Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

A Nature Walk & Tea at the Castle

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This week, my husband Wes and I are on a vacation/book trip that will eventually lead us to Deadwood, SD, but we started our trip this past weekend by spending a day and a half in Colorado Springs. We started our exploration in the Garden of the Gods being inspired by the glories of God's creation. After about two hours of hiking, we changed into slightly nicer clothes and drove 5 minutes … [Read more...]

What’s Next!  

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Hi friends and happy Wednesday!  I shared a bit ago about my crazy deadline woes, but I’m happy to share today that I’m through the big launch of The Shifting Current as well as turning in book one of my upcoming Jeopardy Falls series. I’ll be announcing the title this week in my Facebook reader’s group The Suspense Squad first and revealing my cover there the following week. I would love … [Read more...]

Honored and Hopeful

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I recently learned that my latest novel, The Sisters of Sea View, is a semi-finalist in the Historical Romance category of American Christian Fiction Writer's Carol Awards. Many other authors share this honor, so I do not expect to take home the prize. But if it is not vain to say it, someday I would really like to win a Carol Award. Why? I have won other awards, and been a finalist in the … [Read more...]

Big Friendships & a Little Garage Sale-ing

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As Tammy told you last Tuesday, Ken and I stopped in Nashville for a visit with Tammy and her husband, Joe, on our way home from a trip to North Carolina. My favorite part of the trip was getting to meet Tammy's precious little grandson. I even got to give him a bottle and rock him to sleep. So sweet! After a delicious taco dinner, we had so much fun playing games with Tammy's whole family. … [Read more...]

Pay Attention to the Cracks

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On the outside, our house looks the best it has looked since we bought it 2 1/2 years ago. The landscaping I had done in the spring has blossomed—literally! I absolutely love the vibrant colors outside my cute house.  As much as I love the outside this year, when we bought the house, the inside was what sold us. The perfect layout. Finishes that appealed to our tastes. So when we began … [Read more...]

Big Friendships & Tiny Little Doughnuts

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I always love it when Deb (Raney), a dear friend and my writing critique partner for 20+ years and counting, comes to visit, especially when she brings Ken! It was a quick visit—not even 24 hours but we packed in a lot of fun. Friday night our kids joined us for a simple taco dinner (including Joe's delicious guacamole), then we played Blockbuster, a game where you compete to discover who knows … [Read more...]

A nonbake cake for JUNE!

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If you like to bake like I do, the thought of baking in June isn't exactly appealing--it's hot enough outside without turning on the oven. But while watching Youtube the other day, I discovered a cake recipe that doesn't require baking . . . so if you can make pancakes, you can make this. And to give proper credit, here's a link to the video. Here's my translation of the recipe: … [Read more...]

Highs and Lows

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The writing life (like every life) is full of highs and lows, ups and downs. One week a writer skips both showers and meals to try to make a deadline. The next she gets a great review that sets her world aright. One day a book is in major trouble. Another day it finals in a contest or receives an award. On Tuesday of this week, I turned in a book to my editor. Now I wait with bated breath to … [Read more...]

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