Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Family readers (and a Cyber Monday deal)

By

My family members were some of my earliest critics, reading my manuscript before I ever even tried to get published. Ken, the world's most supportive husband, first read the prologue of the manuscript that would become my first novel, A Vow to Cherish, and deeply encouraged me. I'm not sure I would have continued without his affirming words. But he gave me the courage with his words: "This is … [Read more...]

A Few Goals for 2018

By

The first month of the new year is awfully close to being over already. Amazing, isn't it? But it isn't too late for me to share a few of my goals for this year. So here goes: Read Through the New Testament Three Times In 1997, I began the practice of reading through the entire Bible in odd-numbered years and reading through the New Testament multiple times in even-numbered years. Last year I … [Read more...]

One Essential Way to Boost Productivity

By

Last year I hit a new record. I wrote five full-length novels. Three of the five were YA (Young Adult) books which are slightly shorter in length (and require less research) than my adult historicals. However, five is quite the accomplishment for me considering my busy schedule with five children and homeschooling. I’m often asked, “How do you do it?” I never have a perfect answer. Mostly … [Read more...]

Deadlines are my life lines and other musings

By

Hello! I'm a bit giddy since I just hit SEND on two big projects for two different publishers. For some strange reason that I have not figured out, I usually work on more than one manuscript at a time. This is fun and scary and somewhere mid-through I stop and have a mini-panic attack and think "I will never make these deadlines". But I always do, somehow. Chocolate helps. Caffeine definitely … [Read more...]

10 Writing Tips for Staying Focused

By

Are you list lover? I am.  I recently made a list of 10 truths that I've revisited recently in my own writing career in regards to staying focused and to "finishing the book!" But these are truths that also apply to life in general. Which of these 10 tips resonate with you?   Disconnect…and be disciplined about it— So easy to say, so hard to do.In my early years of writing there … [Read more...]

Monthly Archives

Blog Categories

Recent Posts

Disclosure

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the pages on this site may be "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, someone will receive an affiliate commission. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."