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Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

ACFW Conference, Here I Come!

May 17, 2023 By D'Ann Mateer

For many consecutive years, both as a pre-published and newly published writer, I attended the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference. However, it has now been many years that I haven’t. Honestly, I can’t even remember the last time I went. But 2023 will be different, because I’ve registered to attend!  Why go back again? For one thing, I miss my writer friends. I don’t know … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Friendship, Writing Tagged With: ACFW, ACFW Conference

The unique challenges of writing out of order…

May 11, 2023 By Cara Putman

Last month I wrote a prequel to my next legal suspense. One challenge was that it was written AFTER the first book in the legal suspense series. I had/have a very detailed outline. It was why I could write the book so very fast. And I also had/have a detailed character study of the hero and heroine. But I heard from my editor last week and the heroine isn't quite working. I wasn't entirely … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: cara putman, giveaway, writing

What I Discovered in this Writing Season

May 3, 2023 By D'Ann Mateer

By the time you read this, I’ll be close to submitting the final edits of my final book in the Guideposts series Secrets from Grandma’s Attic. As I’m wrapping up this chapter (ha!) of my writing career, I’ve been looking back over the entire experience. The unexpected season has been instrumental in teaching me a few things about myself and my writing, so I thought I’d share those with you.  I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: Guideposts, historical fiction, season, writing

Research Decisions

April 21, 2023 By Robin Lee Hatcher

I’ve got a May deadline for a novel about the queen of Sheba. I don’t have an approved title yet from the publisher or I would share it. The last time I used a biblical setting, it was in Jesus’s day and the four Gospels were my main research resources. I had plenty of manners and customs books and foods of the Bible books, etc., but the Gospels were where I lived for the duration. Four … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Writing

A Collection of Historical Tidbits

April 6, 2023 By Karen Witemeyer

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...]

Filed Under: Books, History, Reading, Writing Tagged With: Historical Research, In Her Sights

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