Lisa Bergren developed the series concept after reading The Da Vinci Code, and thinking long and hard about the things she both loved (pacing, mystery, suspense) and hated (heresy that made her want to throw it against a wall). She also was heavily influenced by the Lord of the Rings trilogy on film—the grandeur of an epic story, with a …

Here are Allison Wilson, our wonderful conference assistant, and Sydney Zech, the conference coordinator. Without Allison and Sydney, there wouldn’t be a conference.Here’s a bag from last year, being used at the hotel. And a group of volunteers helping set up the bookstore. Cara Putman, Camy Tang, Stuart Stockton and Tiff Stockton.The wonderful advisory board: Brandilyn Collins, Rachel Hauck, Gail …

The conference got off to a fabulous start with the early bird sessions. Allen Arnold (Thomas Nelson Fiction Publisher), Jennifer Deshler (Thomas Nelson Marketing Director) and David Uttely led the professional early bird. The discussion revolved around creating a brand through marketing, packaging, and knowing who we are and what we write. It was a lively session! Then, over 100 …

I’ve landed in Dallas and am at the conference. Don’t know how much time I’ll have to post this week, but I wanted to post information on the next book I’m giving away, Fearless by Robin Parrish. Leave a comment during the rest of this month, and you will be entered in the Contests for this and other books. One …

Barbour was an absolute dream to work with on getting this cover. They sent me one option. I made a suggestion. They sent me THREE revised cover options. I made another suggestion. And now I have a cover that I absolutely love! Final galleys are in and to the printer. Last step: finished book. I can’t wait to hold the …

When I clerked for Judge Smith in D.C. I had something wonderful. Not just a fantastic job working with a brilliant man. Not just getting to write opinions that become part of the law of the land. Not just having a wonderful working schedule my first year out of law school. No, I had a chair that fit me. It …

Receiving a diploma from an accredited law school isn’t enough. Then we have to take the dreaded, feared bar exam. Huge intake of breath. The bar exam is HORRIBLE. I am licensed in two states: Virginia and Indiana. At the time I took the Virginia exam there were 20 some topics that could be on the 1 day state portion …

Thank you so much!!!! Canteen Dreams was selected to be one of two books in the ACFW bookclub during November. I am so excited! Thanks so much for your votes — I had 60% of the vote — this whole process reminded me how, hmm, competitive and, um, compulsive I am. Every time I begin to think I’ve gotten control …

Here’s the current list of authors signing books at the booksigning on September 22 at the ACFW conference: Vasthi Reyes Acosta Tamera Alexander Bill Andrews James Scott Bell Steve Bonenberger Molly Noble Bull Julie Carobini Jeanne Smith Cash Debbie Clopton Colleen Coble Brandilyn Collins Mary Connealy Katie Cushman Margaret Daley Mary Davis Susan Page Davis Mary DeMuth Brandt Dodson Lena …

Lots of great new books are out this month. Here’s a sampling. Happy reading! 1. A Big Apple Christmas by Vasthi Reyes Acosta, Gail Sattler, Lynette Sowell, and Carrie Turnasky from Barbour. A contemporary collection of four novellas that captures the sights and sounds of Christmas in New York City. 2. A Mommy In Mind, A Tiny Blessings Tale, Book …