Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Where Risk and Faith Collide

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Hi friends and happy Wednesday! I’m working on the second book in my new Jeopardy Falls series, and I have a character who shies away from risk. He feels safer remaining in his comfort zone. His hesitance to risk isn’t because he lacks courage. He’s very brave, but he was raised by one parent who believed risk was foolish. Everything was to be a calculated decision.  I’m finding it an … [Read more...]

Writers, You Are Invited

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I can’t wait! In one month, the inaugural Going Deeper Conference begins. This writers conference is the brain-child of author-friend Erica Vetsch, and will be held in her hometown of Rochester, Minnesota April 25-27.   Yes, I will be co-teaching a fun class with Erica and Michelle Griep, but what I’m most looking forward to is a weekend with sister writers. There is something so … [Read more...]

Because of the Rain

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My second novel was published in 1998 with Bethany House Publishers under the title In the Still of Night. It was a title I really liked and one that I had suggested to the team at Bethany House. Traditionally published authors don't always get to choose the title for their book, so I was pleased. But when I got the rights back to the book years later, another book by the same title (actually … [Read more...]

Join Me at a Reader or Writer Event!

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When I took the Myers-Briggs personality test several years back, it pegged me as an "INFJ" type. The "I" in that stands for introverted. However, I didn't rank far over on the introverted side. I was closer to the middle of the introverted/extroverted scale. For me, that means I get my energy from being alone. But I truly do LOVE gathering with other people. For that reason, reader/writer events … [Read more...]

Reading & Recipes

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Much of family life happens around food. Special occasions are celebrated with a favorite meal followed by a yummy dessert. People connect as they chat around the dinner table. Difficult problems are hashed out over a cup of tea or a shared pot of coffee. Illness is battled with chicken soup and a sympathetic touch. It can be the same in fictional worlds. So, when my characters share a meal, I try … [Read more...]

My Puzzle Table

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Do you enjoy jigsaw puzzles? I do! But I confess that I rarely indulge in them for three reasons.  Two Christmases ago, both my mom and my husband gave me puzzles for Christmas. I put together the one my mother gave me, which confirmed numbers one through three above! That spring, I was on deadline, so I told myself I would do the lovely Jane Austen’s World puzzle my husband got me as … [Read more...]

Guess who’s walking . . . and I have a question!

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Well, he's finally doing it. Our little Leo is walking! It's still that drunken sailor sort of gait, but we'll take it. Naturally, he's into everything—and has also taken several falls. All part of learning to walk. But it's such a sweet time. Meanwhile little sister Ari is still getting adjusted to her new world and is a precious little bundle of snuggles. And spit up. : ) I just love … [Read more...]

When in Rome . . .

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In January, I think, I handed in my latest novel which is set in Rome. The manuscript came back in February, and I set about making it better per my editor's notes. It's a story about a young woman who ages from 18-22 in the book, and a young man who ages from 22-26. Neither of them are married, which suited the story because they have to get together at the end, you see. (I'm sure you … [Read more...]

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