Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

When you reach the end of the road, find a new path

By

Hello, everyone. I always feel a bit confused and out of sorts when I finish a book. It's The End and I'm always relieved and tired and ready for a three day sleep, but I begin to miss the characters I've been with over the weeks and months. I stare out and wonder what will be next.   Usually I have another proposal lined up and chapters to write for the next book. I take a few days off … [Read more...]

Remembering Christy…and a giveaway!

By

I was asked recently to share about how the novel Christy by Catherine Marshall—the characters, storyline, and setting—influenced my faith. And also, in later years, how it influenced my writing. And since I love the novel, I was thrilled to share! Learn more about Christy by Catherine Marshall   Do you have special memories of when you first read Christy, the novel? Favorite … [Read more...]

Greetings From Germany!

By

By the time you read this blog, I’ll be in Germany on a book and speaking tour. I know, right? I’m so blessed to have this incredible opportunity! I would love to bring you along with me on my journey, but since that isn’t possible, I’m going to let the two sisters from my newest novel, “Where We Belong,” stand in for you. If you’ve read the book, you know how much Rebecca and Flora Hawes love to … [Read more...]

6 Reasons Why Love at First Sight is a Dangerous Thing

By

Nowadays we've become a fast-paced culture. We rush to work. We run through the drive-through for fast food. We race from one activity to the next. And we hardly stop to breathe. Unfortunately with such a fast pace, we've become an impatient culture. We want everything to happen right away. We want overnight shipping. We want instant video streaming. And we demand the highest speed … [Read more...]

A Gathering in Granbury

By

Last month, I had the privilege of gathering with 5 other Texas authors (well, one was from Oklahoma, but we let her into the club because she passed the awesome author test) for a weekend retreat in historic Granbury, TX. We are all currently write historicals or have in the past, so the location was perfect! You know how you travel hundreds of miles to see fascinating sites but can't seem to … [Read more...]

Happy Valentine’s Day

By

My last blog post was all about my goals for 2018. Although I didn't know it when I wrote that post, things were about to change. Three days later, I wound up in the ER in a lot of pain. Five days later, I had surgery. I've been recovering ever since. It's been rockier than I expected, but I think I can safely say I've turned a corner. First goal to be adjusted was my plan to knock out 5 of … [Read more...]

Favorite Tools For Writers

By

A few of us recently shared our favorite personal care items. Today, I thought I’d share a few favorite tools that make my writing life easier. Perhaps you’ll find some ideas here for yourself, or a gift for a writer-friend. (Click on headings for links.) Pentel Energel pen and refills: violet My favorite editing pen. These smooth-flowing purple pens ease the pain of editing. I used to buy … [Read more...]

Eighty-five Years…and Counting

By

We celebrated a very special birthday in our family yesterday. My dad turned 85! My siblings and I and our spouses (minus my sister who was out of town), celebrated Daddy with dinner out, birthday cake, and a movie my dad wanted to see—The Darkest Hour—because, as he said, "I remember those days!" There are a lot of wonderful men in my life—my husband, our sons and sons-in-law, my brother, and … [Read more...]

Recent Posts