Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Inspired by Christmas

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Hi friends, Is it just me or does it feel like Christmas came on so fast this year? It just doesn’t feel like it’s Christmastime yet. It’s probably because, thanks to the sweet kindness of a friend, my family got to spend two weeks in the Outerbanks and enjoy Thanksgiving there. It could be because I’m working hard on a book and I haven’t wrapped a single present, or because I came down with a … [Read more...]

Cookies & Christmas

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In my first-ever Christmas novella, we included a recipe for a cookie (“biscuit” in the UK) based on a British recipe featuring honey (in honor of Honeycroft cottage in the novel) and adapted to US measurements. The cookie reminds me of a spicy Snickerdoodle in taste, but the addition of colored sugar makes it more festive. I have been so delighted to hear how much people are enjoying … [Read more...]

Meatloaf Ministry

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This past November was the seventeenth anniversary of my sister Bonnie’s death from cancer. As I was trolling through files on my computer recently, I found this article I wrote in 2003. Since Covid-19 has eliminated many of the church’s visible ministries and programs, I thought my reflections might be reassuring to all of the church’s “invisible” workers. The minivan halted in my sister … [Read more...]

A surreal blessing . . . unwrapped

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There are moments in your life that give you pause. Some are bitter, some are sweet. I received my Christy Award Hall of Fame award in the mail last week, which was definitely a sweet one! I opened the package, then the box and, for a moment, I simply stared, letting what still feels like a fairly surreal blessing sink in. My thoughts quickly turned back to 2008 when I won my first … [Read more...]

Decorating for Christmas on a Budget (and a giveaway!)

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Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, 'tis the season for Christmas decorating! This year has been unique... to choose the most flattering adjective possible. Because of all the uniqueness, for me, the Christmas season is more welcome this year than any other year in recent memory. I'm beyond ready! Bring on the hope of Jesus's birth, the tree, the lights, the music, the cookies, the … [Read more...]

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