Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Dressing Like Jane Austen

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Some of you may remember that last year I attended the Jane Austen Society of North America’s AGM (national conference) in Louisville, where I had the chance to dress up in this beautiful, modified court dress made by our niece, Jennifer S. Klassen. This year, Lord willing, my husband and I will attend the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, England. In preparation, I am having a spencer jacket … [Read more...]

Why I truly with-all-my-heart adore audiobooks (plus a giveaway!)

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If you haven’t guessed by now, I LOVE audiobooks. I’ve talked about them before, and I just can’t help talking about them again today (and giving some away!). Audiobooks have been a lifesaver for me. And in recent years, Audible in particular has been my go-to. Why are audiobooks a lifesaver? I love reading and I love books. But because of the busy nature of my life, I rarely have time to sit … [Read more...]

My First Chick is Leaving the Nest

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It's a mother's duty - train up a child in the way she should go so she can one day soar through life on her own. And while I can't wait to see what joys and triumphs the future holds for my first little chick, my heart is aching at the thought of letting her go. Next Friday, my oldest child, my only daughter, will leave home and move into her freshman dorm room at Abilene Christian University. … [Read more...]

Summer is just about over and it’s back to work!

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I know a place where summer strives With such a practiced frost, She each year leads her daises back, Recording briefly, "Lost." Emily Dickinson Summer is almost over. Hard to believe school is starting back. I realized this in the Wal-Mart rush on Sunday afternoon. I no longer have to shop for pocket-folders or ruled paper or spiral notebooks but I was mighty tempted the other day to buy a … [Read more...]

A few of my favorite low carb things

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I am LOVING this newly adapted low carb lifestyle! I'd been considering cutting back on carbs for a while—which represents a huge decision for this Carb Queen. But the timing never seemed quite right. Then about six weeks ago, I was sitting at my desk writing. It was late, around 1:30AM or so (my best writing hours are after midnight, go figure). And I felt a nudge to really start eating … [Read more...]

Time to Redecorate

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One of my favorite hobbies is interior decorating. I’m an avid fan of magazines and TV programs that transform a rundown house or a piece of outdated furniture into something beautiful. I love scouting thrift stores and yard sales for bargain items that I can repurpose, just like my favorite interior designer Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s “Fixer Upper.” As anyone who has visited my home knows, I enjoy … [Read more...]

Called to Community

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You may have noticed that here on Inspired by Fiction & Life we're all about community. Community with you. Community with each other. Life can be pretty dull without other people. As I've seen the posts from my friends who had a brainstorming retreat this past weekend, I had to smile. They were living in the community they created years ago, and we are all the beneficiaries as we read the … [Read more...]

The Joyful Part of Writing

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In my last blog post, I asked the question, "Does writing ever get easier?" In it, I shared some of the miseries and craziness that goes on in a writer's head and/or life. This time, I want to share one of the joys: Other writers. On Monday I returned from the 14th annual brainstorming retreat that I have been a part of from the start. I have blogged before about how these brainstorming … [Read more...]

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