angie … [Read more...]

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