Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

My Recipe for Christmas Romance

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As far as I'm concerned, Christmas novellas are the Christmas cookies of the literary world. Small, sweet, and affordable! Since this is the time of year when we love to make favorite old recipes as well as try new ones, I thought I'd share the recipe I used when baking up my Christmas novella, You and Me. I started with a generous amount of the hero, Connor. I envisioned Connor first as a … [Read more...]

My Favorite Covers of 2021

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Hi friends, Happy Wednesday! Are you ready for Christmas? It’s hard to believe we’re only a couple of weeks away! It’ll be New Years before we know it. Before we flip the calendar to 2022, I thought it would be fun to share my favorite covers of 2021. Vision, creativity, and great attention to detail are trademarks of designing stunning book covers. While many publishing houses are gifted … [Read more...]

Two MUST SEES on the Big Screen

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Yesterday Joe and I had a mini-date and went to see Christmas with The Chosen, and oh... I cannot recommend it highly enough. If it's in a theater near you (click the image to find out) and you have time to go, please do. Not only to support the series but because it is phenomenal! I loved every minute and am eager to see it again. The movie is doing REALLY well in the theaters too, which is … [Read more...]

Nice to Meet You!

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Hello!   First, let me thank my friend Lynn Austin, who for seven YEARS has filled this spot on the first and third Monday of every month. I am honored to follow in her experienced steps, and grateful for the opportunity to share some thoughts with you each month. Lynn, thank you for a job well done.  You will be missed.  If we’ve never met—online or through the pages of a … [Read more...]

6 Things I Tell Myself Once I’m Done Writing a Book

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I just finished writing my last novel of 2021. I always feel like breaking into the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah after typing the last word of a book. However, as usual, right on the heels of my relief comes a burst of anxiety. I start second-guessing the plot, characters, and a hundred other issues. And then I wonder if I should just throw the whole thing in the trash. Over the … [Read more...]

Christmas Cookies – Recipe & Giveaway

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I enjoy baking, but I rarely make the time for it. Except at Christmas. I still don't do a lot of baking, but I always make at least a few yummy goodies to have on hand. It just wouldn't be Christmas without cookies. Growing up, we would go to my grandparents house for Christmas every year. I have so many wonderful memories of playing games with my cousins, singing carols, playing Skipbo (once … [Read more...]

Done!

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Yesterday afternoon I sent my book off to my editor, so I did a happy dance! I have to say, I’m both exhausted and pretty proud of myself! After all, I haven’t written on a deadline in 8 years, so I was a bit rusty as far as rhythm goes. But I managed to get back into the groove. This was also a much shorter timeline than I’ve ever written on before, which was both a challenge to meet and a … [Read more...]

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