Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Cookies & Christmas

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In my first-ever Christmas novella, we included a recipe for a cookie (“biscuit” in the UK) based on a British recipe featuring honey (in honor of Honeycroft cottage in the novel) and adapted to US measurements. The cookie reminds me of a spicy Snickerdoodle in taste, but the addition of colored sugar makes it more festive. I have been so delighted to hear how much people are enjoying … [Read more...]

Meatloaf Ministry

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This past November was the seventeenth anniversary of my sister Bonnie’s death from cancer. As I was trolling through files on my computer recently, I found this article I wrote in 2003. Since Covid-19 has eliminated many of the church’s visible ministries and programs, I thought my reflections might be reassuring to all of the church’s “invisible” workers. The minivan halted in my sister … [Read more...]

The Difference Between Influencing and Reviewing

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One of the major ways I prepare for every book's release is by forming a Release Crew made up of influencers. In the publishing world, influencer is often used to refer to a reader who signs up to help in the promotion of a book in exchange for a free copy of that book. An influencer doesn't just agree to write a review of the book. Although reviews are a big part of influencing, influencers do … [Read more...]

Living History

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Last month, I met my daughter in Brenham, TX for a girls getaway weekend. We rented a cute little one-room house (over 200 years old!) in nearby Chappell Hill. We watched movies and relaxed a lot (Bethany just started a PhD program at Texas A&M, so relaxation was high on her to-do list), but we also spent Saturday afternoon exploring. One of the places we visited was Washington on the … [Read more...]

Forging Our New Path, part 1

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I promised I’d let you know where we landed after our whirlwind departure from Austin. But since our furniture has yet to arrive, I’ll do this in two parts. We returned to the place where we (mostly) raised our kids. Where my sisters both live. Where my parents are as well. My two married couple kids (and grand baby!) are both much closer as well. Here’s the fun part: when we were dreaming … [Read more...]

A surreal blessing . . . unwrapped

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There are moments in your life that give you pause. Some are bitter, some are sweet. I received my Christy Award Hall of Fame award in the mail last week, which was definitely a sweet one! I opened the package, then the box and, for a moment, I simply stared, letting what still feels like a fairly surreal blessing sink in. My thoughts quickly turned back to 2008 when I won my first … [Read more...]

Decorating for Christmas on a Budget (and a giveaway!)

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Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, 'tis the season for Christmas decorating! This year has been unique... to choose the most flattering adjective possible. Because of all the uniqueness, for me, the Christmas season is more welcome this year than any other year in recent memory. I'm beyond ready! Bring on the hope of Jesus's birth, the tree, the lights, the music, the cookies, the … [Read more...]

Thankful for You + Giveaway

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Each year, I get to write the Thanksgiving post here at Inspired by Life & Fiction. It's one benefit of being the author who posts the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. There's so much to be grateful for, even more in a year that has been far from normal...what is normal anyway? This year I want to fix my gaze on the many reasons I have to be grateful. The first is a big one. Just … [Read more...]

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