Have you ever read a book and scratched your head at a familiar reference you couldn’t quite place? You’ve read it somewhere before, maybe in another work from that author. Perhaps what you’ve stumbled over is an author’s hidden gem, otherwise known as a nod, a wink, or an easter egg (I’m not capitalizing here […]
When the Cover is Made Before the Book
The person who said “a picture is worth a thousand words” had clearly not met an author who buys pre-made book covers. In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, a pre-made book cover is one that a designer has made without being commissioned by an author or a publishing house. It’s a cover that’s waiting […]
Where to Next?
I spent last week sorting and shifting rooms around and packing up my daughter to move out of home for university studies. It was tiring, especially with my husband and son working interstate, so a lot of it fell on my shoulders. (Sometimes literally. Hello, old primary school books!) But in the midst of rediscovering […]
A Different Date
Just over twenty-four years ago, I was a freshman in college. I had taken my huge art project (because I started as an art major) out to the dorm lobby for company and because I could spread out on one of the tables. It was shortly before Christmas and we were all ready for finals […]
Inspy Romance
As I was considering the topic for this month’s Inspy Romance blog, my mind wandered to the title of the blog itself. What does it mean that I write Inspy romance? Inspirational? Christian? What defines my novels as compared to others on the market? What do readers expect when they pick up a book written […]
Why I Love Writing Hockey Romance
Next week sees the release of my eight Christian hockey romance title, The Love Penalty. This is the second book in my new hockey series Northwest Ice, and follows the success of the Original Six series, which was based on the cities where pro hockey was first played in North America. In the past year […]
Happy New Reading!
I always enjoy the start of a new year. It’s like what’s said in Anne of Green Gables – “there’s no mistakes in it – yet.” I’m not really one for making New Year’s resolutions, although in The Breakup Project I wrote about a woman who does, which includes (among other things) the resolution to […]
Walking the Tightrope: Exploring Realistic Themes in Christian Romance
I’m going to make an assumption. You wouldn’t be reading an article on the InspyRomance blog unless you like Christian romance on some level. This post is not for people who already dismiss Christian romance as spiritual junk food: escapist, lightweight, and shallow. But you’re not like that, right? You believe that most Christian romance […]
What’s Your Ideal Series Length?
Greetings! Today I’m coming at you with another question from an author who wants to know what readers think: what is YOUR ideal series length for Christian contemporary romance books? I love writing in series. I’m pretty sure it was Narelle Atkins who first encouraged me to write books in series, and now I’m wholly […]
Escaping into Christmas
Do you ever just want to escape? Whether from life’s daily grind or anxiety from the seemingly endless conflict and suffering in our world, I often need a break. While escapism isn’t always the answer—we need to sometimes take action and always remain prayerful—finding ways to unwind helps with my stamina and renewal of spirit. […]