Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Out-of-Control TBR Piles: The Effects on Readers AND Authors

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I recently posted this graphic on my Facebook Page and asked readers about their To-Be-Read (TBR) Piles. At the time I posted, I had about 5 or 6 books waiting for me to read (both on Audible and on my shelf). I’m always somewhat giddy when I have a stack of really good books awaiting me, books I know I’ll enjoy, books I can’t wait to get to. Don’t you agree there’s something pleasurable in … [Read more...]

A Half Empty Nest

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This past summer was a challenging one for me in many ways. I shared about some of my earlier difficulties in this post here. After experiencing torrential rainfall in our town and almost two feet of flooding in our basement, I can empathize to a small degree with the Houston flood victims. It’s tough and the drying out and rebuilding is very time-consuming. Most recently, we had a couple … [Read more...]

One Way to Battle the Smartphone Obsession

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I read a disturbing article this week in The Atlantic by Jean M. Twenge called, “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” The article cites many problems that have arisen in what she calls the iGen (kids born between 1995 and 2012) as a result of their obsession with their smartphones: an increase in depression and loneliness, higher suicide rates, remaining more dependent upon parents, a … [Read more...]

Do Writers Get Better the Longer They Write?

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“The more you do something, the better you get at it.” We’ve probably all heard that at one time or another. But is it really true? Especially when it comes to writing? Can we honestly say that the more an author writes, the better they’ll get? I’d like to believe that the longer I write and the more books I have under my belt, the better I’ll get. But is it true? Recently, I read a … [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...]

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