Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Is saying “I’m too busy” just an excuse?

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Often when I talk about being an author, people say, "With your busy life, I can't believe you find time to write." And when I start talking about how I love to read, people will invariably say something like, "I don't have time for reading. I'm just too busy." Both statements stem from a similar presupposition–that it's nearly impossible to find time to write or read amidst the crazy chaos of … [Read more...]

Help Me Pick My Website Photo

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Two weeks ago, my daughter and I had photo sessions with a lovely lady from our church who does photography on the side of her regular teaching gig. My daughter was having her senior pictures made, and I was getting new head shots and promotional photos. Bethany, being young and beautiful, made gorgeous pictures. The more mature member of the photo brigade had a few more challenges. Being an … [Read more...]

Celebrating readers and writers

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Hello. I just returned from beautiful but chilly Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where I attended the 5th Annual Barbara Vey Readers Appreciation Luncheon. This was my first time going to this popular event. A friend "sponsored" me to help her with a pre-conference event. Many of you might know Winnie Griggs. She writes wonderful historicals for Love Inspired. She spearheaded a fun writer bingo game that … [Read more...]

Visiting Greenfield Village

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On a recent trip to Rochester, Michigan, Joe and I visited Henry Ford's Greenfield Village—and loved it! Then again, I'm a sucker for anything historical. Greenfield Village is a huge outdoor museum spread across more than 80 acres that has a plethora of authentic historic structures. And it was a gorgeous spring day, which made the excursion all the more enjoyable. Henry Ford's Greenfield … [Read more...]

A Clear View

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The azalea bush outside my living room window is putting on a glorious show this spring. I can see it from my favorite living room chair where I sit for my quiet time every morning. But I can also see how dusty and rain-streaked my windows are after the long winter months. So last Saturday, when the temperature climbed to nearly 70 degrees, I got out the buckets and rags and window cleaner to … [Read more...]

Behind the Scenes of Her One and Only’s Cover Shoot

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Like many readers, I'm fascinated by the creative process that results in a book cover!  For every book in my Porter series, I've shared a 'behind the scenes' peek into the cover shoot.  I'm delighted to continue the tradition today with this post about the making of Her One and Only's cover! A few fascinating facts: Every Porter Family cover features a real life couple!  Both Undeniably … [Read more...]

Lessons Learned on Igniting Passion

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Yesterday, Purdue University had a massive fundraising event. It was only the third year, but this event (Purdue Day of Giving) raised more than $18 million from close to 13,000 gifts. As you'll see from the photos, I kind of had fun with it. [Tweet "What can authors learn from #PurdueDayofGiving? @Cara_Putman shares. #amreading"] Through out the day there were different competitions. I … [Read more...]

Movies for the Romantic at Heart

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My Wednesday came around before I was ready for it. Isn't that how life goes? So, mind full of my work-in-progress, I'm going for one of my next favorite things besides books: Movies. I love romantic movies. I love that ahhhh feeling when all things turn out the way they were meant to at the end of the film. I even love shedding a few tears during the movie and/or at the end. I have lots … [Read more...]

Under The Covers… Book Covers, That Is

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At a recent meeting of the Minnesota chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers, our guest speaker was Jennifer Parker, Senior Graphic Designer at Bethany House Publishers. Jennifer began by asking us what we thought made a good cover, and then went on to explain her thoughts, and the process she goes through to create the beautiful covers she designs for many bestselling authors, … [Read more...]

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