Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

WHERE TO GO WHEN YOU CAN’T GO TO BRITAIN: 15 Places in the U.S. to get your Brit-Fix

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If you are longing to go to Britain like I am, but can’t (or aren’t ready) to travel abroad yet, here are 15 places in the U.S. that might tide you over until we can all travel again safely: Unsurprisingly, New England tops the list, with all of its beautiful, historical cities originally settled by the British. For example, walking the cobbled streets of Boston’s historic section could … [Read more...]

Stay Open to Adventure

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Whenever I am at a party where I have to make small talk, this introvert would really rather slip into the kitchen and help serve or mop the floor. Truly. But when slipping away is not possible, I can always count on one story to ease the pain of small talk: the day my husband and I flew to New York to be on Regis and Kelly . . . with our dog. The story begins in 2001, not long after 9/11. … [Read more...]

What Is the Difference Between a Historical and a Historical Romance?

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I recently received an email from a student at Colorado Christian University in the Creative Writing program. She asked if I would define the difference between historicals and historical romances. If you’re a writer or reader, you might have wondered what the difference is at one time too. I’ll give you what I think are the top differences, then be sure to chime into the comments with your … [Read more...]

Bookish Valentine Fun

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As a romance author, I enjoy celebrating Valentine's Day for the entire month of February. No mere day is sufficient for this sappy romantic. In case you're like me, I thought I would share some fun opportunities for prolonging your Valentine celebration. Obviously, we all need to pad our TBR piles with romance novels this month. Here are a couple ways I can help with that. Enter a … [Read more...]

Cover Reveal x2

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As you know, I’m re-releasing my Anne Mateer books under my real name—D’Ann Mateer. Same books, new author name, new covers.  I’m so excited to share the next two with you, both designed by author extraordinaire, Roseanna White.  It’s funny, but reading these books back to back (and for the first time in over 10 years!) to get all the typos, etc, made me realize how similar the … [Read more...]

Voices that resonate

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In a world of voices demanding to be heard, here are three that I count as huge blessings in my life, that really resonate. 1 Paige Brown's the Study of 1 Samuel (aka: It's the heart, Stupid!)If you’ve not taken one of Paige’s studies before, get ready to be blown away by God’s Word and the breadth and depth of his love and compassion for you. Livestream every Wednesday. Just jump in and … [Read more...]

The Things That Inspire Readers to Try a New Author

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A while back, I asked this question on my Facebook page. "What inspires you to try a new author?" I received so many fascinating responses, that I decided to count them and create a pie chart. #1 (with 27% of the vote) - Recommendation from a fellow reader There is still no substitute for readers recommending books to fellow readers. "Word of mouth" will always be the very best form … [Read more...]

Travel in a Book Giveaway

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Can I be honest? It's always a little stunning to me when authors and publishers ask me to consider endorsing a book. Two of the above books I was asked to do that. Yep. I'm even on the back cover of Lynette Eason's Life Flight. Say what?!?! [Tweet "@Cara_Putman is sharing reviews of @lynetteeason @tonieshilohwrite @reginajennings with #giveaway"] I also love to preorder books to support my … [Read more...]

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