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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Those Brooding but Charming Heroes – #Giveaway
I love reading and writing about spirited heroines and brooding, but charming heroes. Maybe that’s why I’m a fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Haven’t read the book in a long while–need to do that again!–but in the past several months, I’ve managed to watch both the BBC version and the later feature […]
Love in the Kitchen (+giveaway)
Did you know September 10-16 is Chef Appreciation Week this year? How exciting is that?! I know, I know, it’s back-to-school season, but I’ve already written a back-to-school post. Yeah, I’ve already written a food post too, but this time I thought it would be fun to talk about those who fulfill our fictional food […]
An Interview with a Hollywood Heartthrob
Hello, readers! Welcome to another edition of I Heart Hollywood, where today we’ll be interviewing one of your favorites stars from the silver screen: Lincoln Cash. For those of you not familiar with his work, Lincoln has starred in many movies and popular TV shows over the years, including everything from futuristic dystopian TV sagas, […]
Working Together
Can I be honest here? I hate group projects. There. I said it. It’s the way I’ve felt all my life. In school, growing up, I dreaded when the teacher would tell us we had to do something with other students. Especially if those other students didn’t pull their weight. I just tend to work […]