Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Most Anticipated Reads of 2021

By

I’m a writer, but I’m also a voracious reader. I’ve never actually met a novelist who wasn’t a reader at heart. I was captivated by stories at a young age—reading books, acting out stories with friends, and daydreaming stories in my mind. Daydreaming was my escape. I loved going for Sunday rides with my mom. We lived in New Mexico at the time, and every Sunday we’d go for lunch and then a long … [Read more...]

A Writer’s Purrfect Companion

By

With many more people now working from home due to the pandemic, pet ownership has grown both in the US and abroad. The internet teems with articles about the pros, cons, and costs of pets, how to remain productive if you’ve adopted a needy pet, and debates about dogs vs. cats. Not long ago, my first-reader was trying to review my new manuscript to give me feedback and suggestions. She has a … [Read more...]

A Brand New Book

By

I have a brand new novel out! Bridges is the first original novel from Raney Day Press. This means that my publisher, my art director, my graphic designer, my public relations person, and my accountability partner are all one and the same—my husband, Ken Raney. Here he is in his office the day we put the finishing touches on the book and hit "publish." The man can be a tough taskmaster at … [Read more...]

Facing Tough Decisions

By

I'm often asked, "How did you not cave to the pressure last summer when your publisher threatened to cancel your book if you didn't make their requested changes?" In short? God started preparing me for that challenge a year before that day came (when my novel Colors of Truth was ultimately cancelled). It's not something I'm proud to admit (to confess), but it's a forever lesson God … [Read more...]

Companions for the Journey

By

A long time ago, before I had published a single word, a writer friend invited me to join a Christian writers’ group. Of course, I declined. I was much too uncertain of my calling or my future as a writer to accept. Eventually, my friend talked me into it, and I discovered the many blessings of partnering with other companions in the journey of faith. I grew a lot over the next few years, in … [Read more...]

Recent Posts