Are you old enough to remember life before cell phones? Before you carried 2,000 books—and at least that many songs—in your hip pocket, and could be reached anywhere, anytime (whether you want to be or not)? I write historicals. 19th century, to be exact—1860s-70s, during the Civil War and Reconstruction period—and I often marvel at how much life has changed in the past 150+ years. At other … [Read more...]

I recently read a book by one of my favorite authors. As I neared the halfway point, I thought to myself, “I really should slow down. I don’t want to finish this book too fast, because then I’ll be done and have to wait too long for her next book to release.” Have you ever found yourself saying that? And then at the end, when you finally reach the last page and breathe a satisfied sigh, you … [Read more...]

This week, my first novel Canteen Dreams is free on ebook platforms. There is something really special about this story of my heart. Partly because I never thought it was the type of book I would write...after all I was going to write romantic suspense like Mary Higgins Clark. When I told people I wanted to write, WWII wasn't on my radar. That changed after I met Tracie and Jim Peterson at my … [Read more...]

At this time of year, thoughts turn to the approaching holidays and the upcoming feasts at Thanksgiving and Christmas. But my thoughts are filled with writing, rewriting, editing, and launching a new book. So, while it may not be as delicious as turkey, stuffing, cranberries, and pie, here’s what's in store for me. What's On My Plate For The Coming Weeks December 3: Release Date for The … [Read more...]

This is my third and final installment for the road trip my husband, Ken, and I just returned from. We were gone 50 days (Yes, FIFTY!), we visited 13 states, and were able to see quite a few friends and family along the way. We paid anywhere from $2.19 to $4.05 per gallon for gasoline and we put almost 8000 miles on Meriwether, our trusty camper van. I had told you last time that our plan was … [Read more...]

I'm currently in Nashville! For the third year in a row, I've journeyed to The Athens of the South aka Nashvegas aka The Buckle of the Bible Belt aka Music City USA in November in order to participate in the Art of Writing Conference and the Christy Awards. His Highness and I arrived on Tuesday and that night I attended a dinner for Bethany House employees, authors, and authors' spouses. … [Read more...]