Life is full of choices. Sometimes the biggest choice is whether to move forward or stay where we are comfortable. This week I'm making a presentation in Nottingham, England, at the Society of Legal Scholars conference. It's a definite step outside my comfort zone. Now, don't roll your eyes. Yes, I teach a couple times a week at Purdue University, but I don't teach other professors. … [Read more...]
The Gorilla in the Phone Booth
On Sunday afternoon, I finished writing my 74th book. Well, "finished" might be stretching the truth a little. I still need to add more scenes and lengthen the letters that make up a secondary story line. And that's just what I know it needs. My editors are sure to come up with more suggestions. On Monday, I chatted with my agent who had already started reading the book, and I was reminded of … [Read more...]
Summer’s Last Hurrah
Our boys returned to school after labor day. Our eldest son is a junior in high school this year, and our youngest son a freshman. The weekend before, we drove down to Illinois to celebrate the marriage of my youngest cousin and her groom. How wonderful to spend time with my brother, sister-in-law, and nieces as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins we rarely see. And what fun to dance … [Read more...]
Checking an item off my bucket list
I crossed something huge off my bucket list last week! I got to meet author Jan Karon! I've read all but three of her books and have admired her so much over the years. Friday night, she came to Wichita! What a gracious and beautiful woman! She shared Jesus Christ boldly to an audience that was quite diverse. She was witty and charming and oh-my-goodness-is-she-ever-GORGEOUS! Even face-to-face. … [Read more...]
The Plot Thickens | Mary DeMuth
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. Mary DeMuth lives with her husband, Patrick, and their three children in Texas, where they returned to from Southern France where they planted a church and tended the first garden shown below. Mary’s novels include Wishing on … [Read more...]
Just a Regular Day in the Life of a Writer
Recently in an interview, I was asked to share what a "regular" day looks like in my home. I can honestly say that I don't have "regular" days. In fact, I don't really know if "regular" days actually exist or if they're a thing of fairy tales! But in answering the question, I had to give a glimpse into my family's daily life. Since fall has just started, I decided to give a snapshot of my daily … [Read more...]
And the Beat Goes On
As a mom, I love it when my daughter picks up some of my interests. Just as I learned to sew and cook from my mom, there are certain skills I want to pass along to my daughter. But beyond the necessary skills of keeping house, what truly gives me joy is being able to share some of my hobbies or passions with her. My daughter Bethany is 16, and she and I are blessed to share a number of … [Read more...]
Why I Love Writing About World War II
Growing up my favorite uncle was my Uncle Joe. He was a bachelor and lived in a small house in the mountain town of Weed, California. Uncle Joe had a beautiful garden and a house plant with vines so long that they wrapped around his kitchen. He bought us kids mini cans of 7-up, and he always had records with Mexican music playing. He had so many records that they were stacked from floor to ceiling … [Read more...]
Finding Inspiration | Guest blogger Laura Frantz
Nothing like a summer ride up into the woods and mountains of Washington State. Here's my dear friend, Linda, and I preparing to go. Since my next hero is a horseman, among other things, I'm rehearsing the role, so to speak :) The woods were so cool despite the 80 degree day and so lovely with the sunlight filtering through the trees... My favorite summer flower here is the wild rose but the … [Read more...]
Into the Past
A huge part of a writer’s job is to create word pictures. We try to describe a room or a house or a village in such vivid detail that readers can see them, too. We transport you there, so you can smell the dirty socks in the bedroom or the aroma of bread baking inside the house; you’re tempted to sneeze as you inhale the dirt on the dusty village street. Whenever I research a story I take plenty … [Read more...]
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