Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Cover-Reveal Extravaganza!

By

Today I’m revealing THREE covers for upcoming books! Those who are a part of my Reader Room on Facebook have already had an EXCLUSIVE peek at upcoming covers and releases. In fact, I showed up live in the Reader Room last night, talked about my books, did a bunch of giveaways, and revealed covers. If you’re not a part of my Reader Room yet, what are you waiting for? Head over and join so that … [Read more...]

The Strength of a Small Town

By

Honey Grove, TX boasts a population of a little over 1600 people. What they lack in numbers, however, they more than make up for in community spirit. This became abundantly clear to me this past Saturday when they graciously hosted me for my official book launch of More Than Words Can Say. Honey Grove is the setting for Zach and Abby's story in More Than Words Can Say, and after finding a … [Read more...]

Small vs Insignificant

By

I feel like I lead such a small life these days. My small condo in a small city. A small group of friends. Working on small writing projects, small crochet projects. So much smallness that I often think I have nothing worthwhile to say to y’all. But is that true? Do we have to have a big life, do big things, in order to earn the right to speak? Our culture tends to tell us yes. We have to have … [Read more...]

Belmont Mansion Transformations

By

Are you a fan of Fixer Upper? Home Town? Then I have a home transformation I'd love to share with you! I posted a few weeks back about the restoration of the grand salon floor at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion—the setting of my Belmont Mansion novels. Here's a shot of the grand salon floor as they were just about to start the project. They gave us a glimpse of the floor at that … [Read more...]

The Best Writers are Readers

By

I am thrilled to welcome my friend Rachel McMillian as a guest blogger this week. Ken and I are on a bike trip in Europe and I'm so thankful that Rachel was willing to help me on the blog. I hope you enjoy her writing, look for her books and add them to your "To Be Read" pile. Welcome Rachel! As a writer, I use books as some people might a course or a workshop: studying structure, and … [Read more...]

Vacation Bible School

By

I'm in vacation mode! I turned in my manuscript (which will become book #1 in a new series) last week. Praise the Lord! Since then, I've been resting, exercising, letting my stress level lower, and catching up on all the aspects of life I'd put on the back burner during the weeks leading up to my deadline. For the past few days, I've also been participating in what has long been a … [Read more...]

The Gift of Summer & Giveaway

By

As you read this, I'm on my way to this summer's study abroad. You know the hardest part of packing? Figuring out how many books I'll read in the two and a half weeks and how many of those I'm willing to read on my Kindle rather than in paperback. Well, that and figuring out which clothes to take since I want to look professional in the morning while I teach, but relax in the afternoons and … [Read more...]

The Peace of Unplugging

By

Hi friends, So happy to be back with you this week. I spent three weeks unplugging from everything online. I only checked my starred emails (which includes family, editor, and agent). I pre-scheduled my posts for social media and let them go. I turned off notifications for my apps. Stayed off Voxer. If it was related to technology, I avoided it. Why? You may ask. Because I was working on … [Read more...]

In My Happy Place…Again

By

I am pre-posting this, but if all goes as planned (Lord willing!) I am now in England, preparing to lead my second group trip to the beautiful country where all of my books have been set so far. I am blessed to be traveling with a group of 30 reader-friends from many different states and 3 different countries (Australia, Canada, US). Together with two travel professionals, we have been … [Read more...]

Recent Posts