Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Say Cheese!

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I’m not a person who loves to get my picture taken, so when it comes to new headshots, I tend to wait far too long to update my look. However, with some exciting new things on the horizon this fall and into next year, it was time for some new photos. A few weeks ago, my niece-in-law, who has done some great wedding photography, agreed to be photographer for this go-round. And as I was smiling—and … [Read more...]

Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus

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Many of us are watching the TV series The Chosen about the life of Jesus, which just ended its second season. If you're enjoying The Chosen, I think you're going to absolutely devour Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus by Lois Tverberg. If you haven't read Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus yet, let me give you a quick preview beginning with the section below entitled Walking in His … [Read more...]

The Next Book

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I’m in between novels at the moment, and searching for inspiration. After writing 29 books, I sometimes feel like I’ve used every storyline, every setting, and every plot device there is. I’m certainly not ready to retire, but what do I write about next? As I faced the blank computer screen, casting about for ideas—life happened. My life. This past month our family suffered a huge loss when … [Read more...]

How to Overcome Writer’s Block When All Else Fails

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I recently got an email from Emma who asked for advice on how to overcome writer’s block. She said: “I get writers block a bit, and I can never work on just one book at a time... I have to have many so that when I do get a slump on one, I can work on another. But I'd like to change that... Yet, everything I've tried doesn't really work that well.” Let me just say this upfront, Emma, you are … [Read more...]

Bookish Delights

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Ever since I was a pre-schooler, books have filled me with delight. Walking into a library or bookstore filled me with wonder as a child, and I still get that same adrenaline rush as an adult. With all the responsibilities of adulthood, I find I don't have as much time to read as I would like, so I compensate by surrounding myself with other bookish delights. I collect Willow Tree figurines, … [Read more...]

Top Summer Picks

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I don’t know about you, but I LOVE to travel. In fact, we’re heading today down to the Outer Banks for ten wonderful days of sun, sand, family, and reading. I can’t wait! It’ll be my first vacation since I signed the contract for my debut novel nearly a decade ago, that I’ve taken a vacation off. Normally, I’m up early, writing before my family wakes for the day. Then I’ll write while we’re … [Read more...]

A Day at the Beach—Regency style

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It’s summertime here in the northern hemisphere. If you’re having hot, sunny weather where you live as well, perhaps you've cooled off with a visit to the beach. I’ve been spending a lot of time on the beach myself. Not in reality, but in researching a future novel set on the English seaside. I’m guessing some of you may have watched the fairy recent miniseries, Sanditon (based on Jane … [Read more...]

Fun Interviews (and a Book to Win)

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[AND THE WINNER OF BRIDGES IS...Betsy Hale! Congratulations, Betsy. Please e-mail me at debraney@mac.com for details on how to get your book.] Since in-person conferences, book signings, and other gatherings have been so slim (to none!) this past year, it's been extra fun to be part of some Zoom interviews recently. Yesterday, my Books & Brew interview with author Andrew Huff went live … [Read more...]

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