Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Confessions of a Book Addict

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I have a confession to make.  I am a book addict. There is absolutely nothing recovering about it. I adore the feel of books, the smell of books, bookshelves overloaded with books. I LOVE BOOKS. In many ways, it's why I became an author. My favorite authors as a teen (no offense, Janette Oke, Michael Phillips, Bodie Thoene, and Frank Peretti) simply could not keep up with my voracious, … [Read more...]

Whenever You Come Around is here! (Sing that in the key of C)

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Hatcher hits the reader’s Achilles’ heel right in the gut with her plot twists, showing us God’s ability to offer grace and forgiveness. But readers will be able to make transitions in the relationship smoothly as another hero and his love interest dance into their hearts. You will be sharing this book with your friends. —RT Book Reviews TOP PICK Whenever You Come Around, the second book in the … [Read more...]

Before you advance, it’s good to RETREAT…

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The first weekend in May a group of twenty writers from Minnesota (along with a few Wisconsin neighbors) got together for a weekend writers retreat. No teacher, no speaker, no agenda. Just time to write, recharge, and spend time with other writers in a beautiful setting--lake-side Camp Lebanon.   Some of us went up early on Friday to start our weekend with a tour of three historic sites … [Read more...]

Follow Your Nose!

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"Nothing is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains." ~Diane Ackerman Research has shown that the sense of smell is more closely linked with memory than any of the other senses. It’s also a sense linked with emotion. If you close your eyes and think about your childhood home, likely it will … [Read more...]

Book Launch!

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I celebrated the release of A Love Like Ours last night with a 'book launch'! I've done a few book signings in the past.  A very few.  I don't tend to seek them out because: Only friends and family attend.  If you're lucky. As the author, you spend a significant amount of time at the signing standing alone next to the little table the book store has very graciously set up for you, … [Read more...]

Shopping for Research

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All authors have their favorite go-to research books. Each new story I write requires delving into specifics for that particular time, setting, and character professions. But I also need more general research information. Information on fashion, transportation, household furnishings, etc. Research to help me create an accurate story world through the items my historical characters encounter in … [Read more...]

Gifts for {Mom} Readers

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Mother's Day is right around the corner. If you're looking for a gift to give (or to request), here are awesome gifts for readers! Book Rest Lamp This would make an adorable lamp for a bedside table. It's a perfect place to set your book when you're done and not lose your place. LED Book Light The cool thing about this book light is that it fits e-readers AND books. Plus it's adorable to … [Read more...]

A chance to win To Win Her Favor…and a Kindle Fire

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Morning friends, I'm out the door to Bowling Green, Kentucky soon and am eager to see those of you who are gathering at the Bob Kirby Branch of the Warren County Public Libraries tonight. We're going to have fun. But first, a giveaway!   Enter to win a Kindle FIRE and my newest release   Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, I’ve long held a strong connection with … [Read more...]

Another Way to Tell a Story

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One of my favorite ways to nourish my creativity is to feed off the creative gifts of others. I do this by reading a good novel or going to a concert or to the art museum, seeing a play or going to a quilt show. Last Thursday my creativity had a veritable Thanksgiving Day feast when my husband and I and three family members went to see an original ballet entitled “It is Well.” It was performed by … [Read more...]

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