Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & 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...]

Restarting the Writing Lifestyle

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I mentioned in my last post that I was going to have to spend significant time this summer writing. Just last week I signed a three-book deal for a new legal, romantic suspense series in addition to the WWII novellas I'd also signed contracts to write. It's a process for me to restart the writing race when I've gotten out of practice. Today, I thought I'd take you behind the scenes. Be sure to … [Read more...]

Q&A with Susan Sleeman

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Hi friends, Today I have the joy of interviewing Susan Sleeman. If you aren’t familiar with Susan’s books, you’re missing out. She writes edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense. We’re going to be chatting about Susan’s latest series, Steele Guardians, which is action-packed! Hope you’ll enjoy the interview. It was such a pleasure getting to spend this time with her. Your latest series is … [Read more...]

Muffin Hats and Mob Caps

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A week or so ago, I attended a meeting of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Minnesota Chapter. Instead of having a speaker, this month we made Regency-era hats and caps. I have made myself two or three caps to wear of evenings since I came home, and they save me a world of torment as to hairdressing.”—Jane Austen letter, 1813 I am not crafty, but I thought it would be fun to gather … [Read more...]

A Different Kind of Cover Story

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I just love stories about how a book cover came to be—the process of working with a publisher's design team and models, or for some of the more creative among us, how you designed your own cover. Or in my case, how my husband designs the covers for my books. (He designed these beauties below!) But maybe a more accurate title for this blog post would be "A Different Kind of Title Story." My … [Read more...]

Spring Happenings!

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This spring has sprung with all its beautiful green glory here in central Michigan. After a very long winter, we are loving every single second of the warmer weather and regaining our color after the past six months of a dull gray landscape. In addition to my usual writing and editing projects, this spring has been busy with a couple of major events. The first was the annual rummage sale … [Read more...]

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