Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

I miss Libraries & Book Clubs

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It's October and there are many things I'm missing as the pandemic drags on. These may be limited to Indiana, but maybe you can relate. I miss having some of my Purdue students to our home for cookouts or taco bar. I miss being able to worship at church without a mask. I miss wild hugs and even simple handshakes. I miss reading my students non-verbal cues that are covered by masks. I missed … [Read more...]

The Coffee Shop Conundrum

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I love coffee. I love working and reading in coffee shops with nice spaces. You’d think that would be a win-win. And it usually is. But not lately. You see, due to COVID, many of my favorite coffee shops are still take out only. Or their small outdoor spaces are always full. And given the nature of most of my time spent in my small downtown living space, I’m itching to get back to the … [Read more...]

Behind the scenes of Colors of Truth, a Carnton novel

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Colors of Truth officially releases today, and I'm both excited and relieved to see this day finally arrive. Thank you, friends, for your love and encouragement in recent weeks as this novel made its way to publication—and this author had a crash course in indie publishing! <g> You made this journey a much sweeter one. Colors of Truth is a Carnton novel, meaning it's a story steeped … [Read more...]

Saving Ellis Island

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Several years ago, when I was writing and researching my novel, “Until We Reach Home,” my sister Peggy and I took a day trip from her home outside New York City to visit Ellis Island. As I’m sure you know, Ellis Island was the iconic landing place near the Statue of Liberty for millions of immigrants who came to U.S. shores seeking a new life. My novel tells the story of three sisters, Elin, … [Read more...]

8 Ways to Revive Your Passion for Your Story

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I recently received an email from Anna B. asking me a really great question. She said this: “I am currently writing a book. But recently I’ve not been. Have you ever stopped writing a book in the middle and just not felt the passion you had at the beginning of writing your book?” To answer Anna’s question, let me say this: Yes, I have lost my passion and wanted to stop midway through a book. … [Read more...]

Wallpaper Wars

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The Victorian era is famous for its busy, floral designs. Ornate, scrolled woodwork on furniture. Delicate porcelain figurines on mantles and shelves. Fringed table toppers and tatted doilies everywhere you look. Dusting day must have been a nightmare! One of the most pervasive trends, however, was wallpaper. Explosions of flowers, cupids, and feathers upon the walls of parlors, bedrooms, and … [Read more...]

From twice delayed—to cancelled—to published!

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Finally! After a bumpy road to publication, Colors of Truth, a Carnton novel (book 2) is NOW AVAILABLE from Fountain Creek Press. The book is available in print & eBook. And, within two weeks, in hardback and audio as well. FIRST — THANK YOU for the flood of support and encouragement during recent weeks. While I did not anticipate the cancellation of this book, God has certainly … [Read more...]

Road trippin’ (and a book deal)

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As I type this, Ken and I are cozied up in a charming little Airbnb in Hermann, Missouri, a German town built alongside the Missouri River. We're here on a two-day road trip to bike the Katy Trail, a Rails to Trails biking/hiking path built along a former railroad. We've had SUCH a great time and I wanted to share just a few photos from our first day. (Be sure to scroll to the end of this … [Read more...]

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