Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

How to Read in Ways That Support Authors

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This past week, I posted the below on my Facebook author page. It generated lots of shares and comments and quickly became one of my most-seen posts. A very kind reader reached out to me in response with this question... "I've always wondered if there is a hierarchy of the best ways to support authors. Can you give a breakdown of what is most helpful?" Today, I'm answering her question! … [Read more...]

Some Bookish Quotes + Giveaway

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Next week is spring break at Purdue, and I can't wait to get started writing my next novella. This has been a crazy, busy semester, and I'm eager to pick up my pen or put my fingers to the keyboard and start creating. Up first are two novellas in collections that I have signed or am about to sign the contracts for. Both will be set during World War II, and I am so excited to return to my favorite … [Read more...]

What Makes a Great Villain? 

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I’m happy to say I officially signed off on The Deadly Shallows a few weeks ago. It’s finished with editorial and on to paging. Phew. That book was literally the hardest I’ve ever written. I couldn’t tell you why. Well…five surgeries between the end of May and the end of August didn’t help, but well before that, this book was wrestling inside of me. It ended up causing me to have two years between … [Read more...]

Ukraine

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The other day I felt inspired to post something about Ukraine, and I believe it is still apt today. Remember the story of David and Goliath? One huge giant with a sword and spear; one young shepherd with five little rocks. The difference between them was GOD. Today we are seeing another David and Goliath story. I don't know God's will in this situation, but I know we should be praying for … [Read more...]

COVER REVEAL!

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For those who have been following the progression of my Colorado Cowboy series, you’ll know that two books have already released: A Cowboy for Keeps and The Heart of the Cowboy. The 3rd book, To Tame a Cowboy, releases in just a couple of months at the beginning of May and continues the saga with Brody, the third brother in the McQuaid family. Brody is a sensitive man who bears many scars … [Read more...]

Showered with Blessings

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It's wedding season in the Witemeyer household. Our first. This past Saturday, we had the joy of watching out children be showered with blessings at their first wedding shower. Wyatt is my middle kiddo and oldest son. He grew up in the small country church where we attend, and our church family has watched him grow from a toddler who played on the stage steps after church, to the college minister … [Read more...]

My New Favorite Task/Calendar App

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I like lists and calendars, schedules and systems. Well over 10 years ago, after I decided I liked having a calendar and to list in my digital pocket, I subscribed to a productivity/task app new to the scene. It was based on the GTD method of projects and tasks and worked well for me for many years. However as this past year drew to a close I found myself tired of switching between my task app and … [Read more...]

Intuition…or Experience?

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Is there something you do well now that you didn't always do well? A certain task that's become intuitive? But it didn't used to be. It only became intuitive because you developed that skill set through experience. I have such a skill. And it's a very important one (cough, cough)—that my husband continues to call into question. Like he did two nights ago. I was measuring ground beef for a … [Read more...]

I STILL Brake for Garage Sales

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Today I’m reviving a post from eight years ago but giving it a total overhaul. If you’ve followed Inspired by Life…and Fiction very long, you’ll recognize the topic as one dear to my heart (and you'll know a big reason that I'm longing for spring). As many of you know, my husband and I have made garage sales into a destination date over the past decade. It all started when Ken wanted to find … [Read more...]

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