Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Author Newsletters: What do you like? + Giveaway

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I got the nicest email this week in response to a newsletter that I sent on Monday. If you're curious you can see it here. I often write these and wonder if anyone cares or reads them, but lately I've been getting several responses from readers. That's been so much fun. But it also has me thinking about what you as readers love about our newsletters. Each of us on this blog has a different … [Read more...]

The Blessings of K-9 Companions {Giveaway}

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Hi friends! This week I’m thrilled to welcome back my fellow author and friend, Jill Kemerer. If you aren’t familiar with Jill or her books, you’re in for a treat! I had the pleasure of hanging out with Jill last month. We spent the day in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It’s lovely there if you haven’t been. We talked about writing, books we love to read, and life. It’s always a special treat catching … [Read more...]

Fishing, anyone?

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Do you like to fish? I do. I'm not great at it by any means, but Joe and I recently went deep sea fishing with some good friends, and we had a blast! AND CAUGHT TONS OF FISH! We brought them all home, too, and are planning a fish fry for our community group sometime soon. But even if we hadn't caught anything, just being on the water is so beautiful. Dolphins were following the boat as we … [Read more...]

Jesus is Like a Rooster

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The other day I went out to the chicken run and didn't see Ringo, my amazing rooster. So I looked inside the coop, and there he was, dead. My heart broke. He was beautiful, and he did his job so well. The girls and I will miss him. Why do I keep a rooster? Hens don't need a rooster to lay eggs--they only need a rooster to lay fertilized eggs. Ringo fathered many of my current chickens, … [Read more...]

Collections—What Do You Collect?

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I admit. I’m not much of a collector. I prefer to keep my home uncluttered which was VERY challenging when my five kiddos were all younger and living at home. To that end, I’ve always had a “Donation Bin” going in my garage where I store items I no longer need or use. When the bin starts to overflow, then I know it’s time to make a trip to Salvation Army or Goodwill. In spite of my constant … [Read more...]

In Honor’s Defense

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In less than a week, the final installment of the Hanger's Horsemen series will officially release. I can't wait to share Preach's story with you! I always get nervous when a new book hits the shelves, worried about what readers will think, but initial feedback has overwhelmingly claimed this to be the best of the series. Here are a few snippets from early reviews: "Preach and Damaris . . . … [Read more...]

A Surprising Read

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I may have mentioned that I’ve joined a book club for the first time. It’s a group of ladies from my neighborhood, so not only do I get to read books I might not have picked for myself, I get to know my neighbors in the process.  To be honest, I really didn’t hold out much hope of reading things I really enjoyed. I know that sounds a bit . . . arrogant . . . but the truth is I like what … [Read more...]

Cover Re-creations

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I love cover re-creation photos! I was delighted when talented readers staged and snapped a few for my most recent books... The above was created by Shannon. Didn't she do a FANTASTIC job? You can follow her charming Instagram account here. Bonus -- she also created a playlist of every song mentioned in Turn to Me. You can listen to that on Spotify here. And read the first two chapters of … [Read more...]

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