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Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Headlines on the Frontier

August 15, 2025 By Robin Lee Hatcher

When we imagine the Old West, we often think of wide-open plains, dusty boots, and rugged towns born almost overnight. But tucked into nearly every small frontier settlement was a heartbeat of civilization—the local newspaper. These humble print shops played a vital role in the daily life of townspeople in the late 1800s, delivering not just news, but connection, community, and a sense of order in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Books, History

Guest Post: Teresa Wells

July 16, 2025 By D'Ann Mateer

I'm so excited to introduce y'all to my friend Teresa! She lives about ten minutes from me and we meet up on occasion. But the reason I'm excited is because her debut novel released yesterday! Yay! Please give her a warm Inspired by Life...and Fiction welcome! Have you heard of the controversial crazy quilt?  As a historical romance writer, I’m accustomed to stumbling upon surprising … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Books, Friendship, History Tagged With: crazy quilts, debut novel, Teresa Wells

Fireworks and Freedom

July 4, 2025 By Robin Lee Hatcher

fireworks

In case you don’t know it, most of the books I’ve written are set in Idaho. I love my state. I’m a native Idahoan and have lived here all my life. There’s something uniquely stirring about celebrating the Fourth of July in Idaho. Maybe it’s the way the mountains frame the fireworks, the echo of cowboy boots on parade routes, or the sight of children waving flags beneath endless blue skies. In … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Assorted & Sundry, Faith, History

My love of American Colonial and Revolutionary history

July 2, 2025 By D'Ann Mateer

I love the Fourth of July. Not becuase of the fireworks or the food. Definitely not for the heat!  I love the Fourth of July for the history.  I honestly can’t remember when my love affair with Colonial and Revolutionary American history began. Johnny Tremain, maybe? Or hearing about Betsy Ross—one of the few women we were taught about in elementary school history? What I do know is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: History Tagged With: American Revolution, Colonial American history, Fourth of July

Peanut Butter and . . . What?

May 2, 2025 By Robin Lee Hatcher

My latest release is From This Moment On: Two Kings Meadow Novellas. One of the stories is set in 1932, the other in 2015. While writing the first novella, Bible and a .44, I came across one really interesting food choice that was served during the Great Depression. See if it stands out to you in this post. (There's a hint in my title.) In the mountains of Idaho during the Great Depression, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: History

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