Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Unpack and Repack

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On Monday afternoon, my flight from Spokane touched down in Boise after five days and four nights at our annual brainstorming retreat. This was our 15th retreat, and every year they grow sweeter and sweeter. Yes, we brainstorm book ideas. We usually do a book each for nine novelists. We also have a couple of non-fiction writers who are with us. In addition to brainstorming, we share deep thoughts … [Read more...]

Mourning Like Jane Austen

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This past Saturday I attended the monthly meeting of the Minnesota chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America. My author-friend Michelle Griep attended with me. Our guest speaker was Candice Hern, fellow JASNA member and fellow Regency author. Candice has written many novels, is very knowledgeable, and is a collector of Regency ephemera and antiques like magazines, fashion plates, … [Read more...]

Ooops! We Goofed. (Thus, a Giveaway!)

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UPDATE: THE WINNERS OF THE DRAWING ARE: KATHY EGER AND BRENDA MURPHREE. Congrats, ladies. If you will e-mail your snail mail addresses to me at debraney@mac.com, I'll get your copies in the mail ASAP. As you know, my husband and I are in the process of getting some of my older titles updated and back in print and e-book formats through our Raney Day Press. When I ordered a couple of copies of … [Read more...]

Three Ways Authors Can Keep Research Details From Boring Their Readers

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I always enjoy when I have the chance to talk with readers and book groups. Whether via a library presentation, through a Skype session, or in person, readers always ask me about my research: How do you do all your research? How much time does it take? Do you try to visit the places that you’re researching? Since I'm a historical writer, research is an integral part of my writing … [Read more...]

Heading to Disney

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In two days we are packing up the van and heading to Florida. WooHoo! Twenty hours in the car with three teenagers. What could be more fun? Actually, my kids are pretty good travelers as long as everyone has the appropriate tech gear (computers, tablets, etc.) so I'm not too worried. In fact, I hope to get some writing done during those travel hours. And with Disney World as the reward at the end … [Read more...]

Simple Pleasures–from an Upbeat Author

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I like that word upbeat. But sometimes in life, it gets turned around and we feel just beat up. A good friend of mine who has become a lifeline since she moved from Tennessee to a few miles down the road from me, has decided to do something about the beaten moments of life. Trish Milburn has turned that frown upside down after reading the book "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. She created … [Read more...]

A sweet visit, an August 8th release—and 30 GIVEAWAYs!

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Hey friends! I'm just back from Atlanta where I spent some time with my Dad, bless him. Love that man so much. Me & Dad Dad's had numerous TIAs (mini strokes) in recent weeks, and they've taken a toll on him physically. Yet he's still the same sweet, kindhearted man he's always been. Albeit, at 85, he's growing a tad weary of what accompanies aging (these earthly bodies aren't made to … [Read more...]

Time to Pull Weeds

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I know there are people who love to garden. They enjoy nurturing seeds, planting bulbs, and planning perennial beds so that gorgeous flowers flourish in every season. My neighbor is one of them. I walk past her home (in the photos above and below) and sigh with envy at her creativity and diligence. I am not one of those people. While I do love the end result when my garden looks pristine and … [Read more...]

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