Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

The Plot Thickens|Donna Fletcher Crow

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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. Donna Fletcher Crow lives in Idaho with her husband of more than 50 years. She is the mother of four adult children, grandmother of more than a dozen, and author of more than 45 books. Her best known work is the epic historical novel … [Read more...]

Belmont Mansion as Adelicia knew it

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The Belmont Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee, the setting for A Lasting Impression and A Beauty So Rare, is a special place to me. Not only because of its significance in Southern history, but because of the love and care the Belmont Mansion staff and curators continue to give the Italianate summer villa that Joseph and Adelicia Acklen constructed in 1853. Belmont Mansion, Nashville, … [Read more...]

Birth of a Book with Giveaway

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As an author there is something magical about that moment when one of my favorite people (the UPS man) drops off boxes. Regardless of what's in the box, it feels like Christmas. What did I order and forget about? What new treasure awaits wrapped inside a nest of bubble wrap? Then there's the time when he drops off a couple boxes and I note a label that suggest it's more than just another box. … [Read more...]

10 Things I’ve Learned After 30+ Years & 70+ Books

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Do you love to make lists? I do. I write all kinds of lists. Bucket Lists. Grocery Lists. Deadline Lists. Although the following list was written from the perspective of author talking to author, I think many of these lessons learned as a published author apply to life in general and will be of interest to readers too. So here's my list of things I've learned after over thirty years in … [Read more...]

Rewarded for the Risk: My Fun Summer Internship with Julie Klassen|Guest Blogger, Anna Paulson

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Ever since I met Julie Klassen as a fourteen-year-old, holding out my copy of The Apothecary’s Daughter for her to sign, I have admired her elegant professionalism and, of course, her wonderful way with words. Over the past five years, I have frequented her book signings (promptly devouring each new novel), chatted with her at a church Christmas dinner, and attended her lecture at a Minnesota … [Read more...]

King on the Mountain

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I grew up on the Rice County, Kansas farmstead established by my mother's grandparents. My dad bought the farm from my great-grandparents when I was about three years old and I lived there till the day I went off to college. It's the only childhood home I remember and it was the best childhood possible. I didn't attend kindergarten, but when it was time to go to elementary school, I only had to … [Read more...]

The Plot Thickens | Brenda Coulter

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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. Award-winning inspirational romance author, Brenda Coulter, writes heartwarming love stories from a Christian perspective. She didn't catch the writing bug until she was almost 45, but she's been making up for lost time since, … [Read more...]

I ♡ ROMANCE

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Ah, romance. I discovered romance novels when I was in middle school.  Does anyone else remember the slim, Sweet Valley High-type romances that were available in the 'Juvenile Fiction' section of the library way back when?  I stumbled upon one such novel, couldn't put it down, and in very unremarkable fashion (there were no fireworks, I didn't make a grand announcement, a band was not involved) … [Read more...]

The Many Flags of Texs

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I'm not a Texas native, but ever since I came out to Abilene in 1989 for college, I've made Texas my home. I fell in love with this bold land full of glorious sunsets, rugged cowboys, and people who cling to the hospitality of the south. My children are all Texas born and bred, as are my books. The Lone Star State has a proud heritage, being the only US state to have once been an independent … [Read more...]

Writing a {True} Story of Depression and Hope

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Like everyone else, I was heartbroken to hear about the death of Robin Williams. I remember first falling in love with him when he played Mork on Mork and Mindy. I remember playing with the other kids in 5th grade saying, “Na-Nu Na-Nu.” Hearing of his death was hard enough, but to find out he died by suicide made my heart ache. For many years I didn't understand the pain of depression, and … [Read more...]

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