Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Chat with a cover model

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I always enjoy chatting with the cover models for my books, and my conversation with Brit—who is on the cover of A Note Yet Unsung (February 2017)—was a delight. I asked her ten questions, and she has ten insightful and entertaining responses. Enjoy! Thanks, Brit, for joining us—and welcome!  1.      How did you become the cover model for A Note Yet Unsung, a Belmont Mansion novel (book … [Read more...]

5 Elements Sigh-Worthy Romance Novels Must Have

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Although I write historicals, I see myself as a romance writer at heart. Why? Well first, I love reading romances of any genre. This year some of my favorite romances have included contemporary romances like Robin Lee Hatcher’s Keeper of the Stars and Becky Wade’s Her One and Only. I’ve also enjoyed many young adult romances like Robin McKinley’s Beauty and Renee Ahdieh’s The Wrath and the … [Read more...]

This Empty Post is Brought to You By . . .

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. . . a 2,060 word, seven page (including citations) comparison essay of Stagecoach and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, entitled What Makes a Western Hero? I was still in my jammies at noon, having worked for over six hours on the essay, and I didn't realize I'd forgotten my regularly scheduled post until immediately after I submitted my finished paper. Since I am completely and thoroughly … [Read 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...]

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