Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Reading Therapy to Relieve Pandemic Stress

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I've been blessed to have a job that still keeps me working 8-5 during the pandemic (not the writing gig, but that's going, too - ha!), so I have not had as much home at time as some. I have not accomplished a single spring cleaning item, nor have I organized any closets or garage shelves. What I have made time for is a little escapism through reading. Besides watching DVDs and playing board games … [Read more...]

I’m supposed to be editing…

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I've got edits back on my next book. I also have a book releasing in three weeks on April 7th. I'm so excited about Flight Risk! I can't wait to read your reactions to Savannah and Jett's story. It was a fun...and challenging...one to write with so many layers. From family friction for Savannah to a plane crash to a race to find truth in a fake news world, there's a lot happening. I've … [Read more...]

What Causes a Reading Slump?

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Every year I keep a running total of the number of books I read over on Goodreads. Unfortunately, the number of books I read this year is slightly lower than the past few years. I’ve still read 42 and have time to squeeze in a couple more. But that number is eighteen less than the 60 of the previous year. Why didn’t I read as many books in 2019? As I thought about that question, it occurred to … [Read more...]

5 Ways to Get Teens to Put Down Their Phones and Pick Up a Book

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1. Model a Love of Reading First, if we want our teens to read, then they need to see us as adults doing it. We have to make a conscious effort to limit our own time on Netflix or Hulu and spend time reading instead. If we don’t do it (and love it!), how can we expect them to?  2. Make Reading Cool Point out the many cool people who are already reading for the fun of it. Give them … [Read more...]

Tea and Chocolate

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The two things that pair best with books, in my opinion, are tea and chocolate. Dark chocolate, in particular. And black tea sweetened with honey. Whether I'm reading or writing, tea and chocolate (individually or together) always seem to heighten my bookish experience. Earlier this summer, I had the chance to visit Victoria, British Columbia for a couple days on the way to drop off my … [Read more...]

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