Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

The Crown on Netflix

By

It is election night in the USA as I write my Wednesday post. And what better way to keep from thinking about this rancorous election year and its results than by hopping across the pond and filling my head with the ups and downs of the British royals in a new series, The Crown. This Netflix Original series focuses on Queen Elizabeth, beginning before she took the throne around the time of her … [Read more...]

God Bless America

By

Those of you who regularly read this blog know that I set my books in England, travel there when I can, and often post about topics of interest to other Anglophiles like me. But today, on US election day, let me state for the record: I may have a crush on England, but I am in a deeply-committed relationship with America. :) And although I shake my head at and mourn some of the things going on … [Read more...]

Open to the Sky

By

Last month, we celebrated the Feast of Sukkot with our Jewish friends and family members. One of my favorite things about the holiday is building and decorating a Sukkah or booth on our back deck. First, we constructed a frame out of two-by-fours then enclosed three of the sides using tarps. Next comes the fun part—decorating it with natural materials such as cornstalks, cat-tails, and pine … [Read more...]

Giveaways Galore!

By

Every spring and fall a variety of authors join together to host a Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt. That hunt is going on RIGHT NOW! If you’ve never participated in the hunt, then don’t miss out! There are over 30 authors taking part in the hunt (including me on my personal blog), so about 30 blogs to visit. (Don't worry! You don't have to go to all the blogs at once. You can spread out the … [Read more...]

Taking Time to Dance with Monarchs

By

Don't you love that definition? Even though our Declaration of Independence imbues us with the inalienable right to pursue happiness, I think too often we get stuck in the pursuit phase and never sit down to enjoy the blessings our Creator surrounds us with every day. If I just get this new job, I'll be happy. If I just hit the bestseller list, I'll be happy. If my ill child will get … [Read more...]

Happy November! Starts and Finishes!

By

Hello. I can't believe it's November! My summer and early fall went so fast! I just finished working on a book yesterday, over a month ahead of schedule. But I'll tweak it a bit more before I turn it in later. It's always a good feeling to finish a project early. Especially when you start with a blank page and create it with a lot of sweat and tears and joys and cheers. The End Yes, I did a … [Read more...]

BEWARE the editor!

By

"Beware the editor! They'll try to change your voice!" That was one of the first bits of "advice" I got when starting out on my writing journey. And I have to tell you… In my experience, it was complete hog wash. My editors—and I've worked with several through the years—have only made my work better. Yesterday was my Bethany House editor's last day, and I'll admit I got a little teary over … [Read more...]

A Peek into Thorncrown Chapel

By

His Highness and I just returned from a trip to Eureka Spring, Arkansas.  Are you familiar with Eureka Springs? It's an historic town that became popular around 1880 because locals believed its many natural springs had healing powers.  Eureka Springs' Main Street runs down the bottom rib of a valley.  The rest of the streets and structures snake upward from there.  What's absolutely astonishing … [Read more...]

Recent Posts