Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

If not now, when?

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We’ve all said it at one time or another: I’d love to _______, if I could just find the time. With suddenly cleared calendars, most of us have a bit more time to do with as we like. (Maybe not a ton if you have kids at home but still some—you aren’t going to practices or school events or any other number of activities!) But I noticed something recently. I found I was squandering the very … [Read more...]

A Mom’s Humorous “Shelter in Place” Prayer

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Hello, everyone! Our college girl came home from California and will be finishing her semester via online classes. So all five of us are sheltering in place at our home in Dallas, Texas. I fully comprehend the gravity of the current situation gripping our world and I'm praying for God to display His might, His protectiveness, and His grace in these days. That said, I've found it … [Read more...]

Shelter in Place Book Recommendations

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Physical distancing is hard for this extrovert. Still I’m hunkered down with my family for the foreseeable future to help protect others. There are a few things I’m doing to help keep us in a good place. Light a few candles so your space smells good. Choose music to play in the background that puts you in a good headspace. Limit social media and news content…all of us have a threshold where it … [Read more...]

Finding Joy in the Little Things

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Hi friends,  I pray you are well, healthy and safe during this time of crisis. Our governor has done an amazing job and we are learning to adapt to our restrictions. Thankfully for this coffee girl who goes a bit stir crazy after a couple of days, Starbucks drive-thru is still open. What was once viewed as a regular treat is now viewed as a bit of a luxury. It gives us someplace to get … [Read more...]

Some Much-Needed Fun…and Prizes!

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During these serious times, I'm thankful for fun friends like Erica Vetsch, who dreamed up a creative promotion and invited me and Michelle Griep to participate with her. All three of us have written Regency-era novels and we all live in Minnesota. Getting together to film the video segments was so much fun! I hope you enjoy watching them (and I hope the three of us will be able to get together … [Read more...]

How are you doing? Really.

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I'm so sick and tired of posts and articles and newscasts about you-know-what. I'm guessing you are too. But it is what life on this planet has become all about...for a while at least. And I really do want to know: how are you doing? I mean really? It's overwhelming to think of all the needs out there, but my prayer for you today is that you have everything you need, that you know your loved ones … [Read more...]

Writing Through the Distractions

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Many of us have had our routines disrupted due to the coronavirus. My college-age daughters had to leave their university and have transitioned to online school. While having them home is a blessing (and I love it!), inevitably the house gets noisier and messier, and I have more responsibilities. In addition to the added chaos of having more people living at home again, the constant barrage of … [Read more...]

Keep Calm, Read On

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I've never been germ-o-phobic or one to panic about things, but I have to admit, all of these CDC restrictions are getting me a little down. Don't get me wrong - I'm an introvert and think being holed up at home is a vacation. Although, as of right now, I'm still going into work, so jealousy might be contributing to my grumpiness. However, the true culprit is Uncertainty. For instance, I have … [Read more...]

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