Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Forging Our New Path, part 1

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I promised I’d let you know where we landed after our whirlwind departure from Austin. But since our furniture has yet to arrive, I’ll do this in two parts. We returned to the place where we (mostly) raised our kids. Where my sisters both live. Where my parents are as well. My two married couple kids (and grand baby!) are both much closer as well. Here’s the fun part: when we were dreaming … [Read more...]

A surreal blessing . . . unwrapped

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There are moments in your life that give you pause. Some are bitter, some are sweet. I received my Christy Award Hall of Fame award in the mail last week, which was definitely a sweet one! I opened the package, then the box and, for a moment, I simply stared, letting what still feels like a fairly surreal blessing sink in. My thoughts quickly turned back to 2008 when I won my first … [Read more...]

Decorating for Christmas on a Budget (and a giveaway!)

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Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, 'tis the season for Christmas decorating! This year has been unique... to choose the most flattering adjective possible. Because of all the uniqueness, for me, the Christmas season is more welcome this year than any other year in recent memory. I'm beyond ready! Bring on the hope of Jesus's birth, the tree, the lights, the music, the cookies, the … [Read more...]

Thankful for You + Giveaway

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Each year, I get to write the Thanksgiving post here at Inspired by Life & Fiction. It's one benefit of being the author who posts the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. There's so much to be grateful for, even more in a year that has been far from normal...what is normal anyway? This year I want to fix my gaze on the many reasons I have to be grateful. The first is a big one. Just … [Read more...]

Even in 2020

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Hi friends, Happy Wednesday! Can you believe tomorrow is Thanksgiving? Today I’m super excited to have Toni Shiloh guest posting. I met Toni a number of years ago when I spoke at the ACFW-Virginia conference. We’ve stayed in touch since and we have the blessing of sharing a very sweet mutual friend. Welcome, Toni! Even in 2020... It’s the month of Thanksgiving and thankfulness might feel … [Read more...]

A Lot To Be Thankful For…

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A Castaway in Cornwall releases in one week. Ideally, I’d be able to focus on promoting it, but instead I’m frantically trying to finish my rough draft of next year’s book. Oh, the balancing act, especially around the holidays! But I am not complaining; I’m so very thankful to get to do this job I love. Speaking of being thankful, I thought I’d share a few verses that were spotlighted in a … [Read more...]

A Country Christmas (and a Giveaway!)

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[AND THE WINNER IS…Lorrie Davids! Congrats, Lorrie!] I know, I know... It's Thanksgiving week and I'm already talking about Christmas. I promise I won't skip over Thanksgiving in my heart—it is one of my favorite holidays and gratitude is an attitude I truly want to foster in my own life. That said, I put our Christmas tree and decorations up last night so I'm in a Christmasy mood, plus I … [Read more...]

Cover Reveal: From not quite to perfect

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Early in the writing process of a new book, I am required to turn in a form to my publisher with lots of different information about the work in progress. Included in this information are suggestions for the cover such as significant locations, items that play an important role, etc. The problem for me, as a seat-of-the-pants writer, is that my story can change a lot as I write the book. That … [Read more...]

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