Carolyn Astfalk's Blog, page 43

Contemporary Romance with an Inspirational Twist: Author Interview with Nicole Deese

The Promise of Rayne is such a well-written, tightly-woven novel. One of the things that struck me most was how well the themes, faith messages, and character resolutions were integrated in the final chapters. How hard do you work at that and how much comes about through the mysterious process of creation?

Ya know, I often have a theme in mind before I type the words Chapter One. That said, I never fully know how that theme is going to play out until after I near the halfway point of my first draft. In The Promise of Rayne, where one of the major plot themes in the book is love your enemy, I honestly didn’t know (insert the big twist/spoiler here!) when I started writing. Like, I had no clue! So, I think for me it’s about 50/50. I usually start with an idea of what I’d like to see happen during the big climax moment of the book (usually around the 75% mark). But as I write, and as I discover more about my characters and their individual wounds, personality types, and journeys, that little idea will eventually take on a whole new shape.

The setting itself, the Shelby Lodge in Idaho, is akin to its own character in The Promise of Rayne. Lenox too, in your Love in Lenox series, has a unique charm that is integral to the story. What real-life places have inspired you?

Great question! For my Love in Lenox novels, I based the town of Lenox on the sweetest (real life) mountain town of Sisters, Oregon. Since I grew up in Eugene, Oregon, I visited Sisters often (population: 2000) on my way to summer camp. But every time I passed through it, I imagined what it would be like to live there.

Similarly, there is a DARLING little town in Idaho located about forty-five minutes north of me—Sandpoint, Idaho (population: 7000). And seriously, I tell my husband often how I want to put our house on the market and move there. It’s full of fun restaurants and art shops and the best farmer’s market in the world. The population triples every summer because of the gorgeous mountain and water views—much like my fictional town of Shelby Falls.

Your books vary widely, but in each the reader discovers a strong yet vulnerable heroine and an honorable and steadfast hero. How do you continue to develop characters who exhibit such likable qualities yet grow, change, and remain unique?

I think it’s important for characters to exhibit strengths and weaknesses alike, otherwise they won’t feel real to a reader. Which means no connection. For me, the process of characterization starts by understanding who my hero and heroine were before my story begins. If I don’t have a grasp on their personal wounds, struggles, and/or belief systems, then I won’t be able to show a believable path of growth. It’s critical I understand what they came from so I can understand where they are going. Consequently, I believe all of us in the non-fictional world have more than a few likeable qualities—even those of us who are calloused by the hurts and heartaches of life. The start of a new book is not usually the start of a new character. It’s actually just the start of a new journey.

In each of your novels is a faith theme, developed subtly and delivered gently. They are obviously Christian themes, but they have a universal appeal, I think, that non-Christians or at least non-readers of Christian fiction, could readily appreciate. In your mind’s eye, who is your audience?

Thank you, Carolyn. That’s a really sweet compliment. My prayer at the beginning of every new writing endeavor is that God will help me create characters who feel relatable to my reader—no matter where they are on their personal faith journey. It’s truly a joy to receive positive feedback from someone who doesn’t normally gravitate toward the inspirational genre.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on the third book in the Love in Lenox novels. Yep, I’ve headed back to my cute little town in the mountains of Eastern Oregon. This is a sparky love story between an uptight single dad who’s struggling to connect with his son and an artsy free-spirit who charms her way into the center of their lives … and their hearts.

Website: http://www.nicoledeese.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicoledeeseauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicoledeese

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nicoledeese/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6878628.Nicole_Deese

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoledeeseauthor/

Nicole Deese

My review of   The Promise of Rayne .

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Top 10 Tuesday: Reasons You Should Read Intermission NOW

Serena Chase’s contemporary Young Adult inspirational romance novel Intermission releases today on Kindle. This book quickly became one of my favorite novels of the year!

Sixteen-year-old Faith Prescott eagerly awaits the day she will exchange her small Iowa hometown for the bright lights of Broadway, but her success-driven parents want her to pursue a more practical career, labeling “artsy” people—including their daughter—as foolish dreamers worthy of little more than disdain.
When Faith meets nineteen-year-old Noah Spencer she discovers someone who understands her musical theatre dreams . . . because he shares them.
Faith’s mother despises everything about Noah—his age, his upbringing . . . even his religious beliefs—and she grasps at every opportunity to belittle his plans to study theatre and pursue a stage career. When those criticisms shift further toward hostility, resulting in unjust suspicions and baseless accusations, an increasingly fearful stage is set for Faith at home, where severe restrictions and harsh penalties are put in place to remove Noah Spencer from her life.
But Faith has never connected with anyone like she has with Noah, and no matter how tight a stranglehold her mother enforces to keep them apart, Faith will not give him up. Behind the curtain, Faith’s love for Noah continues to grow . . . as does her determination to hold on to her dreams—and him—no matter how high the cost.

