Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

2021 Intentions

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For the past 5-6 years, every “goal” I’ve made for the new year has been swept aside by forces beyond my control. One year it was a bout with myocarditis, an infection in my heart. One year it was a move to a new city. Two years were weddings. Moving to a condo was another. Moving suddenly “home” again, too. And so I stand at the threshold of 2021 wondering what it will bring. A few years ago, … [Read more...]

Up In A Tree

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I’m nearing the end of the novel I’m currently writing, and as I keep telling my husband, “I have to bring this story in for a landing.” My main characters have found themselves facing more and more problems and dilemmas over the past twenty-some chapters and it’s time to resolve them in a (hopefully) satisfying way. I’ve heard writers explain the plotting process as forcing your main character up … [Read more...]

Glad Tidings

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Hi friends, It’s two days until Christmas! I can hardly believe it’s been another year of sharing our love of books, stories, and life together. I hope you know how much I look forward to sharing this time with you every other Wednesday. Today, I thought I’d share a glimpse of our pre-Christmas fun, along with how the McKenna family from my Alaskan Courage series celebrates. We’ve been … [Read more...]

Merry (Quarantined) Christmas

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The first time I traveled to Israel and visited Bethlehem, I expected to feel a sense of the beauty and simplicity of the much-loved Christmas story: a crude stable, the holy family, shepherds, wise men, and the Son of God in the manger.  I was sadly disappointed. The traditional site of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem is inside the Church of the Nativity—a truly ancient church built in 565 … [Read more...]

Forging Our New Path part 2

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I promised you a peek at the inside of our cute new house! It’s been 10 days of non-stop work, but the house is (mostly) put away and organized. At least enough for the kids to arrive! Our daughter gets here on Friday! As you will see, there is little yet in the form of Christmas decor. And no tree! I got rid of so much when I downsized, and by the time I ran out to find some decorations most … [Read more...]

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