Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

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

The Joy of Song

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I have always been a music lover. I can remember singing every commercial jingle that came on the TV when I was kid, just because it was musical. I remember the pre-K teacher who brought her guitar to class and taught us folk songs like "You get a line, I'll get a pole." (Yes, it was the 70's back then.) I remember singing America (This land is your land . . . ) after saying the pledge of … [Read more...]

It’s All in the Simmer

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I’m not a cook. I don’t like it. I’m not good at it. But there is one category of food where I feel somewhat confident: soups.  Not complicated cream soups, mind you. I’m talking basic broth soups here. I think a lot of my comfort in this area of cooking goes all the way back to our early married days. Jeff was in law school; I was working at the university in a job that paid little but at … [Read more...]

You Can Rest

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Have you heard about You Can Rest by Katy Boatman? If you have a preteen girl, they need this book—and keep reading because I'm giving away a copy TODAY! Preteen girls have lots to be anxious about these days, and Katy Boatman, who has worked with them for 15 years, understands that. With an authentic voice and mentor mindset, Katy wrote You Can Rest to help young … [Read more...]

How My Writing Journey Began

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People are always asking how I became a writer, expecting, I fear, some mystical story. They also ask what inspires me, and tend to look disappointed when I truthfully reply, "The mortgage." You see, being a writer is a job like any other. You show up, go to work, and earn a check, which you only earn when your readers buy new books. (Used books don't count). But there is a necessary … [Read more...]

Turn to Me’s Cover Shoot (and gifts!)

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The cover shoot for Turn to Me took place around eight months ago. The novel released last week. And TODAY I get to share behind-the-scenes photos + give away a fun set of gifts! Here Senior Graphic Designer Jennifer Parker discusses wardrobe options with the Hair and Make-up Stylist. In my cover design questionnaire, I'd explained that Finley dresses with BoHo flair and gravitates toward … [Read more...]

A Thank You for my Readers

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Hi friends and happy Wednesday! I always look forward to spending these days with you. I’m excited to announce the upcoming release of The Deadly Shallows. After a two-year hiatus due to health reasons and a handful of surgeries, the third book in my Coastal Guardian series release on July 5th. To celebrate I’ve got a “Summer of Thank-You-Fun” planned, so be sure to stayed tuned to my newsletter. … [Read more...]

Mothering Sunday vs Mother’s Day

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As someone who has read many British books and watches programs from the UK, I have heard and often wondered how “Mothering Sunday” compares to Mother’s Day as observed in the US. I also wondered if Mother’s Day was a “Hallmark holiday,” or if it had other, older origins. So, with the passing of Mother’s Day a few days ago, I decided to look into it. Maybe you've wondered as well. Mothering … [Read more...]

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