Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Book Lovers Con

By

Last week I had the fun privilege of flying down to New Orleans and participating in Book Lovers Con which was formerly known as the Romantic Times Convention. While the name has changed, readers I talked to told me the conference is largely the same. As this was my first time attending, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I can’t say I was entirely surprised by the floor to ceiling … [Read more...]

If you like Jane Austen…

By

Many readers love Jane Austen and her books. Her books have spawned movies and inspired many writers. I'll admit I've only read a couple -- can we still be friends? However, I've discovered a small genre of Christian fiction that is set during that Austen time period in England. I've also added a couple that right wonderful Edwardian fiction, too. If you have a love for English settings, you … [Read more...]

What’s in My Beach Bag?

By

Hi friends,  I hope you’re having a blessed week so far. My husband and I were in Pittsburgh this past weekend attending the Garth Brooks concert. He did an amazing job. He was so energetic, and the entire crowd was so into it, they were singing along so loud that when the band paused, and the crowd took it over, you could hear far, far away.  Friends of my husband were in a … [Read more...]

Carnton Video Shoot (for The Carnton Novels)

By

Last Wednesday and Thursday, I met my HarperCollins Christian Publishing team out at Carnton in Franklin, TN, and we shot several videos for The Carnton Novels. Which are, so far: Christmas at Carnton, a novella, and With This Pledge, to be followed next year with the second full length novel (that I'm finishing as we speak) and then the third and final full length novel in the series. To say … [Read more...]

Nature’s Changing Seasons

By

The boats are coming out of storage for the season and filling the marina. The underbrush in the woods is starting to turn green. Wildflowers are in bloom! Farmers are plowing their fields. Fruit trees are blossoming. And this park along Lake Michigan is open again—one of our favorite spots for a (chilly) picnic lunch. All in all, these … [Read more...]

In Praise of Readers

By

Can we talk about the magic that happens when a reader opens a book and dives into a story? It's phenomenal, actually. Not only does the reader watch the story, as they would when consuming a TV show or movie. Within the pages of a book, they become the characters. They step into the hearts, lives, and setting of the novel. This lovely poem captures it well.... I Opened a Book by Julia … [Read more...]

The Quilting Barn

By

On Saturday May 4, I had the honor of joining NYT Bestselling author Jodi Thomas and four other authors from the Lubbock area at a fundraising dinner to benefit literacy. The event took place out in the country at The Red Barn, a wonderful retreat center and quilting barn. I got there a bit early and had the chance to walk around and drool over all the gorgeous quilts on display. The Red Barn … [Read more...]

Travel Tips and Tricks

By

As I’m writing this, I’m getting ready to pack for a crazy fourteen day journey. I wish I could say it was a fourteen day vacation to somewhere really cool, but, alas, it much more complicated than that. Although, in the end, much more fulfilling than a “relaxing” vacation. First I’m headed to Dallas to see friends and family as well as celebrate one of my nieces’s graduation from high … [Read more...]

Recent Posts