Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Suggestions for Portland, Oregon trip?

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For the past several years, my husband has traveled extensively for work. Once the kids were all in college, I began to go with him more often, usually when the trips entailed more than a couple nights and/or were to places interesting to me. But I confess, I’m a reluctant traveler. It’s not that I don’t enjoy experiencing new places, it’s the actual traveling part i don’t like. (Planes, trains … [Read more...]

Hint! Hint!

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Greetings from Europe! I have now finished my book tour in the Netherlands and I’m off to speak and sign books in Germany tomorrow. If you’ve been following along with me on Facebook and Instagram, I hope you’ve enjoyed the pictures I’ve sent of all the wonderful places I’ve been and the people I’ve met. Here are just a few: A parking lot by the bookstore I'm visiting. Look at all those … [Read more...]

Should authors write from the heart or write what pleases readers?

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Recently one of my daughters asked: Which do you like to do better, read romances or write them? Of course, she knows I’m an avid reader. I’m always buying new books and usually have multiple books going at one time. I’ve always loved reading, long before I was a published author. And of course she also knows I’m a prolific writer—that I always have one project or another I’m working on. … [Read more...]

Ending and Beginning (In Life and Writing)

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I think it’s this way with most authors—by the end of a project you are weary of it. The story. The characters. It feels as if it is the most horrible thing you have ever written, but there it is. Done. Finally. This is especially true, I think, if the story has been more difficult to wrangle than usual. And so during those very final days and hours, it’s hard not to want to shove aside the … [Read more...]

Memorial Day 2018

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Today we honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the good of our country. May their selfless courage, outstanding devotion, and ultimate sacrifice be an ongoing reminder of the things that truly matter. … [Read more...]

Q&A with Catherine West (and a giveaway!)

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I'm hosting Cathy West for a Q&A today, friends! Thanks for joining us here, Cathy.  In celebration of Memorial Day I've created a giveaway that includes Cathy's brand new book, Where Hope Begins.  Also included: my newest book, Falling for You, and Denise Hunter's newest book, Honeysuckle Dreams.  Be sure to leave a comment on this post to be entered to win!  -Becky Can you tell us … [Read more...]

RT Convention Wrap up, Plus Line Edits Done

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First, let me just say that, of all the blessings my writing career has given me, the best of all have been the many friendships that came with it and through it. Writer friends. Publishing professional friends. Reader friends. RT Convention On Tuesday of last week, I flew from Boise to Reno to attend the 2018 RT Convention. The most surprising thing to come out of the convention happened on … [Read more...]

Travel in Jane Austen’s Time

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I was recently asked to  speak to the Minnesota chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America about "The Pleasures and Perils of Travel in Jane Austen's time." I thought I would share just a portion of that presentation with you here. Coach travel was a topic I had researched to write my new series, especially The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. I am not an expert by any means, but I have read many … [Read more...]

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