Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

“When it rains, it pours.”

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“When it rains, it pours.” Yes, it’s a cliché. But it’s a good one. And according to Dictionary.com it means: “When something good or bad occurs, it usually occurs more than once and often within a short period of time.” So far this summer I’ve experienced the cliché in a bad way. I’ve had a deluge of difficulties. My month of June began with my twin daughters graduation from high school. … [Read more...]

Reasons Why Favorite Authors Disappoint Their Readers

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At the beginning of June, my 17th published book made its way into readers’ hands. In addition to 3 published novellas, that means I have 20 different works out there. I’m blessed to have faithful readers who have read everything I’ve written and who let me know how much they’ve enjoyed all my books. However, I know that not every book I write will resonate with all my readers. In fact, the … [Read more...]

New Release Celebration and a Giveaway!

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Thanks for joining me in the celebration of a book release! The first book in my new orphan train series, WITH YOU ALWAYS releases on June 6, and I’m celebrating by GIVING AWAY THREE COPIES of the book here on this blog! Each of the three novels in the series tackles a unique angle of the orphan train movement. In this first installment, the story centers around the placing out of women that … [Read more...]

7 Reasons Why I Stop Reading a Novel

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I've noticed over the past couple of years that I've developed an especially bad habit–I'm having a harder and harder time finishing novels that I pick up to read. I wasn't always so hard to please! There once was a time when I finished reading almost every book I started. But these days, my shelves (both real and virtual) are overflowing. I have plenty to read. But not enough time. And … [Read more...]

10 Traits That Are More Important Than Talent

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Very few people are born as child prodigies or with such exceptional talent that everything comes easily to them. From time to time, we hear of some pianist or gymnast or mathematician who completely stands out from everyone else. But the large majority of people don’t land on the planet with extraordinary talent. In fact, some of us may have pretty slim pickings when it comes to natural … [Read more...]

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