Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

8 Ways to Revive Your Passion for Your Story

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I recently received an email from Anna B. asking me a really great question. She said this: “I am currently writing a book. But recently I’ve not been. Have you ever stopped writing a book in the middle and just not felt the passion you had at the beginning of writing your book?” To answer Anna’s question, let me say this: Yes, I have lost my passion and wanted to stop midway through a book. … [Read more...]

Wallpaper Wars

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The Victorian era is famous for its busy, floral designs. Ornate, scrolled woodwork on furniture. Delicate porcelain figurines on mantles and shelves. Fringed table toppers and tatted doilies everywhere you look. Dusting day must have been a nightmare! One of the most pervasive trends, however, was wallpaper. Explosions of flowers, cupids, and feathers upon the walls of parlors, bedrooms, and … [Read more...]

From twice delayed—to cancelled—to published!

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Finally! After a bumpy road to publication, Colors of Truth, a Carnton novel (book 2) is NOW AVAILABLE from Fountain Creek Press. The book is available in print & eBook. And, within two weeks, in hardback and audio as well. FIRST — THANK YOU for the flood of support and encouragement during recent weeks. While I did not anticipate the cancellation of this book, God has certainly … [Read more...]

Road trippin’ (and a book deal)

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As I type this, Ken and I are cozied up in a charming little Airbnb in Hermann, Missouri, a German town built alongside the Missouri River. We're here on a two-day road trip to bike the Katy Trail, a Rails to Trails biking/hiking path built along a former railroad. We've had SUCH a great time and I wanted to share just a few photos from our first day. (Be sure to scroll to the end of this … [Read more...]

Puppy Love

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Our family recently adopted a puppy! We haven't been very prolific dog owners. In the twenty-seven years that my husband and I have been married we've only had one dog. The extraordinarily wonderful Sam... Sam is now 10 and beloved by all. My 11-year-old dog-crazy youngest daughter has been asking for another dog for years, but I was reluctant. For one thing, Sam's fabulous and I was … [Read more...]

Creating a town and other brainstorming fun

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I'm in the midst of planning and scheming my next book series. In fact that's what I'll be spending the bulk of today doing. There is so much that goes into that process. I have to create characters. Heroes. Heroines. Supporting characters. Pets. Churches. Jobs. Places they work. And towns. Sometimes I use real places. Other times I've used fictional. Both work and can be fun. But for this … [Read more...]

What’s in Your Writer’s Sandbox?

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I’m so excited to have DiAnn Mills guest posting today. She’s a talented writer, has a heart for helping new writers, and is an absolute joy to be around. ~Dani What’s in Your Writer’s Sandbox? Sometimes it’s a challenge for a writer to stay creative and engaged in a project. We want to avoid boredom and ho-hum writing at all costs. That’s why writers need a sandbox full of favorite toys … [Read more...]

Photoshoot: An Ivy Hill Christmas

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I always think it's fun to get a behind-the-scenes look at how book covers are created, and hopefully you do, too. Here are a few photos taken by my Managing Editor, Raela, during the photoshoot for An Ivy Hill Christmas. Enjoy! I hope you enjoyed seeing these few photos, and I especially hope you will enjoy the stand-alone novella, An Ivy Hill Christmas. Available now! … [Read more...]

Answered Prayer

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In my last blog, I asked for prayer for my mom who recently fell and broke her hip, just before her 95th birthday. I want to thank everyone who prayed for her, and to tell you that she is doing very well. The surgery went well, she’s in a rehab hospital, and she’s in good spirits. She’s starting to walk again, and hopes to be able to return home soon. I’m so thankful that I can now praise God for … [Read more...]

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