Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

I’m about to blow your diet!

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If one of your New Year resolutions involves cutting calories, I apologize in advance, but today I want to share a wonderful source of great recipes from my friend and fellow Kansan, Deborah Vogts. Debbie is a woman of many talents—author, gardener, antique-er, mama, grandma, and more—but today I'm focusing on Debbie's talents in the kitchen! Last night I made a pan of her Blonde Brownies and … [Read more...]

A New Series & New Book! (Plus a Giveaway!)

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A Cowboy for Keeps, the first book in my Colorado Cowboys series, is now available! As I’ve shared the word about my newest series, some of my readers are surprised by the cowboy theme. And I’ve had to reassure everyone that, no, I’m not switching genres and writing westerns! This new series is another historical romance with my trademark plot twists, vibrant settings, and deeply emotional … [Read more...]

2020: A Year of . . . Blessings

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If you are like most people, you couldn't wait to leave 2020 behind. I don't blame you. In fact, I felt much the same. So much heartbreaking sickness and death, social and political unrest, economic difficulties, cancelled events, personal restrictions . . . the list goes on and on. But with all the hardship and negativity, I think it is important for us to count our blessings and focus on the … [Read more...]

2021 Intentions

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For the past 5-6 years, every “goal” I’ve made for the new year has been swept aside by forces beyond my control. One year it was a bout with myocarditis, an infection in my heart. One year it was a move to a new city. Two years were weddings. Moving to a condo was another. Moving suddenly “home” again, too. And so I stand at the threshold of 2021 wondering what it will bring. A few years ago, … [Read more...]

So which are you?

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I've got three questions for you today, and they all pertain to personal preferences. Ready? Let's go! #1While Joe and I were in Hilton Head last month, we made a trip over to Bluffton (as we always do when we're there). Bluffton, South Carolina has a wonderful little artsy district, and in that artsy district is a door that I just love. I take a picture of it every time I'm there. I … [Read more...]

Up In A Tree

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I’m nearing the end of the novel I’m currently writing, and as I keep telling my husband, “I have to bring this story in for a landing.” My main characters have found themselves facing more and more problems and dilemmas over the past twenty-some chapters and it’s time to resolve them in a (hopefully) satisfying way. I’ve heard writers explain the plotting process as forcing your main character up … [Read more...]

2020 Reflections and My Word for 2021

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I didn’t blog on a regular basis in 2020. Plenty of good intentions but not enough follow through. But I’ve enjoyed writing a year end reflection post for several years and didn’t want to miss writing one for 2020. MY WORD FOR 2020 Revelation (Ephesians 1:17) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the … [Read more...]

A late Merry Christmas

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For many years since our children have been grown, especially since we have several teachers in the family, our time to celebrate Christmas with them has been the week between Christmas and New Years. I've always said that as long as we can be together, it doesn't matter when. Well, this is that week! We are gathered in beautiful southeast Missouri at our oldest daughter's house in the … [Read more...]

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