Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

The Biltmore and God’s Creativity+ Giveaway

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This has been a quick week with a trip to North Carolina for a conference/vacation. I've had the opportunity to learn and present at a scholarship of teaching and learning conference tied to my day job while also exploring the North Carolina mountains with my family. It's a last hurrah before life gets insane with the start of school and then ACFW -- all at the same time. One of the joys of … [Read more...]

The Summer Reading Vibes

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Happy Wednesday, friends. Today I'm excited to have my friend Debb Hackett guest posting today. She's such an awesome supporter of authors, an avid reader, a gifted speaker and writer. I know you'll enjoy her post. Have a great week!  Hey, Inspired readers, it’s a real joy to be with you today. I hope this post finds you extremely well. I realize for some, summer is now in the rearview for … [Read more...]

A Wonderful Time with Readers & Writers

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I recently attended the Mississippi River Readers Retreat for the second time. Being there was just as much of a blessing as it was the first time, back in 2021. Authors spent time together beforehand at the beautiful Linden Hill estate, to get to know one another, share from our hearts, brainstorm, etc. This was followed by a lovely (if warm) tea party with readers. Then on Saturday, … [Read more...]

No wonder I avoid the phone . . .

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I have written a series of writing lessons and published them on Amazon--Writing Lessons from the Front. There are 12 books now, and I keep adding to them as I think of topics. But I'm not writing today about the books. I'm writing about telephone support people, God love 'em. The other day I went into the inner workings of Amazon's program and changed the categories of those writing … [Read more...]

The “stuff” that hangs on

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As you know from Tammy's post on Tuesday, I returned home on Monday from our 20th Annual Plot, Play, and Pray retreat in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. As always, I am filled up with joy from my time with these wonderful sisters in Christ. They mean more to me than I can say, and they continue to strengthen and inform my faith. One of the first things I noticed upon my return was that my large patio … [Read more...]

Party Time!

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You are cordially invited to join me in my reader group this week for our annual Posse Party. My Posse was "born" on August 4, 2017 and we've been having all kinds of bookish fun over there ever since. Six years is a fabulous milestone, and we are celebrating with daily games and a ton of bookish prizes. If you are not a member of my Posse yet, now is a great time to visit. We are a … [Read more...]

Boston Bookstore Fun

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As you know, we love going to bookstores when we travel. On our last trip to Boston of the 4th of July, we went to one old favorite—Brattle Books—and one fun new one: Commonwealth Books.  Perhaps like you, I judge a bookstore so many different ways. Especially a used bookstore, like these two. The main reason I love both of these is that their small spaces are filled with unusual books. In … [Read more...]

#20 is in the books

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For twenty years now, a group of writers has been meeting in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and I'm beyond grateful to be included in that number. These women are such a blessing and JOY in my life! I just returned last night from our 20th retreat, and it was such a rich and fun time. Here are some glimpses... From L to R (back row): Brandilyn Collins, Sandy Shepherd (Brandilyn's sister), Janet … [Read more...]

A Little Dose of Louisiana Christmas (in July)

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My friend Morgan Tarpley Smith is filling in for me today while I'm on a 15-day writing marathon. Welcome, Morgan (and Betsy and Lenora). Thanks for this little preview of Christmas while the summer heat bears down! By Morgan Tarpley Smith In the spirit of this site, “Inspired by Life…and Fiction,” I’d love to share a little of the story behind the story about my upcoming release, “A … [Read more...]

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