Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Unpack and Repack

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On Monday afternoon, my flight from Spokane touched down in Boise after five days and four nights at our annual brainstorming retreat. This was our 15th retreat, and every year they grow sweeter and sweeter. Yes, we brainstorm book ideas. We usually do a book each for nine novelists. We also have a couple of non-fiction writers who are with us. In addition to brainstorming, we share deep thoughts … [Read more...]

Three Ways Authors Can Keep Research Details From Boring Their Readers

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I always enjoy when I have the chance to talk with readers and book groups. Whether via a library presentation, through a Skype session, or in person, readers always ask me about my research: How do you do all your research? How much time does it take? Do you try to visit the places that you’re researching? Since I'm a historical writer, research is an integral part of my writing … [Read more...]

Time to Pull Weeds

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I know there are people who love to garden. They enjoy nurturing seeds, planting bulbs, and planning perennial beds so that gorgeous flowers flourish in every season. My neighbor is one of them. I walk past her home (in the photos above and below) and sigh with envy at her creativity and diligence. I am not one of those people. While I do love the end result when my garden looks pristine and … [Read more...]

A Favorite App plus Puppy Photos!

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Last week a PDF copy of my first pass pages of You're Gonna Love Me arrived in my inbox, with a print copy arriving at my door a few days later. Depending on the publisher, these can be called different things, but basically this is the author's last chance to catch typos and other errors in her manuscript before it goes to press. Although most authors probably still write their … [Read more...]

Think Outside The Alpha – And a Giveaway!!

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I admit it. My favorite part about writing romance novels is having control over the hero. Making him look the way I want him to look (Hugh Jackman, Chris Hemsworth, and Alex O'Loughin are frequently consulted), giving him rugged swagger and the skills to back it up, and best of all, giving him an honorable core and a soft heart that only the heroine can uncover beneath his gruff exterior. What … [Read more...]

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