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...]

An Amazing Weekend

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This last weekend, I took my first writing-rated trip since before COVID hit, and it was a weekend worth waiting for even if it started with a delayed flight and ended with a cancelled one. I arrived in Minneapolis too late to join in the Bethany House author dinner, but my roomie, Regina Jennings, brought me a chocolate chip cookie that brought a touch of sweetness to my first night. Good … [Read more...]

Moving Forward

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For the first time in several years, I’m at the beginning of a story that will see publication. The blank page stares at me, mocking my previously noted ideas of character and plot. I have sudden urges to clean the house, reorganize my pantry, or go shopping. Even when I can hear the characters in my head and see the story taking place in my mind, putting those first words into black and white is … [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...]

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