Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

What’s it Like for Authors to Meet Readers in Person?

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Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Fiction Readers Summit in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I’ve never attended a big organized reader-author gathering before. Since I’m only a two-hour drive from Grand Rapids, I was really excited to be able to go. I wasn’t really sure what to expect from the event. But I figured at the very least, I’d get to meet some readers, hang out with writer … [Read more...]

Scripture Color Art

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I am NOT an artist. I have artwork in my house that my grandmother and mother-in-law painted. My uncle and brother are both gifted with wood crafts. There are plenty of artistic genes in the family, but none in me. I have my own artistic outlets - like cross-stitching - but all I really have to do is follow directions. Anything that entails freestyle drawing is not going to end well if I'm holding … [Read more...]

A Growing Season

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It’s spring! Do you know what that means? Green grass. New leaves. Colorful flowers. The beginning of a season of growth. The truth is, I don’t pay a lot of attention to that kind of thing. Both of my grandmothers were amazing gardeners. One even owned a greenhouse! I, however, inherited the brownest thumb you can imagine. I even kill the aloe vera plants my mother insists don’t require much … [Read more...]

60th anniversary of a church plant

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On Sunday, March 6, my son Kurt and I made a quick overnight trip to Atlanta to see my Dad and to attend the 60th anniversary of a church plant that he and mom were core members of all those many years ago. It was the church I grew up in, too. It was such an incredible blessing to be there.   Kurt and Dad that Saturday   The church had such a wonderful celebration that … [Read more...]

All Things Magnolia (and a giveaway!)

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[AND THE WINNER IS... Rebecca Maney! Watch your inbox for an email from me, Rebecca. Thanks to everyone for your comments! I loved hearing everyone's bucket list items, and you've inspired me to add a few to my own list!] Well, my Inspired by Life...and Fiction sisters convinced me: A visit to Magnolia country (made famous by Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines) in Waco, Texas needed to go … [Read more...]

Cover Model Interview

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My new book, Falling for You, released last week and it's become a tradition for me to post an interview with my cover model(s) near the time of a book's publication.  My annual cover model post is always one of my favorites!  Each of my cover models has responded generously when I've invaded their email inbox with my list of questions -- which is what has made these posts possible.  My … [Read more...]

Another day in the writing life

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This summer I'm writing two books, maybe three. That means I have to make every moment count now that the semester is over, and I don't teach again until the middle of June. Yesterday I spent about four hours in my office at Purdue, but instead of grading or prepping for classes, I was writing. I wish I could pretend it was a pretty process. All you have to do is look at these photos to see … [Read more...]

Cover Reveal: Who I Am with You

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In 2017, after turning in the manuscript for You’re Gonna Love Me, I was reading my long-used (over 20 years), well-loved Bible which is full of highlights, dates, and notes in the margins. Suddenly I wondered what this Bible might mean to members of my family after I am gone. Will one of my daughters or grandchildren or as-yet-to-come great-grandchildren one day leaf through this book and hear … [Read more...]

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