Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Deadline Detox

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I turned a book in on June 1st and I've been in "deadline detox" mode ever since. True confession: I love my job, but I'm not a fan of deadlines. Nonetheless, deadlines are a fact of life for the traditionally published author.  The contracts we're fortunate to be offered often span 3+ books and our upcoming deadlines are written into those contracts.  So it's not unusual for us to commit to … [Read more...]

Lessons Learned in Italy

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Last week Eric and I were in Italy while I started teaching a study abroad program that I'm continuing this week. We had an amazing ten days in Florence before he left, walking a minimum of 72 miles in the days he was here. We call it our Italian weight loss program. For some reason it's just easier to have that lifestyle here. [Tweet "Lessons learned from a da Vinci restoration. @cara_putman … [Read more...]

For I know the plans I have for you …

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I had a hard time trying to decide what to write today. I sat down and thought about why I was holding back. I think it's because the world is a very scary, sad place right now. Children die. I know this. It happens every day. But these last couple of weeks have been brutal, regarding this. Twenty-two killed in Manchester, England and then another attack on the London Bridge so soon after. And … [Read more...]

Specials Days and Prayer Requests

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Last week we celebrated my father's 85th birthday in Atlanta. It was so great to be together with family, even though it was a quick weekend! L to R (back row) My older brother Doug, Kurt (my son), and Joe (my dh) L to R (front row) Jackie (my sweet SIL), Dad, Esta, and Kelsey (my daughter) at Gibbs Garden in Ball Ground, GA  Gibbs Garden, designed by Jim Gibbs, is an absolutely gorgeous … [Read more...]

Time to Fly Away

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It’s nearly time for lift off! I’m happy to announce that my novel, “Fly Away” is coming soon on June 15 in both print and ebook versions. Since one of the main characters, Mike Dolan, is a pilot who owns a small, charter airplane business, I visited a local airport with my friends Susan, Bruce, and Doug Formsma to celebrate. Doug was kind enough to let me pose in his airplane. The first thing … [Read more...]

New Release Celebration and a Giveaway!

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Thanks for joining me in the celebration of a book release! The first book in my new orphan train series, WITH YOU ALWAYS releases on June 6, and I’m celebrating by GIVING AWAY THREE COPIES of the book here on this blog! Each of the three novels in the series tackles a unique angle of the orphan train movement. In this first installment, the story centers around the placing out of women that … [Read more...]

Design My Anniversary Getaway for a Chance to Win!

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Life is crazy. I'm sure that's not news to you. Your life is probably just as hectic as mine is, if not more so. Usually I don't really mind the crazies. They keep me from getting bored, after all. Yet every once in a while, when I fail to plan far enough in advance, they sneak up behind me, surround me on every side, and leave no path for escape. That's what happened this month. Monday is … [Read more...]

Pinterest War Wrap Up

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For the past month, I've been busy battling my author friend Katie Ganshert in weekly Pinterest Challenges. We've been holding our Pinterest Wars biannually since 2013.  For 4-6 weeks each spring and fall, we find a challenge on Pinterest and announce it on Facebook and Twitter each Monday.  We attempt the challenge during the week.  Then, each Friday, we ask our Facebook and Twitter … [Read more...]

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