Today I’m writing this post from a bus in Italy. It’s a fun and challenging experience. I hope you’ll forgive any typos! There is something about traveling that feeds my creativity. I’m sure I will post more when I’m not writing on my phone. But the colors. The architecture. The landscapes. The variety of dialects that I hear. All of it combines to fuel me and fill my cup. Add in … [Read more...]
What are You Passionate About? (an anniversary post)
This week I am celebrating two years as a blogger here on Inspired by Life...and Fiction. It has been such a wonderful experience to get to interact with our wonderful readers, and I am so honored to be a part of this group of amazing author friends. I could never blog every day (how do people DO that??) But being part of this group gives me a chance to share my heart (and a few more frivolous … [Read more...]
A (pre-)Valentine Givaway
Okay, so it isn't quite Valentine's Day, but I've been decluttering this year, cleaning out drawers and desks and cupboards, and when I came to my old 2015 calendar, it was just too pretty to throw away. So I made a garland of paper hearts from it, and that got me in the mood for Valentine's Day, which, quite honestly, is my favorite holiday of the year!I posted a few photos of my garland on … [Read more...]
Deadlines and Commitments
I just finished up a couple of books that were due right after Christmas. It's always a relief to finish a book and hit SEND on it but after writing back to back projects all of last year, this was something to celebrate. However, the week before my deadline I wondered if I'd ever finish and if I'd even make my word count. So I decided I needed a break and my husband and I took an afternoon off … [Read more...]
The Mystery in Writing
I'm racing to finish another book, and I'm deeply embroiled in thoughts of what makes a story work. Which reminds me of a favorite scene from the movie, Shakespeare in Love. It goes like this: Philip Henslowe: Mr. Fennyman, allow me to explain about the theatre business. The natural condition is one of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster. Hugh Fennyman: So what do we … [Read more...]