Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

On the Edge

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Near the Edge. While writing my latest historical, Lady Maybe, I needed to find a road in England dangerously near a cliff’s edge overlooking the sea. Initially, I searched for the location using Google Earth and old maps. I finally found the ideal setting—a coastal road in North Devon along the Bristol Channel. Over the Edge. I wrote my first draft before I ever visited the area. Then, … [Read more...]

Celebrating Another Anniversary

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Tomorrow is my anniversary. Our anniversary. Forty-one years with the man I love more than life itself. My best-ever gift from God. And I'm still learning new things about that man, still falling more in love with him with every day, and still falling for the stupid pranks he plays on me. Still laughing together. That's the best part. We share our anniversary with our oldest daughter and her … [Read more...]

Confessions of a Nervous Author

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When it comes to reader reviews, most of the time I'm fairly unflustered. After having eleven novels/novellas published, my skin has grown pretty thick skin. I've learned to accept both positive and negative reviews as just part of the business. If I'm putting forward my fullest energy and effort with every book, then I have to be content with my best and realize I won't please every reader … [Read more...]

Transition is a part of life . . .But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

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Over the last month or so, I've been dealing with multiple transitions that have added stress and excitement to my life. No major catastrophes like death or serious illness, praise God, but significant changes nonetheless. And I've never been a big fan of change. I learned of the first major  change about 6 weeks ago. The full-time job I've known for the last 12 years of my life fell victim to … [Read more...]

Road Trips Can Be Fun

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Hello. I'm  at work again after taking a two week road trip all the way to New York City and back. I used to fly when I traveled to writers' conferences and workshops, but since my husband retired a few years ago we now drive just about everywhere. It's fun but it can be exhausting. We have a Mini-Cooper and you should see that little car full of two big suitcases and books and book bags. (Plus, … [Read more...]

Good times with good friends

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This past weekend, we had the pleasure of hosting some dear friends from our Colorado days. Only, Jeff and Donna Crane live in Oklahoma now. We had such a wonderful time. Jeff, Donna, Tamera, Joe Even though we haven't seen them in years, we've stayed in touch. So we picked up right where we left off. Don't you love friendships like that?   Jeff and Donna Crane, Kelsey and Kurt It's … [Read more...]

Summertime

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It’s summer and the weather is gorgeous. Blue skies and plenty of sunshine, pleasantly warm but not too hot. I want to be here, at the beach, a short walk from my house . . . But I know I need to be here, in my office, at my desk, working on my next novel . . . After writing 22 books, I know that if I don’t discipline myself to stay focused and write five days a week, I’ll suffer the … [Read more...]

Novel quotes and words that last

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A reader, Paula, wrote me earlier this week and asked a question: "I just finished Rekindled, and want to remember a direct quote from the book. However, when looking back through, I can't locate it. It's the one about forgiveness being the only gift that we can only keep by giving it away. I know it's an imposition, but could you possibly send me the exact quote? I would appreciate it so very … [Read more...]

Girl time & and Among the Fair Magnolias winners announced

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Think of a weekend away with some of your favorite girlfriends that's full to overflowing with laughter, love, sharing, great food, more laughter, singing, more great food. And now add the dynamic that all those gals are sisters in Christ—and all are writers. Can you say a bit of heaven?! This past weekend I attended an annual writers retreat that started back in 2003 (I can hardly believe … [Read more...]

Five Writers Walk into a Library…

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I love libraries. When I was a student at the University of Illinois years ago, I worked at the library to help support myself through school. I remember pushing my shelving cart through the crowded aisles and wishing I could have a book in a library someday. I'm so thankful that dream has come true. Recently, I went to a new-to-me library with fellow writers Gail Helgeson, Stacy Monson, … [Read more...]

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