Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Books I’ve Loved this Month + Giveaway

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I think because classes started this week at Purdue, I've been in a race to read some good books. The above are just a few of them that I've inhaled and recommended. Here's why I loved them: The Price of Valor is Susan May Warren at the top of her writing game. Susie is a master of creating characters and plot that will not let me go as a reader. This book is no exception. From the opening … [Read more...]

A New Perspective on Fiction

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Hi friends, I’m super excited to introduce you to my guest blogger Lauren Beccue. I met Lauren at a literary agency retreat in Charleston a couple years back now. Lauren co-wrote a wonderful book with my dear friend Katie Cushman. Since I’ll be road tripping in an RV with my hubby and our grandkids… I thought this was a great time for a guest blogger. And, I’m so blessed I asked. I think you’ll … [Read more...]

Ten Daily Rituals of Productive Writers

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When our local library reopened recently, my husband brought home a book he thought I’d like, called Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey. It’s an interesting collection of the daily routines of over 150 writers, composers, painters and scientists. Was my husband hinting that I would benefit from a more orderly routine? If so, he is no doubt right. I did not read the book cover … [Read more...]

An Ask and an Offer

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This morning I'm coming to you with a favor to ASK and then I have something to OFFER you. The "ask" involves the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, which I've been teaching at for as long as I can remember. Last year was the conference's 50th anniversary and I was beyond touched and humbled to be named the conference's Writer of the Year. This conference has such a special place in my … [Read more...]

Book Release & Giveaway!

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ALMOST A BRIDE, the fourth and final book in my bride-ship series, releases in just a few days (on Tuesday August 25)! You may (or may not!) know that three out of the four books in the series released this year. The Runaway Bride came out in March. A Bride of Convenience released in June. And now Almost a Bride releases next Tuesday, August 25. One question that has cropped up is: How … [Read more...]

Coming Home to Small Town Life

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I'm delighted to have Marilyn Turk step in for me today. You're in for a treat! Take it away, Marilyn . . . First of all, I’m so happy to be here with you! I love all the authors on this blog, so I’m honored to be here. Thank you, Karen, for the opportunity to be your guest! Did you move away from your hometown when you got married, went to college, got your first job? Did you ever move … [Read more...]

An Introvert’s Dream Vacation

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We had several really great trips on the books for this summer. My husband’s business conferences usually picks very desirable locations. And we had even looked forward to one set of kids (a son and daughter-in-law) joining us for a week in Colorado Springs. But of course none of it happened. And yet we didn’t want to completely lose the vacation time with our kids. And my husband … [Read more...]

What’s your “book-to-movie” wish?

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Do you have a "book-to-movie" wish? A book you've treasured forever, that you've read several times through the years, and that you'd LOVE to see made into a movie? Well, I have several. But one of my all-time favorite book-to-movie wishes is coming true! By now I'm betting you know that Francine Rivers' bestselling novel Redeeming Love is being made into a movie. Or has been made. The … [Read more...]

Celebrating Fifty Years

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The August day, fifty years ago, was hot and sticky. It didn’t matter. Nothing mattered except that I was about to marry my best friend. Ken and I had dated for two years in college, and when we kissed goodnight outside my dormitory we would say, “We’re another day closer!” We had finally reached that day. I saw Ken waiting for me at the end of the aisle and couldn’t stop smiling.  It … [Read more...]

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