Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Back to Boston

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We’ve been to Boston many time, but it is fitting that we were in Boston this week as we celebrated our country’s birthday. After all, it was the scene of so many events of the revolutionary era—and home to so many of the main players.  But this trip was a bit different. It was the inaugural education tour trip offered by the organization my husband works for. So we got a bit of fun—doing … [Read more...]

Details of the Past

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I know this makes me sound like an old lady, but lately I’ve been realizing how many things have fundamentally changed over my 50-odd years on this earth. Although I truly think my interest is not nostalgia but history.  Case in point. I went to the dentist last week. I sat in that chair as the hygienist cleaned my teeth, spraying water in my mouth then vacuuming it out again. And I … [Read more...]

WOW Book Club from Morris, AL is (was) in the house!

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Last week, I had the absolute JOY of meeting with the WOW (Women of the Word) Book Club from Enon Baptist in Morris, Alabama on location at Carnton in Franklin, which is the setting of all my Carnton novels. Barbara Wiginton, their fearless and fabulous leader, reached out and asked if I could meet them for a brief visit after they toured Carnton, and I'm thrilled that our schedules … [Read more...]

A Collection of Historical Tidbits

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Research is a huge part of writing any novel, but it plays an especially key role when it comes to historical fiction. Historical details are the building blocks that shape the story world for readers. They can help shape the plot and give extra dimension to the characters. They bring the setting to life and even offer wow moments when something particularly unique is revealed. My latest … [Read more...]

Anticipation

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As a child, I used to wake my mom up about hourly as Christmas Eve turned to Christmas morning. “Is it time yet? Is it time yet?” Anticipation! I didn’t grow out of it. Unbelievably, I gave birth to two daughters who were quite content to sleep until a reasonable hour, even on Christmas Day. Do you know what I did as a young mom? Starting about 2:00 or 3:00 AM, I would be up, closing … [Read more...]

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