Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

A Writing Retreat

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Way back in March of 2020 (which seems a hundred years ago, not two!), my long-time critique partners/friends and I planned to take a writing retreat. Then you-know-what sent us scurrying back to our homes, unsure what, exactly, was happening.  A couple of weeks ago, we finally made a trip happen.  With a family condo in Branson at our disposal, we jumped in the car and made the 7 … [Read more...]

One of my new favorite things

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I recently received a gift, and while I knew it was a Bible, I had no idea what kind of Bible it was—and how addictive it was going to be! Have you ever heard of the Filament Bible? As the website describes, the Filament Bible combines the simple elegance of a premium Bible with the powerful capabilities of your mobile device. You get the best reading experience a print Bible … [Read more...]

Theological Dig

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When I write historical fiction, whether based on biblical characters or not, I take great pains to get the history right. That can be especially challenging when writing about ancient times, but the challenge is often fun! The following is an old email conversation between me and one of my like-minded writer friends (this is what we do when we should be writing). The subject: How long was … [Read more...]

What I’ve Learned From Writers Who Enter Contests

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Over the past couple of months, I’ve had the privilege of reading numerous writing samples from unpublished writers. The samples were from those who entered Sunrise Publishing’s audition for a chance to co-write with me as I publish three more books in my Bride Ship series. First of all, I want to thank ALL the many writers who entered the competition for Season 7, Bride Ships: New Voyages. It … [Read more...]

28 Years, 40+ Books

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Robin’s post a few weeks ago inspired me to write out my own publishing history. I can’t claim nearly as many years or books as Robin (or nearly as many awards, though Robin humbly didn’t mention those in her account!) but it is fun to look back on how everything has unfolded in my career as a writer. I knew from the time I was twelve that I wanted to someday write a book. I never dreamed I’d … [Read more...]

Go On a Blind Date With a Book

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Have you heard of a "blind date with a book"? Essentially, a library or bookstore or friend will wrap several books and then write clues on each one. You pick the one that matches your mood based on the clues, unwrap it, and go on a date with it by reading it. Today, I'm doing the very same thing virtually! The advantage here is that you can "unwrap" them ALL. Here's hoping I've … [Read more...]

Book Talk with Cara: have you listened?

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In January 2021, I started what I thought would be a short lived experiment. I missed my writing friends and decided to host a handful of Facebook lives where I could reconnect with some. I've had so much fun chatting with authors like Bethany Turner and Becky Wade. Katherine Reay and Sarah Sundin. Rachel McMillan and Toni Shiloh. Rachel Hauck and Robin Lee Hatcher. Tamera Alexander and Pepper … [Read more...]

Celebration Time

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Hi friends and happy Wednesday! I am so excited we’re heading closer and closer to Spring. Have any of you seen signs of Spring out and about? I know we’re heading to Rita’s on the 20th for free Italian ice. They do that every year on the first day of Spring. They’re awesome that way. So far, I haven’t seen any buds or blooms in my yard, but I’ll be hitting the nursery as soon as it’s a bit … [Read more...]

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