Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

From Anne to D’Ann

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Ten years ago this month my first novel released. It was a time of dreams come true in so many ways. But there was one dream I didn’t see realized in that moment—my true name on a book cover. When I received that first publishing contract from Bethany House, they had one request of me: a pen name. Why? A couple of reasons. First, they had historical author Deeanne Gist under contract. For … [Read more...]

Traveling with Mark Twain

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My husband and I have long enjoyed the travel writing of authors like Bill Bryson (A Walk in the Woods, Notes From A Small Island, etc.), and we were recently surprised to learn that more than 100 years before Bryson wrote, the famous Mark Twain wrote humorous travel books of his own. My husband and I visited Mark Twain’s Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri about a week ago. In … [Read more...]

It has come to my attention…

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It has come to my attention that one Deborah Raney was scheduled to share a post today. However, the day has come (and nearly gone) and— I see no post. I see no pictures. I see no apology. I see nothing! And you know why?? Because Deb and her husband Ken are currently traipsing all around the country on a grand national park adventure! Now seriously, is that any excuse to not … [Read more...]

Cover Reveal (+ enter to win bookish gifts!)

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For the the past few weeks, I've been working on a Christmas novella! I wrote a Christmas novella for my Bradford Sisters series and had so much fun doing so, that I always hoped to include a Christmas novella for my Misty River series, too. However, I wasn't certain my schedule would allow for that. Turns out, I was able to make it happen! I'm so glad I carved out time. I love penning … [Read more...]

A Writing Life…Missing ACFW!

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This weekend is the ACFW national conference. This year we are online, and oh how I miss seeing my writing buddies. It's one of the reasons I started Book Talk with Cara. It was a good excuse for me to get to spend time talking with the writing friends I've missed catching up with at ACFW. On Friday, I'll open the conference and then on Saturday I'm teaching a workshop on writing proposals. It's … [Read more...]

Where would you live?

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Hi friends, Happy Wednesday! Always glad to spend a day with you. A friend asked if I could live in any book, which story world would I choose. This is a writer and reader’s delight—at least for me. Books started racing through my mind. Stories I’ve treasured and the world they’re set in. I immediately thought of Dee Henderson’s O’Malley family and how I’d love to meet each member of … [Read more...]

What says fall to you?

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Is it the turning of the leaves? The crispness in the air? Mums and pumpkins? Pumpkin bread? Pumpkin lattes? College football? Hoodies? (Oh how I love hoodie weather) What tells you that fall is near? Last night Joe and I took the pups on an after-dark-walk and it was almost chilly. Chilly. On September 6. In Nashville. Love it! That first hint of chill in the air is definitely a sign that fall … [Read more...]

A Visit to the Past

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Ken and I love to ride our bikes to the library in town whenever I need more research material, and then eat lunch at a fun restaurant. It’s about a 14-mile round-trip. There’s a sizable Hispanic population in town, so today we decided to try a little hole-in-the-wall Mexican store/taqueria that features authentic, homemade food. As soon as I stepped inside the little bodega, I was transported … [Read more...]

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