Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

A True (Humorous) Look at the Writing Process

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I wish that the process of writing a book was as serene, latte-filled, and creatively delightful as it seems like it should be! I'm pulling back the curtain today, reader friends, and giving you a glimpse at what's truly happening in a writer's mind and heart during the four stages of the process. Stage 1: Pre-writing "A new story! It's so shiny. So sparkly." "I love these characters!" … [Read more...]

Warning: Writer starting new book

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One of the scariest moments for this author is the moment I actually sit down and start writing my next book. This time I've done HOURS of thinking, brainstorming, building characters, but the actual writing...it takes time and is scary. Especially when readers have asked where this heroine's story is. So last night I was brainstorming title ideas with my husband, Colleen Coble, and Rick Acker, … [Read more...]

Fall Fun

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Hi friends, Excited to be here with you today. Being a summer, beach girl, this time of year isn’t my favorite. If I can’t be in shorts and flip-flops, normally I’m not a happy camper. However, I’m learning to appreciate all of the seasons God’s created. There’s a rhythm to them and as the Bible says:  I’ve been going through a wonderful Bible study named Contentment: Seeing God’s Goodness … [Read more...]

Research & Fun: Colonial Style

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My last turn to post, I wrote about my experience attending the 2019 Annual General Meeting of the Jane Austen Society of North America.  The conference moves to different cities every year, but this year it was held in historic Williamsburg Virginia, so I knew I wanted to attend. If you are not aware, Colonial Williamsburg is a living-history museum representing the once thriving … [Read more...]

Sightings

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I am thrilled to announce the release of my newest book, Sightings—Discovering God’s Presence in our Everyday Moments. This non-fiction devotional is a collection of my thoughts and ponderings as I’ve learned to look for “God sightings” in the simple moments of life. One of the most amazing and comforting promises that Jesus gives us is this: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end … [Read more...]

One of My Secrets to Managing Multiple Projects at Once

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Okay, so I admit. I sort of thrive on juggling lots of balls in the air at the same time. No, not literally. I honestly probably couldn’t juggle one ball alone without dropping it. But when it comes to my writing work… yes, I juggle a ton of projects at once. That’s mainly because I’m an Achiever with a capital A. (If you’ve taken the Enneagram Personality Test, you’d classify me as a three, … [Read more...]

Cover Reveal, Giveaway, & Spooktacular Book Deal

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I'm so excited to share with you the cover for the first book in my Hanger's Horsemen series - At Love's Command. It's my first hero-centric cover, and I love it! Not all of the details match the story exactly. On the cover his vest is brown when it should be cavalry blue, and his horse should be a blood roan not a sorrel, but the hero's so rugged and gorgeous that I really don't care. I … [Read more...]

A Random Observation

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So. I thought this blog post would be about teaching for the first time at an actual writing conference instead of online or at my local writers group. But when I got home, I realized I had taken zero pictures—and I hate doing a blog post without pictures! Suffice it to say, I had a wonderful time at the Permian Basin Writers Workshop in Midland, TX. I was terrified to teach in front of students … [Read more...]

Celebrating Christian Fiction in Nashville!

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Hey friends! If you live in or near Nashville, then this invitation is for you! First, a conference for writers . . . If you're a writer—either published or hoping to be—this conference is for you! I've attended this gathering in the past (and hope to this year!) and it always offers excellent information and teaching. Plus encouragement! I always leave uplifted and rejuvenated. Second, … [Read more...]

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