Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Leaving a Legacy

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Last weekend my family packed into our little mini-van and drove eight hours to visit my grandma in Iowa and celebrate her 95th birthday. Let me tell you, it's not easy scrunching eight of us (including my mom) along with all our bags and backpacks into our van, especially because I have three growing teens. I heard plenty of "You're taking up all the room" and "It's hot back here" and "When is … [Read more...]

The Power of Nature (Guest Blogger, Sara E. Ladd)

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Is there anything more intriguing that nature? As a writer, I find inspiration all around me: A thunderstorm’s electric energy and brooding skies. The crispness of a cool autumn breeze. A new-fallen snow’s quiet stillness. The delicate fragrance of spring’s first blooms. I live in the Midwest, and this summer has been one of the most pleasant I can recall.  The temperatures have been mild, … [Read more...]

Cover Candy (Guest Blogger, Laura Frantz)

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When prepping this post, I debated whether to title it “cover love” or "cover candy” and the candy factor won out. A good cover really should be as delightful as a big box of chocolates! It should “pop” in industry lingo. Cover art is my favorite part of publishing. When that much-anticipated cover file arrives in my inbox for the first time, I always say a prayer before I open it, hoping for the … [Read more...]

A Writer’s Passion (Guest Blogger, DiAnn Mills)

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How can a writer expect readers to be excited about a novel unless the writer feels the same passion? Does enthusiasm for story mean having passion for every word? Absolutely! Every grueling step of the process must be met with a committed spirit. Passion for Firewall kept me spellbound, as though the world around me had stopped while I wrote the novel. Research captured me with intrigue and … [Read more...]

The camera doesn’t lie. (Or does it?)

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I had to shoot some video recently for promoting my new novel series and after I'd gone to the trouble of setting up the flood lights and getting the window blinds just-so to capture the best sunlight in my office, then rearranging things so no plants or coffee mugs were growing out of my head, my husband suggested that he may as well shoot some new headshots for me while I was all dressed up with … [Read more...]

The Plot Thickens|Jamie Carie

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Each Sunday "Inspired by Life...and Fiction" shares with our readers a Christian novelist's newest book and the garden spots where they find inspiration. Born and raised in Vincennes, Indiana, Jamie Carie began writing as a young girl. Many poems, short stories, and song lyrics later, she grew up and married, and when her eldest son turned five she decided to try her hand at novels. Her … [Read more...]

Fiction Inspired by Real Life Love

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It's a treat to introduce you to my author friend, Hillary Manton Lodge, who is guest-blogging at Inspired by Life..and Fiction today.  Her latest novel, A Table by the Window, has garnered rave reviews.  Here's just a sampling of what readers are saying: "Sumptuous women's fiction with a foodie twist," and, "I love reading books about travel, food, and romance. This book was all of that and … [Read more...]

A Weekend to Remember

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I often talk about how writing is a hard career for an extrovert. So often my writing is done in front of a computer and I wait for electronic feedback from my agent, editors, friends, readers. It can feel solitary because the face to face contact usually comes once a year at ACFW. This past weekend, my daughter and I changed that dynamic. We put over 600 miles on the car as we drove around … [Read more...]

Brainstorming, Here I Come

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I’m so excited. Today is the day I depart for my brainstorming retreat. This is the 12th annual retreat for this special group of writers. I’ve shared photos in the past and no doubt will share photos again, although I may not be first. Tamera and Tricia are also part of this “Plot, Play, & Pray Retreat.” Whenever I’m asked what is my favorite part of writing, my answer is “Brainstorming!” … [Read more...]

Happy Places

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This past week, my sons were both at camp, so my husband planned a getaway for just the two of us. I believe it is the first trip he has planned since our honeymoon. He was enthusiastic about the itinerary and teased me with hints of a few secrets in store for me. (P.S. I really dislike secrets.)  We stuffed the car with our stuff (including a camp stove and sleeping bag for one night at a … [Read more...]

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