Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

When Your Cover Doesn’t Quite Match Your Story

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I can honestly say that I've never had a bad cover. Bethany House has a phenomenal Art Department, and I've been blessed with some truly wonderful covers. However, when I first saw the cover for my e-single novella, A Cowboy Unmatched, I was a little confused. You see, in my novella, the heroine Clara is 9 months pregnant. Nowhere in the story does she sport the svelte figure of the lovely … [Read more...]

There’s Always a New Story to be Told

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  Novelists get asked all the time where their stories come from. My answer, as I've probably shared in this blog before, is that story ideas are a dime a dozen. They are everywhere, like wildflowers growing on a hillside in the spring, just waiting to be picked. Do you want proof? Yesterday, my 71st book—The Heart's Pursuit—was released. Trust me. When I put pen to paper on what … [Read more...]

Personal Connections Across the Pond

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I've just returned from 10 days in England, and along with the inevitable jet lag, I am filled with images and impressions still forming in my weary-but-content mind. The memories that stand out most are not the many interesting sights we saw, but the people we connected with along the way. One of my favorite days was one we (me and my travel-companion, driver, photographer, and friend, Sara) … [Read more...]

A different kind of cover shoot post

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I've absolutely loved seeing the cover shoot posts that Tammy, Becky, and others have shared recently. I've never gotten to be involved in a shoot for one of my own covers, but since I'm married to a graphic designer who's created many book covers, I've been on the other side of the shoot, toting the tripod, fluffing models' hair, and tilting the reflector just so. Ken wrote and illustrated two … [Read more...]

The Plot Thickens | Carolyne Aarsen

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The authors of Inspired by Life...and Fiction thought our readers might be inspired by the gardens of the novelists who are featured on the blog "The Plot Thickens." Each Sunday, we'll share another novelist's newest book, and the garden spots where they find inspiration. Since selling her first book in 1997, Carolyne Aarsen has had numerous novels published. Her stories reflect a love of … [Read more...]

You Know You’re a Writer On Deadline When….

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Most of the year, my job as a writer requires a manageable amount of my time.  I'm able to accomplish my writing and take care of my family and home. And then there's the time of the year when two things happen simultaneously.  I have a book release (which always comes with lots of marketing efforts).  And I have a book due (which always comes with a deadline). I'm in the thick of that time … [Read more...]

In Our Weakness

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I like to think I can do everything, but I know all too well--sometimes more each day-- that I just can't. That means sometimes I do things I never would have imagined. But in the doing I see His provision of all my needs. That His strength is made perfect when I admit my weakness. This week I registered my daughter for a couple high school classes. My daughter who has been homeschooled every … [Read more...]

My Novel Took Me to a Hollywood After Party!

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When I became a writer I thought I'd go places, like the library or on research trips. I never thought I'd make it to a Hollywood after party! In December I was asked to write the novelization of Moms' Night Out. Here is the book with, like, the best cover ever! ---> And take note of my name on the front!     This week I've been talking my readers on a "Behind the … [Read more...]

Author Event: Tamera Alexander (10/25/14)

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Saturday, October 25, 2014 Franklin Pumpkinfest Landmark Booksellers 12PM - 2PM  Franklin, TN (20 mins from downtown Nashville)   Don't miss the fabulous Pumpkinfest in downtown Franklin, TN. I'll be there signing copies of my Southern mansion novels at Landmark Booksellers and will be giving away some of Eleanor Braddock's favorite recipes from A Beauty So Rare. It'd be a great … [Read more...]

Author Event: Tamera Alexander (9/13/14)

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Saturday, September 13, 2014 Speaking and Book Signing Event Murfreesboro, TN Location being confirmed 10:00AM - 11:30AM I'm looking forward to being with readers in Murfreesboro, TN (about 30 minutes south of Nashville) for a morning of talking writing, Nashville history, and all things related to story. The presentation will be followed by a book signing. Feel free to bring your own … [Read more...]

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