Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

12 Reasons Why Books Make the Best Christmas Presents

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  Every year one of my local friends buys my books to give as Christmas presents to her friends and family. I’m not talking about four books. No. She buys ALL my books for the year and gives them to ALL her closest friends and family. Like forty books. And I sign a message in each one. It’s a delight to do this for her. And she loves being able to give such personalized gifts. As … [Read more...]

Texas Writes – Loving on Libraries

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On December 3rd, I had the honor of participating in a fabulous program called Texas Writes. The Writer's League of Texas, supported by a grant from the Tocker Foundation, established the Texas Writes program in 2013. Their mission is to bring accomplished authors into rural libraries for half-day workshops and panel discussions on writing. Each event is free and open to the public. The program … [Read more...]

Ben-Hur, A Tale of the Christ

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I suppose, when most people think "Christmas reading," Ben-Hur is not the first title that comes to mind. But for me, reading this novel again (a good 45 years after I read it the first time) during the month of December, the story has made me ever so much more thankful for all that the Christmas season represents. The 1959 film starring Charlton Heston, a favorite movie of mine that I watch … [Read more...]

Confessions of a Non-Decorator

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Two other Inspired by Life and Fiction Authors have posted photo-tours (here and here) of their festively decorated houses that are beautiful and deserve to be printed in glossy magazines. In case that makes you feel inadequate, here are a few photos from my house to make you feel better. I don't have a Martha Stewart bone in my body. Zero knack for decorating. Plus, I'm on deadline, so... I'm … [Read more...]

Decking the Halls…Under Duress

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My title is tongue-in-cheek, but I will confess that I had no intention of putting up a Christmas tree this year. Our kids are always here the week between Christmas and New Year's so Christmas is officially over before they arrive. I usually make the house look festive, and there are some decorations I always put out, but the tree wasn't even on my radar for 2016, especially since we will have … [Read more...]

Decking the Halls! (Plus a Gift & a Giveaway)

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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Wade house. Just for fun, I thought I'd take you on a quick pictorial tour of my holiday decorations.  So, come on in! [And be sure to stick around for info on my free Christmas story and a Christmas giveaway while you're here.] For the second year in a row I purchased my wreath from Home Depot for less than $20.  Allergies prevent me … [Read more...]

Christmas Means Christmas Movies

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Ever since I researched 1940s Hollywood for Stars in the Night, I've been a bigger fan than ever of classic movies. Growing up, my favorite movies were from the 30s and 40s...that hasn't changed. There's something I love about the simplicity of that time that shines through in movies that make me laugh and feel. So today I thought I'd share a few of my favorites. [Tweet "Love #Christmas? Have you … [Read more...]

And so it’s Christmas

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First, Merry Christmas! Second, today is a very important day in history.  This is Pearl Harbor Day. On this day in 1941, Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii, was bombed by over three hundred Japanese warplanes. Thus began our involvement in World War II. We'll never forget and we'll never take that for granted. Thank you to all of our brave military forces who have sacrificed and served.  Here is a … [Read more...]

Overcoming in the Desert Seasons

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Do you like deserts? Not desserts, mind you, those are much easier to love. But deserts. Specifically, the desert times of life. Those seasons in our earthly journey when our hearts feel dry and empty, purposeless. When our spirit can grow weary due, perhaps in part, to a prolonged illness or injury, to trials or troubled relationships, or maybe disappointment in a career. Those times when … [Read more...]

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