Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

My Favorite Covers of 2020

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I love book covers! I never tire of admiring the skill and artistry of the graphic designers who create them. At the start of every new year, it's become my habit to look back at the Christian fiction covers of the year before. Here are some of my favorites from 2020. In my opinion, each of these covers do a fantastic job of fulfilling their purpose. 1) They grab my attention with a gorgeous … [Read more...]

Release Week Jitters & Fun

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Tuesday Lethal Intent winged it's way into the big wide world. Be sure to read to the end, because I want to give a copy to one of you. If I were better at using GIFs, this is where I'd insert one of a cartoon character chewing his fingernails to nubs next to high fives and squeals. Even though this is book 35 or 36, it's still a highwire act of emotion when a book is released. I spent an hour … [Read more...]

Inspired by the Arts

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As an author, I’m clearly inspired by the art of writing, but I don’t know how many authors consider writing an art and how many consider it a craft. I honestly view it as both. It’s part art, which I define as divine inspiration from our Creator to create. I believe it’s woven into us when God places us in our mother’s womb. It doesn’t automatically come out wonderful. I didn’t sell my first … [Read more...]

A Gift and a Giveaway

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I was surprised and touched to receive an amazing gift from a talented quilter-friend: a quilt based on the coverlet Jane Austen made with her mother and sister. The original coverlet quilt is on display at Jane Austen's House Museum, which we visited during a group tour I was privileged to host in 2019. We saw the quilt (and much more) during the visit and I am honored and delighted to now … [Read more...]

I’m about to blow your diet!

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If one of your New Year resolutions involves cutting calories, I apologize in advance, but today I want to share a wonderful source of great recipes from my friend and fellow Kansan, Deborah Vogts. Debbie is a woman of many talents—author, gardener, antique-er, mama, grandma, and more—but today I'm focusing on Debbie's talents in the kitchen! Last night I made a pan of her Blonde Brownies and … [Read more...]

A New Series & New Book! (Plus a Giveaway!)

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A Cowboy for Keeps, the first book in my Colorado Cowboys series, is now available! As I’ve shared the word about my newest series, some of my readers are surprised by the cowboy theme. And I’ve had to reassure everyone that, no, I’m not switching genres and writing westerns! This new series is another historical romance with my trademark plot twists, vibrant settings, and deeply emotional … [Read more...]

2020: A Year of . . . Blessings

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If you are like most people, you couldn't wait to leave 2020 behind. I don't blame you. In fact, I felt much the same. So much heartbreaking sickness and death, social and political unrest, economic difficulties, cancelled events, personal restrictions . . . the list goes on and on. But with all the hardship and negativity, I think it is important for us to count our blessings and focus on the … [Read more...]

2021 Intentions

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For the past 5-6 years, every “goal” I’ve made for the new year has been swept aside by forces beyond my control. One year it was a bout with myocarditis, an infection in my heart. One year it was a move to a new city. Two years were weddings. Moving to a condo was another. Moving suddenly “home” again, too. And so I stand at the threshold of 2021 wondering what it will bring. A few years ago, … [Read more...]

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