Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

A Visit to Jane Austen’s House

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I just had the privilege of hosting a second group tour of England. One of our stops on this trip was to Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton, Hampshire. I have visited the novelist's grave in Winchester cathedral, but this was my first time visiting Chawton cottage, the only house Jane Austen lived in and wrote in that is open to the public. In 1809, four years after her father’s … [Read more...]

A Day in the Life . . .

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One of the things I love most about my job as a writer is that it is rarely boring. Each day looks a little different and if I get weary of one aspect of my job, there's always another that's a little more exciting. Today I thought I’d share a “typical” day in the life of a writer with you. To be honest, there really isn’t such a thing as a typical day for a writer, but last Tuesday was a good … [Read more...]

Cover-Reveal Extravaganza!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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...]

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