Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Writing Historicals: Balancing Fact with Fiction

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If you’ve read my novels, you know I particularly like to write about the romances of true couples from history. Over the past couple of years, I’ve branched into writing true historicals (versus more of the “inspired-by” that I did earlier). Last year, I published Luther & Katharina a historical based on the love life of the monk Martin Luther and his bride, a runaway nun named Katharina von … [Read more...]

A Visit to my Publisher

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Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Bloomington, MN and the home of Bethany House Publishing. I had only visited once before, back in 2009, right after I signed my first publishing contract. In January. With snow piled higher than I was tall along the sides of the roads. This time, the sun was shining and temps were in the mid-sixties. It was a glorious visit. And not just because of the … [Read more...]

Entertainment for the Novelist

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The fall television season is upon us. Recently, I posted on Facebook about my excitement regarding the return of Poldark (Season 2) to PBS on Sunday nights. If you haven't seen the show, you should. I believe you can still stream the first season on Amazon Prime. Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark is reason enough to watch it. LOL! Anyway, someone on Facebook asked me if I watch movies and TV show … [Read more...]

The Hardest Book I’ve Ever Written (Plus a Giveaway!)

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I’m super excited about the release of my next book, Newton and Polly, which hits shelves Sept. 20, next Tuesday!! This is another historical fiction in the same vein as Luther and Katharina. And this one is about another hero of the faith, the writer of Amazing Grace, John Newton the atheist slave trader, and his beloved bride Polly Catlett. One of the things I really enjoy doing with my … [Read more...]

How Do Authors Keep Coming Up With Book Ideas?

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One of the most common questions that readers ask writers is: "How do you keep coming up with book ideas? I just don't understand how you can find so many different stories to write." I recently finished writing my third book this year and am in the process of plotting another. You’d think my mind would be blank, that my creative juices would be sucked dry, that I’d have nothing … [Read more...]

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