Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

An Invitation

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A week from today, I will be leaving on a book-signing and speaking tour in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Believe me, I know how blessed I am to have this opportunity, especially after already visiting Germany earlier this year! Many people have told me how much they enjoyed traveling with me the first time so I’ve decided to invite you all to come along with me this time, too. I … [Read 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...]

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