Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & 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...]

Visiting a Victorian Time Capsule. . .

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Most of you know I love to visit historic houses—usually in England where my books are set. But this past weekend, I toured a historic home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. We were there to visit my younger brother, his wife, and their three girls for a weekend of board games, swimming, walks, and boat rides (and yes, Pokemon Go). Touring a historic house was icing on the cake. I’m glad my … [Read more...]

Sixteen Under One Roof

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My husband and I are still floating on a bit of a cloud from the trip we took earlier this month. We flew to Seattle where our sons both live. At the same time, our two daughters and their families were in St. Louis boarding a plane for Seattle (all eight of them on the same plane—you can believe some prayers were going up for that flight!) By early Saturday morning, we were all under one … [Read more...]

Don’t Miss the Moment!

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Please welcome author Catherine West to Inspired by Life...and Fiction today!  This month, Cathy is celebrating the release of her first traditionally published novel.  Many of you may have already read her independently published books, Yesterday's Tomorrow, Hidden in the Heart, and Bridge of Faith.  Glad to have you here, Cathy! -Becky The release of a new book comes with … [Read more...]

Cover Reveal – Worth The Wait

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Now that my first book in the Ladies of Harper's Station series has been out for about 6 weeks, reviews are accruing and readers are starting to ask about the next story. Since Emma and Malachi have successfully found their happy ending in No Other Will Do, everyone wants to know what will happen with shopkeeper Tori Adams and freighter Ben Porter. If you are a regular reader of the Inspired by … [Read more...]

Little moments that hold big details

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We moved recently. Normally, we stay in a home around nine years. Or at least we did once we settled in Louisiana and bought our first starter home. When we outgrew that one, we moved not far away and lived right by some close friends. So close that we had a gate between our fences and constantly moved back and forth during holidays and weekend cookouts. Around that time, I sold my first book and … [Read more...]

On Vacation

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It’s summer. I live within walking distance of the beach. I’ve waited many long months for beautiful weather like this and for leisurely afternoons to enjoy it. Most of all, I’ve waited for my family and friends to visit so I can do all of the wonderful, summer-y things this area has to offer. At the same time, I have a book to finish, a deadline to meet. These conflicting desires pull me in … [Read more...]

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