Hello InspyRomancers! I have a big question for you today. Sneak peeks—yes or no? More specifically speaking, as a reader, do you like to read excerpts or sample chapters from a book that hasn’t been released yet? I’ve asked this question to my reader group before and was surprised to discover that some readers prefer […]
Meant to Be Together (And a Giveaway!)
Last week, I learned a new word: shipping. Not the kind that has to do with boats and sailing the seven seas, but with romance. For context, about a month ago, I got into a video game my children and husband really enjoy. The game is visually incredible, has a deep and touching story, and […]
My (Lazy) Hero
Most heroes don’t stay seated when someone rings their doorbell. Most heroes don’t have a butt dent in their sofa. Most heroes don’t work at night so they can sleep the day away. Kai Kamaka from Husband Auditions is not most heroes. It’s been interesting to hear reader reactions to writing a lazy hero. Some […]
Finishing Well
Happy Back to School Bash month! It’s always a fun time when we have our group giveaways. :) Since we had such a fun conversation last month regarding puzzles, I thought I’d update you on how it was going. Finished! Don’t you love it? (There are 2 pieces missing!) It did take me the […]
My (Almost) College Romance
The months of August and September are filled with back to school. My social media feeds are packed with “First day of school” pictures, teacher gifts, and posts about ridiculously long carpool lines. As a homeschool mom, fall makes me want to buy school supplies and I keep hoping someone will send a bouquet of […]
Interview with a Cowboy
Valerie: Today I’d like to introduce you all to Nathaniel Cavanagh. Welcome to Inspy Romance, Nathaniel! Nathaniel: Hi, uh, you forgot to tell me this crowd was mostly women. But I see a guy or two here, too, so I’ll just focus on them for the moment. Valerie: Do women make you nervous? Nathaniel: Sort […]
Sunday Edition
Happy September! The photo in the header is an (admittedly bad) shot I took of some of the wind farms that are ubiquitous to Interstate 80 as you drive through Iowa. I spent some of my August driving my sister from Virginia to California in a van loaded up with all her worldly possessions. It’s […]
Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend
The most difficult part of writing books isn’t always writing the book. In my three years in the indie author community, I’ve learned that we all have our strengths and weaknesses. Some authors excel at marketing their books. Some can write and publish a new book every month. Some write fantastic, memorable stories that remind […]
Why Contemporary? and a #giveaway
Have you ever found yourself wanting to read a certain genre more than others? Obviously, since you’re here, you love Contemporary Christian Romance. Right? But I have a confession. I prefer to read historical. What? But you write contemporary! I know. But just look at my bookshelf. Besides how messy it is, what do you […]
Getting to the Wedding (+giveaway)
We’re romance fans, we know the formula. First comes love, then comes marriage. Somewhere in between we get the kiss and the wedding. I was only two when Diana married Prince Charles and Luke wed Laura on General Hospital, but trust me when I say that my memories do, in fact, go back that far. […]