Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Hurry Up and Wait

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Once I make a decision to do something, I’m ready to get it done. As in ASAP. Which is near realistic, of course. Especially in our post-pandemic world where things seem to be constantly behind. So I’m in “hurry up and wait” mode on several projects at the moment and it’s driving me crazy! Our new ceiling fan. Our ceiling fan in the living room randomly turns off and on. At one point, we … [Read more...]

Another novel finished and in

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Since 2005, I've had this story inside me—and now it's finally on the page. Yep, finally! ; ) The stories that have lived inside me the longest are often the most difficult to write, and A Million Little Pieces was certainly that. Not only because of the subject matter—marriage and infidelity—but because these characters are all so real to me and the settings so tangible, that "first … [Read more...]

Time Machine

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The other night I came into the bedroom, dropped onto the bed, and started clicking the TV remote, looking for something to watch while I rested. I don't even remember what channel I clicked, but suddenly there was the Lawrence Welk show, and the familiar walls of my bedroom seemed to melt. I felt as though I was being swept into a time machine and transported back to 1960 or so, when life was so … [Read more...]

The Beauty of Weddings

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As many of you know, this was a busy summer for our family with our first wedding among our children. One of my daughters got married in July, and we celebrated with a lovely wedding with friends and family in central Ohio (where my daughter went to school, where she met the love of her life, and where his family lives). Though the weather was rainy (and by rainy I mean down-pouring with … [Read more...]

Books from My Childhood

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Do you need a guaranteed smile today? Just think back to your favorite children's books. There is something about remembering the utter delight of being a child diving into a favorite picture book that never fails to lighten my heart. Even at the ripe old age of 51 (Yikes! How did I get to be so old?), I can still vividly recall some of the picture books I fell in love with as a child. Not … [Read more...]

My Advice to New Writers

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Recently, a woman who's writing her first manuscript reached out to me. She was feeling discouraged because she heard experienced writers talking about how many manuscripts they wrote before penning one that was strong enough to publish. She asked me for my thoughts. I'm sharing here what I shared with her, in case it's helpful to aspiring writers or insightful to readers who enjoy learning about … [Read more...]

Life Changes, Storyfest, a Podcast, & a Giveaway

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As I write this, we're in the final push to my daughter's wedding in a week. Can I be honest? I am so thrilled for her and her fiance...we've known him and his family for years. His parents are even some of our best friends, but I'm still a bit in denial. How is my first born old enough to get married? And by extention...how am I old enough to have a child who is getting married? I often joke that … [Read more...]

Unexpected Gifts

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Hi friends,  I'm excited to introduce today's guest blogger, Traci Abramson. She's sharing about the friendships we make along our writing journey, and I'm blessed to have met her on my own. I know you'll enjoy her post today! And, be sure to comment to be entered in the giveaway.  I’m often asked what I consider to be the best part of being an author. The answer has been the … [Read more...]

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