Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Book Life Friends

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I’ve been firmly planted in the writing life for 20 years now, and in that time I’ve made some great friends—both readers and writers. One of the joys of being back in the Dallas area is being closer to many of those people again. In the past couple of weeks I’ve been able to reconnect with a few of these special people face-to-face. Several years ago I posted on my facebook page that I was … [Read more...]

Brainstorming & Birthdays

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I love brainstorming books. I love the endless possibilities at the outset, all the combinations of what ifs, and the "Oh, have you ever thought about trying this?" suggestions. Brainstorming is definitely one of my favorite stages of the writing process. That, and discovering who the characters are as I write and rewrite, digging deeper with each pass. Part of our brainstorming … [Read more...]

Coeur d’Alene #18 is in the books!

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Late last night I returned from my 18th annual writers retreat in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho where, each July, I meet with ten other women to plot, to play, and to pray. What a precious time we had together this weekend. Although we dearly missed three of our number who couldn't make it this year. Sniff, sniff. This year actually should have been our 19th retreat. But due to Covid, we didn't meet … [Read more...]

Canton, MO

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I love research trips. They are one of my favorite parts of the research process. Visiting a place always enhances the writing, whether because I’ve gotten a “feel” for the area (even if I later fictionalize it) or because of all the great people who help me along the way. On every trip I have had a providential meeting with someone who knew, or knew where to find, exactly the information I was … [Read more...]

Fishing for sharks . . . and men

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Last week Joe and I got away to Sarasota, Florida with some dear friends and went deep-sea fishing. Talk about fun! The first day we fished for shark and the second day for yellow fin, amber jack, and barracuda. Though we didn't catch a ton of fish, three of us caught sharks the first day! Joe and I usually practice "catch and release," but Captain Brian took these bad boys home to … [Read more...]

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