Here, in no particular order, are ten reasons you shouldn’t waste another second in getting a copy of this stellar book:

Noah – Noah is irresistible. He’s handsome, sure, but that’s not his greatest appeal. Above all, he’s virtuous. He’s also hardworking, humble, respectful, honest, and courageous. He’s conscious of his flaws, and he loves selflessly. His passions are guided by strength of character. He’s the real deal.
Showtunes – My knowledge of musical theater is limited to my four years of experience in high school stage crew, but even I appreciated the winks at musicals and showtunes. True theater geeks will lap this book up!
Virtue – Virtue is treated with respect by the main characters. It’s admired, not mocked. Its worth is cherished, and the struggle to attain it is not diminished.
A Tearjerker – Intermission is my favorite kind of book, the gut-wrenching kind of the highest caliber that rips my heart out. I had to fight back tears while reading in public. Some scenes left me bereft, some cheering, but none of them forced me to suspend my disbelief. This story rings true.
Exposes abuse – Faith experiences real abuse at the hands of her mother. It’s mostly emotional abuse, and its effect is real and damaging to faith and to Noah. Physical abuse isn’t the only abuse that leaves a mark.
Christianity – The characters’ faith isn’t flimsy; it’s authentic and multidimensional. Conversion is handled deftly and the struggle to do right is treated as the difficult thing that it often is. Sometimes the path to holiness is one step forward and two steps back.
Beautiful prose – The writing is excellent with some beautiful quotes such as the one featured in the image above: “I want to live the life I’ve been called to live, in the way I’ve been called to live it. I want to use the gifts God has given me.”
The Arts – The arts are valued, as are the real work and dedication required to excel at them. Creative ability isn’t a second class gift. It doesn’t have to be relegated to a hobby. It’s a vital part of life.
God’s timing – God’s timing is a factor, and sometimes, from our point of view, it stinks. Sometimes God’s plans are different from ours, and it stinks. Sometimes we can’t even fathom what God’s plan is. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t trust in Him all the same.
Humor – Although Intermission addresses serious issues and provokes tears, it’s not maudlin. There’s enough levity (and sweet, young love) to keep the subject matter from bringing you down.

Bonus: Noah’s favorite gum is Big Red, the only gum worth chewing, in my opinion.

My full review on Goodreads.

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Ornamental Graces Blog Tour

The blog tour for my inspirational Christmas romance begins today! I’m thankful for the bloggers below who so graciously agreed to participate. I hope you will visit their blogs not only for reviews, author and character interviews, giveaways, and more, but also to enjoy their writing as well!

Check back throughout the week as I update links and add snippets of reviews!

Blog Tour
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14
CATHOLIC FIRE (Jean Heiman)
VIRGINIA LIETO *Giveaway*
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
THERESA LINDEN
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
SARAH DAMM *Giveaway*
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17
CATHOLICMOM.COM (BARB SZYSZKIEWICZ)
THERESE HECKENKAMP
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18
PLOT LINE AND SINKER (ELLEN GABLE)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
THE WRITINGS OF A.K. FRAILEY  (ANN FRAILEY)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
ERIN MCCOLE CUPP
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21
TERRY’S THOUGHTS (TERRY HOUCHIN)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22
A SEEKING HEART (ALLISON GINGRAS)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23
FRANCISCAN MOM (BARB SZYSZKIEWICZ)


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Seven Quick Takes

Autumn in the Park Edition

We took advantage of spectacular autumn weather and a day off of school by spending some time in a local park and on the adjoining walking/biking trail. (Never mind that I spent a small part of the afternoon scraping waterfowl feces from the treads of four pairs of shoes with a toothpick.) Our morning, in pictures:

–1–

A picture perfect day.

 

 –2–

Leaves on the water.

–3–

Hungry ducks approach, anticipating food.

Hungry ducks wait.

Hungry ducks cannot read.

Hungry ducks leave, disappointed.

–4–

Canadian snow geese.

–5–

Turkey tails.

–6–

View from the base of the trunk.

–7–

An itty bitty waterfall.

 

###

For more Quick Takes, visit This Ain’t the Lyceum.

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Have Mercy!

Can you hear those words delivered by John Stamos, aka Jesse Katsopolis? I can. In fact, it seems like everywhere I’ve turned these last months, I’ve heard and read “Have mercy.”

Maybe it’s me. Did you ever notice how once you discover something or purchase something, it’s everywhere, bringing on either affirmation or remorse? More than likely, nothing’s changed but you; you’re now attuned and alert to whatever it is. Maybe that’s what’s going on with me and mercy. Or maybe there’s something to this Jubilee Year of Mercy. Or maybe God’s trying to tell me something.

