Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Christmas Vacation Photo Album

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Happy new year, everyone! My kids returned to school this past Wednesday and I've returned to writing the rough draft of Bradford Sisters novel #3 (Britt's love story).  So this seems like a good time to reminisce about the trip our family took over Christmas vacation. I know that a lot of people prefer to celebrate Christmas in their own homes.  I get it!  I love that, too.  But I think my … [Read more...]

It’s Edit Letter Time!!!!

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This may sound crazy, but I got the best email. It was my edit letter on my next book. Delayed Justice will release later in 2018, and I've been on pins and needles since I sent the book in to my publisher and new editor in November. The holidays and life has the edit coming back to me now. [Tweet "@cara_putman talks about edit letters and why authors (and readers) should love them. #amreading … [Read more...]

My One Little Word for 2018

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Since 2004, I have made a practice of asking God for a word for the coming year, a practice that I had heard someone in a small group at church mention. It has amazed me how the word that comes to me as an answer to that prayer has played such a part of the year that follows. Sometimes I've received a single word. Sometimes I've received a phrase. Always what I've received has been meaningful, … [Read more...]

A Few Of My Favorite Things, Too

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Yes, I’m completely stealing this blog idea from Deborah Raney’s post yesterday (which has already cost me some expensive online shopping, I can tell you. :) ) I have a first draft due to my publisher in less than a week, so I’m all for a fun and easy post idea! Here are a few of my favorite things in the personal care department: Smartwool Socks When you live in frigid Minnesota, you … [Read more...]

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

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I love raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens and all the other things in the song Julie Andrews made a household tune. But there are some more specific things I’ve enjoyed this year and I thought I’d share them with you. (I've included links for most, in case you want to order your own. Simply click on the image.) Thanks to Becky Wade for this post idea! I've never been true to one makeup … [Read more...]

10 Reader Stereotypes (Which one are you?)

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Those of us who’ve been reading long enough (or hanging around readers) have likely run across one or more of these stereotypical readers. Whether in a book group, library meeting, or even among online reading communities, we brush shoulders with all sorts of readers! 1. Speed Reader: This is the reader who posts that cheerful comment on Twitter about how she’s met her 1000 book reading goal for … [Read more...]

Ringing in the New Year with Romance

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As a lover of romance and happy endings, I'm excited to be starting off a new year with a Happily Ever After. My little brother is tying the knot this Saturday! This is a big deal. For one, it's taken him 44 years to find his true love. He's never been married before and has waited a long time to find the right woman. After meeting his intended over Thanksgiving, big sister has given her stamp of … [Read more...]

Happy New Year! What’s in your 2018?

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I bought a new daybook after Christmas. It's one of my favorite things to do! I have to find just the right one. Will my calendar be full of beach scenes, or flowers and nature? Or maybe Bible quotes and devotions to read? Favorite writer quotes and suggestions? Or artwork and inspiration? This year I settled on a simple calendar with plenty of room for my scribblings and reminders. I love filling … [Read more...]

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