Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Cozy Creativity

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Hi friends and happy Wednesday!  I’m putting together my workshops for the writing retreat I host and teach twice a year. This year we’re meeting in December in Virginia Beach. Christmastime at the beach. I can’t wait! I’m already daydreaming about the various decorations we’ll have. I’m thinking lots of whites and soft blues, maybe even soft pink. We were in Cracker Barrel last night and they … [Read more...]

Standing in the Gap

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A few years ago, my husband and I made a pilgrimage of sorts to see the Sycamore Gap Tree, a popular landmark in Northern England. Daylight was fading and rain was falling as we made our way along an uncertain path that, thanks to my husband's keen navigation skills, led us up and down wet hills and slippery footpaths along Hadrian's Wall until we reached one of the most photographed trees in … [Read more...]

Club Deb is (was) in the house!

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I first posted here about my dear Club Deb friends in 2015. We are a group of friends who've been palling around ever since we were young wives and moms raising our kids in the same small town. If the friendships I write about in my novels seem idyllic, these gals are the reasons why. Loving, caring, thoughtful, selfless, kind, supportive...those are just a few words that describe these beautiful … [Read more...]

Mother-Daughter Day

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This past weekend was ACU's Homecoming, and my daughter came home to enjoy the festivities. She is currently working on her PhD at Texas A&M and is so busy, that she doesn't get away very often to come see us. Yet, for the last several years, Bethany has made a point to visit for Homecoming. She always warns me in advance that I need to get my writing done early in the week because she intends … [Read more...]

It’s Almost Christmas Reading Time

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Every year I look forward to November and December, when my reading takes on a seasonal theme. I used to just read Christmas-themed books in December. Then I moved to “after Thanksgiving Day.” Now, I give myself two entire months!  Not that I only read Christmas books during those weeks, but I do make them a priority. So I thought I’d share with a you a few I’m looking forward to … [Read more...]

Memories of Israel & an encouraging event!

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Israel is heavy on my heart, same as yours, I know. Heart-wrenching doesn't even come close, does it? My prayers are rising with yours for Israel and all the innocent Palestinians caught in this horrific conflict. Joe and I were supposed to leave this Friday for Israel, my second pilgrimage to "the land" as they say. But, of course, the trip was cancelled (same trip Robin was on) due to the … [Read more...]

58 Actual Newspaper Headlines

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You may have seen these, but they're worth a repeat.  A simple reminder of why it's important to have someone proof your work before publication . . . ==========================1. Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says2. Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers3. Safety Experts Say School Bus Passengers Should Be Belted4. Drunk Gets Nine Months in Violin Case5. Survivor of … [Read more...]

Pray for Peace

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Saturdays are usually silent here on Inspired by Life and Fiction. But I thought I would take a moment to share that I (along with Tammy and her husband) had not departed the US for our scheduled biblical studies trip to Israel before the terrorists attacked last Saturday. I was due to fly out of Boise on the 21st, a trip that has understandably been cancelled. Because I had shared in blog … [Read more...]

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