Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Oak Apple Day

By

Between my history degree, my extensive reading of historical fiction, and my own research and writing of historical fiction, I consider myself pretty well-versed history, especially English history and American history. So imagine my surprise when I dove into two different historical novels last week and found mention in both of an English holiday I’d never heard of! And here’s the kicker—one … [Read more...]

Deepening your understanding of the Bible

By

For the past four plus years, I've been blessed to study the Bible with Kristi McLelland, a professor and biblical culturalist in Nashville—and a phenomenal teacher of the Word. Kristi has dedicated her life to teaching people how to study the Bible—and how to read it through a Middle Eastern lens. She's recommended some wonderful Biblical study resources that I'm eager to share with you. Plus … [Read more...]

Devouring the Word of God

By

A little over a week ago, I heard about the Illuminated Scripture Journals from Crossway. These books have the Scripture on the left hand page (ESV) and lightly dotted blank pages on the right, perfect for writing or drawing or however you best interact with Scripture. (There are also the same journals with plain black covers where the right hand pages are lined.) The Illuminated Scripture … [Read more...]

Lost and Found

By

A few months ago, in this post, I told the tale of my lost and found Bible. Several of you responded, saying that you'd lost and found something that was important to you, too. Your stories were so heartwarming that I decided to compile some of them into this blog post. Here's hoping they bless you as much as they did me! "After my sister and brother passed in 2013 I looked and looked … [Read more...]

Books I’ve Loved this Month + Giveaway

By

I think because classes started this week at Purdue, I've been in a race to read some good books. The above are just a few of them that I've inhaled and recommended. Here's why I loved them: The Price of Valor is Susan May Warren at the top of her writing game. Susie is a master of creating characters and plot that will not let me go as a reader. This book is no exception. From the opening … [Read more...]

A New Perspective on Fiction

By

Hi friends, I’m super excited to introduce you to my guest blogger Lauren Beccue. I met Lauren at a literary agency retreat in Charleston a couple years back now. Lauren co-wrote a wonderful book with my dear friend Katie Cushman. Since I’ll be road tripping in an RV with my hubby and our grandkids… I thought this was a great time for a guest blogger. And, I’m so blessed I asked. I think you’ll … [Read more...]

Ten Daily Rituals of Productive Writers

By

When our local library reopened recently, my husband brought home a book he thought I’d like, called Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey. It’s an interesting collection of the daily routines of over 150 writers, composers, painters and scientists. Was my husband hinting that I would benefit from a more orderly routine? If so, he is no doubt right. I did not read the book cover … [Read more...]

An Ask and an Offer

By

This morning I'm coming to you with a favor to ASK and then I have something to OFFER you. The "ask" involves the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, which I've been teaching at for as long as I can remember. Last year was the conference's 50th anniversary and I was beyond touched and humbled to be named the conference's Writer of the Year. This conference has such a special place in my … [Read more...]

Monthly Archives

Blog Categories

Recent Posts

Disclosure

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the pages on this site may be "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, someone will receive an affiliate commission. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."