For the past almost-eighteen years now, I have worked with a writing critique partner on every book. That crit partner has become one of my dearest friends and is none other than IBLF's own Tamera Alexander. Tammy and I met in October 2002 at the very first ACFW Conference in Kansas City. She wasn't yet published at the time but offered to critique a novella I was struggling with. (It's no … [Read more...]

Janette Oke’s novel, Love Comes Softly, has recently celebrated its fortieth anniversary of publication. That author and that book are often credited with pioneering the Christian fiction genre. Since then, the novel has birthed a whole series of books as well as a Hallmark television series. I first met Janette when I worked in marketing for Bethany House Publishers about twenty years ago. I … [Read more...]

Union Pacific’s historic steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014, is touring the Union Pacific system throughout the end of the year to commemorate the transcontinental railroad's 150th anniversary. Ken and I just happened to be in Ken's hometown, Ellsworth, Kansas, when Big Boy came through this past Saturday morning. What a fantastic experience! The whole town came out for the event and Ken and … [Read more...]

A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Christy Award gala in Nashville, Tennessee. I thought I'd share a portion of my talk with you here at Inspired by Life and Fiction. It's my hope that my fellow booklovers will find something to relate to in my memories and that my story will nudge you to remember your story! -Becky Because I'm a romance novelist, I thought I'd begin by … [Read more...]