Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

As You Wish

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I’m an entertainment-aholic. There. I said it. That’s what I am. I’ve got so many favorite books (in print and in audio formats) and favorite movies and television shows that, no matter how much time I was given to recall titles, I would be hard pressed to ever reach the end of a list of favorites. I can always add just one more. One of those favorite movies is The Princess Bride. Come on. … [Read more...]

Say Yes to the (Regency) Dress | Part Two

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As I mentioned the last time I wrote, I recently decided it was time to pursue a second Regency-era dress, to wear to the JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) annual conference, held this year in Louisville, Kentucky. You can see that post and photos of the initial design process and fabric selection here. Now on to the promised Part Two. After settling on a style (modified court dress) … [Read more...]

The Plot Thickens|Dan Walsh

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Each Sunday "Inspired by Life...and Fiction" shares a Christian novelist's newest book and the garden spots where they find inspiration. Dan Walsh's debut novel The Unfinished Gift is set on the homefront during World War II, a week before Christmas. It hit the shelves in September 2009 and Dan's been writing ever since. He lives in the Daytona Beach area with his wife of more than 30 … [Read more...]

Finding the Good Every Day

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Please welcome my friend, author Carla Laureano, to Inspired by Life...and Fiction!  She's giving away a paperback copy of one of her books (!) so be sure to read through to the end for details. I met Carla at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference three years ago.  She was a finalist for the Genesis Award, a prestigious recognition given to unpublished authors.  Not long after that … [Read more...]

I’m a writer? Then why am I stuck?

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  I love writing, but I don't like getting started. It is complete drudgery to create a multi-layered proposal. When I finally reach the right depth, it sits on my computer desktop for weeks or months while publishing houses consider whether my writing is a good fit for them. [Tweet "Wonder what to do when you're stuck? @Cara_Putman pulls back the curtain & asks for help. … [Read more...]

Things I learned at Novelists, Inc.

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Hello. I just got back from the Novelist, Inc Conference which was held at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida. This year, the conference focused on Indy publishing and social media. I liken it to a gold rush. Some will strike it rich, some will find a few good nuggets and some will keep panning for crumbs. The buzzwords were all about discoverability, distribution, diversification, … [Read more...]

Recent favs… What are yours?

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What are some of your recent "favorite things?" Here are a few of mine. Do we have any in common?   Anyone recognize the name on the side of this old crate? If you do, then you're likely a fan of Fixer Upper with Chip & Joanna Gaines. I LOVE THIS SHOW! My daughter got me started, and I'm hooked. For those of you who watch Fixer Upper, what's your favorite thing about the … [Read more...]

The Festival of Joy

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This past week I had the privilege of celebrating the Jewish Festival of Succoth with some of my Jewish friends and family members. Also known as the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles, it commemorates God’s provision in the wilderness for 40 years when His people lived in temporary shelters, protected by His Clouds of Glory. To prepare for the week-long festival, we built a temporary structure or … [Read more...]

The Plot Thickens|Amy Wallace

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Each Sunday "Inspired by Life...and Fiction" shares a Christian novelist's newest book and the garden spots where they find inspiration. Amy Wallace grew up all over the world, moving every three years. But home was always Louisville, Kentucky. "That's where my family always transitioned to and where I graduated from high school and college." Now, Amy is planted and keeps the weeds at bay … [Read more...]

Confessions of a Pastor’s Kid

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Growing up I was a PK, church lingo for Pastor's Kid. My dad was a Lutheran Pastor. And I grew up in the church. Not literally, of course. We usually lived in a parsonage, often one that was next door to the church. But my life centered around attending potlucks, Sunday School, potlucks, church, catechism class, potlucks, church related events. Did I mention potlucks? ;-) I confess. … [Read more...]

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