Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

New Year – New Reading Challenge

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Every year for the past four years, I've hosted a Reading Challenge in my Posse Facebook group. This has been the single-best motivator for me to carve out reading time every month. With a full-time day job, full-time writing, and plenty of family and church activities on my daily schedule, finding time to read for pleasure can be difficult. These challenges, however, hold me accountable, prod me … [Read more...]

Goals, Intentions, and Expectations

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Here we stand at the beginning of a new year. And for so many of us, our minds turn to yearly goals. I’ve been thinking a lot about that these past couple of weeks. A few years ago I shifted toward “intentions” instead of “goals.” It helped me be less stressed when life interfered and made my goals if not impossible, at least much more difficult.  But this year, I’ve been reevaluating that a … [Read more...]

The Law of the Leash

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My family and I have had mastiffs for years now. We've had nine so far, but we only have them two at a time for obvious reasons. At 200+ pounds each, having two mastiffs is a lot of dog, especially if you're allergic! For years I have also worked as a volunteer photographer for dog rescue groups. I've snapped many a photo of homeless dogs because good pictures make it easier for these dogs … [Read more...]

What’s Your Word?

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Hi friends! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. We spent it in Florida with our oldest daughter, her hubby, and our grandsons. It was wonderful, but crazily enough only 30 degrees. The coldest winter in decades. Go figure. Thankfully, it’s going to be mid-70s in a few days and I’m going to soak up that sun before returning to Maryland. I’d love to hear about your Christmas and … [Read more...]

After Christmas Giveaway

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I hope you had a lovely Christmas and received at least one book—even if it was a present you gave yourself! Books make great gifts, so I thought I would give away two books this week. These are brand new copies of novels I read earlier in the year. The Call of the Sea by Sian Ann Bessey If you like historical fiction, especially with Vikings, then you will enjoy The Call of the Sea. The … [Read more...]

Favorite Christmas Foods & Drinks

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On my Facebook author page, I recently asked this question... "Which holiday foods and/or drinks are you most looking forward to enjoying this month?" The answers were many, varied, and fascinating! So I thought I'd share here what my readers had to say on this subject. Favorite Drinks: Hot Cocoa Wassail Peppermint Milkshake Cider Peppermint Latte Favorite … [Read more...]

A Glimpse of Christmas

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    This month has been chaotic. The race to final grades. Writing as much as I can. And trying to be present with my family. That means the Christmas decorations are a bit light this year. At one point I wasn't sure we'd get the tree up. Truly. But we did and now there are presents surrounding it. One thing I'm learning to do is give myself a bit of grace. Life is busy in good ways, but … [Read more...]

Favorite Christmas Reads

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While I do love a good Hallmark Christmas movie, I have to confess that I love reading Christmas-themed novels and novellas even more. I’ve read some great ones through the years, so I thought I’d spotlight a few in case you need a book to read between now and New Year’s Day!  MOST ANTICPATED:  The book I’ve been most excited to read this season is Susan May Warren’s All I Want for … [Read more...]

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