Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Hello, Dolly! (The puppy, not the musical.)

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It’s been a long time coming, but we finally brought our new puppy home the Thursday before Thanksgiving. You might know from some previous mentions here or on social media that this wasn’t my idea. In fact, on social media posts about our puppy, I always include the hashtag #hismidlifecrisis. Because that’s the truth. But he doesn’t ask for much. And he really wanted a dog. And I love him, so I … [Read more...]

Grieving . . . with hope

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This isn't the post I'd planned to share today. I consider it a blessing that I was able to write stories about Belle Meade Plantation here in Nashville, and today at Belle Meade we'll be celebrating the life of a man who was very instrumental in me writing those stories. Alton Kelley, the former President of the Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery, died December 2 after a brief illness at the … [Read more...]

Thankful for Readers + Giveaway

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Every year I get the privilege of posting on Thanksgiving. This year I'm on an incredibly tight deadline...and I'm actually quite grateful for that, because last year at this time, I thought my writing career might be over. That was actually a gift because it allowed me (aka required me) to make sure I was actually okay with writing being a good gift who's time had passed. I'm also very … [Read more...]

Saying Goodbye

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As you read this, we are on our way home from the East Coast, where we’ve traveled twice in the past two weeks.  On Oct. 31 we got word that Jeff’s mother had passed away. While she hadn’t been in great health, the conversation the prior week was about moving her to assisted living, not end of life issues. She lived in Pennsylvania, in a small town a 3 hour drive from any major airport. … [Read more...]

Love Down-home Southern Cooking?

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Just in time for Thanksgiving! If you're looking for down-home, delicious Southern Cooking, meet Tammy of Collard Valley Cooks in South Georgia! Delightful. Unpretentious. And a fabulous Southern Cook. That's Tammy (and Chris, her husband, who does the videoing)! I don't exactly remember when I ran across Tammy's YouTube channel. It's been a while. But every recipe I've tried of hers … [Read more...]

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