Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

The Story Behind Canteen Dreams and a Glimpse at November

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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...]

Loving Louisville

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Hi friends,  Excited to be back with you all today! Happy Wednesday. I hope your week is going well so far. If you’re waiting for the weekend, you’re halfway there. Yay! Last week my hubby and I traveled to Louisville, Kentucky for his semi-annual work conference. We had been to Louisville once before when our daughter was shooting (archery) in the National Championship, but that was many … [Read more...]

What’s On My Plate

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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...]

Raney Day Trippin’ 3

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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...]

Nashville and the Christy Awards

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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...]

The Harvey Girls Are Here!

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Ever since I watched Judy Garland in The Harvey Girls as a teenager, I've been enamored with the idea of the Harvey Girls and the significant role these women played in civilizing the West. Women worked as Harvey Girls for a myriad of reasons. Good pay, adventure, travel, and some, like my heroine, to escape trouble at home. Rosalind Kemp becomes a Harvey Girl to flee Texas and the … [Read more...]

Texas Book Festival 2019

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When people think of Austin, Texas, they often think of our big music and film festivals—ACL and SXSW. But for Jeff and me, those are simply weekends to stay at home. Our favorite festival weekend in Austin is—no surprise here!—the Texas Book Festival. This was our third year to attend and it seems to get better each time. Every year I discover authors I haven’t read before and end up reading not … [Read more...]

Fabulous First Sentences (from 2019 Christy Award Finalists)

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You already know I love reading first sentences of novels, and here are some really good ones! From a few of the 2019 Christy Award finalists, no less. Not all of them, mind you, just a few chosen at random. I love the varieties in style and hope you do, too! And GET READY TO VOTE because I'd like to know your favorite! #1"I discovered a secret."Falling for You by Becky Wade Christy Award … [Read more...]

A Sneak Peek!

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After several years of debuting my novels in the fall each year, I’m sorry to say that changes in my publishing schedule mean you’ll have to wait until next spring to read my latest book. In the meantime, I’m excited to show you what the gorgeous cover looks like, and to tell you a little bit about the story. “If I Were You” takes place in London during World War II and is a story of friendship … [Read more...]

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