Mama Says #32

Mama Says #32

Somehow we got to talking about dogs. My mom remarked on a purebred dog she had seen in the neighborhood that she thought was striking. And then she turned her attention to the mutt in her lap, adorable in his own way. She said, “When I got him, he was on his way to … [...]

Upcoming Events!

Olivia Newport Glessner House

If you’re in the Denver area, I will be signing copies of The Pursuit of Lucy Banning at the LifeWay store in Centennial, Colorado on Saturday, May 19 from 1:00–3:00. If you’re in the Chicago area, I will be at the Glessner House and Museum (scroll down on the Events listing) on Tuesday, June 5, [...]

4 Authors, 4 Books, 1 Epic Event

4 Authors, 4 Books, 1 Epic Event

Tomorrow night is the big night! Last Thursday evening, Katie Ganshert, Beth Vogt, Dani Pettrey and I gathered cyberly with Rel Mollet of RelzReviews on her brand spankin’ new website. We tried out all the pieces of our four-way launch party. Which is tomorrow night. Go here. We had a blast, which I’m sure is [...]

Mama Says #31

Mama Says #31

My mom has been a great companion on my journey to publishing fiction. She’ll listen to me prattle on about every phase and never once say, “You know, I’m not all that interested in the details.” A few weeks ago I was talking to her about the somewhat angst-filled process of asking people to endorse [...]

Celebrating My Book Launch

Celebrating My Book Launch

This is the place to be on May 15, 6:30-9:00 CST. So proud to be part of an internet launch like this one! Hop over to http://www.relzreviewz.com/ and save your spot.  You are cordially invited to: The Debutantes’ Story Soiree Put on your white gloves and your dancing shoes, and join us for the live [...]

Surgeries That Changed My Life, Part 4

Olivia Newport Surgeries That Changed My Life, Part 4

Ten years ago. One month, three surgeries. The first surgery was planned, carefully scheduled for my husband to recover in time to enjoy a robust family vacation. This surgery was meant to solve, once and for all, some issues that had plagued my husband for 35 years. I hoped it would keep him from being [...]

Mama Says #30

Mama Says #30

Don’t you hate it when you go to the dentist and come out in debt for a crown? Or you buy new tires and you cannot believe what they cost? Or your husband’s new glasses? Or what that simple landscaping project would come to? Or the home repair that you really have to do even [...]

Surgeries That Changed My Life, Part 3

Olivia Newport father in hammock

My dad had a heart attack while lifting a suitcase into the trunk of the car in my sister’s driveway. Certainly there are worse circumstances for this particular emergency, and I was grateful Dad could get immediate help and be surrounded by people who loved him. We were already worried about him before this happened. [...]

Mama Says #29

Mama Says #29

My mom will always listen to me talk about what I’d like to write about or how some experience or conversation makes me think of a story. And believe me, my brain is on ADD-inducing steroids when it comes to seeing random story ideas everywhere in everything. Often they turn into complete stories in my [...]

“What are you reading?”

Olivia Newport Lucy Banning cover

The official release date of The Pursuit of Lucy Banning is next Tuesday, May 1. The books are flowing through the distribution pipeline. Reviews will pop up soon. I’m flattered by the invitations I’ve received for interviews and guest posts. What a fun season to be a writer. I don’t even remember how we formed [...]