The older I grow, the more my personal justice scale tips toward mercy. I’d like to think it’s due to maturity. Perhaps wisdom. More than likely it’s that at midlife, my interest in mercy rather than justice has become personal.

The older I grow, the more my personal justice scale tips toward mercy. Tweet This

Personalizing mercy is how, many years ago, I reconciled my opinions about capital punishment to the Church’s teaching (helped along by Pope St. John Paul II). When my earthly life ends, I’m a hundred percent certain it’s mercy I’ll be seeking, not justice.

I can’t say I took full advantage of Pope Francis’s gift of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which concludes on November 20. I came to it rather late, pushing myself to release during this special year. It’s only one of the books I’ve read recently in which mercy is a dominant theme. In the last month alone, I can think of three other mercy-themed books: The Wood’s Edge by Lori Benton; The Promise of Rayne by Nicole Deese; and the forthcoming ‘Tis the Season by Olivia Folmar Ard. Each of these books tackle forgiveness and mercy among family members and family. And, as in Ornamental Graces, being merciful with oneself.

I’ve also enjoyed a nonfiction book based on St. Faustina’s Divine Mercy devotion, Divine Mercy for Moms by Michele Faehnle and Emily Jaminet. This book is perfect for the busy mom trying to incorporate divine mercy into her life and that of her family’s by simple, do-able actions.

In a world in which we’re quick to judge, on the eve of a contentious presidential election, I think we could all use a little more mercy in our lives. The bumper sticker says, “If you want peace, work for justice,” but if you want mercy, show mercy. And seek it out.

How have your views on justice and mercy evolved over time?

How has the Jubilee Year of Mercy touched your life?

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An Open Book

 

Welcome to the November 2016 edition of An Open Book, hosted both at My Scribbler’s Heart AND CatholicMom.com!

November already! In this part of the world, it’s the ideal time to curl up with a book on a cold night. I prefer mine with a giant mug of herbal tea.

My husband, still using trial and error to perfect his home brewing methods, has been reading How to Brew by John J. Palmer.  Some, my husband says, is beyond him, as it is heavily laden with chemistry. He muttered something about an endothermic reaction. I loved chemistry, but it’s been a long time since I studied it, so his words rolled over me. He’s using the book as a reference to learn-by-doing regarding mash and sparge. (Yeah, your guess is as good as mine.)

I am about a third of the way through The  Wood’s Edge by Lori Benton, a book that’s been waiting patiently on my Kindle for a very long time. I’ve heard exclusively good – very good – things about this novel. The premise is a British officer during the French and Indian War swaps his dead newborn son for a living, breathing half-Indian twin born in the same fort amidst the chaos of battle. There’s a bit more to it than that, but the novel then proceeds to follow both families as the children grow and the fathers in particular live with the effects of this heinous crime. The writing is excellent. The book skips ahead a lot, and I’m thrown a bit by the dates at the beginning of each chapter, but that’s a minor criticism. (It would be simpler for me if it listed the date and then, “x years later.” That way I wouldn’t have to keep electronically flipping through chapters to get my timeline straight.)

I’m also reading selections from Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe, which is only $1.54 on Kindle! Knowing how much I liked Poe, my husband bought me both this book and Tales and Poems many years ago. Mine are 4×6-inch hardcovers with gold edging and ribbon bookmarks, but I see both books have been published and re-published in a variety of formats. I think this linked leather-bound edition that came out days ago would be a treasure to read and enjoy. I first read Poe in high school, and he’s always been one of my favorite American authors. My visit to his grave in Baltimore is long overdue.

The Challenger Disaster by TimMcNeese is being lugged around (though it’s a slim paperback) in my son’s backpack. It seems odd that he’s reading a historical book about something I remember quite well. The book includes how NASA recovered and learned from the tragedy. He has an interest in astronomy and space exploration, and this book will help fulfill his eighth-grade reading requirement for an informational book.

My daughter was forced to take a break from reading Trixie Belden because the next book in the series is not available in our local libraries or direct from Amazon. Maybe she’ll receive some books in the series for Christmas. In the meantime, I started her on the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. When I went digging in the attic, I should have brought out Little House in the Big Woods, which is where I think the series begins. Instead, I grabbed one of our library-sale editions with a “1” written on the spine. It was Little Town on the Prairie, so that’s what she’s reading. Oops. I read them all out of order, so I think she’ll manage. Sadly, she told me she mentioned the book to her friends at school, and none of them had heard of the books. Yikes! Granted, in the 1970s, we had the television series to help promote the books, but I would hope that even today, new generations of girls get to enjoy Laura Ingalls Wilder’s stories.

In advance of an event at our local library, I’ve been reading Skippyjon Jones and Skippyjon Jones in the Dog House, both by Judy Schachner, to my two youngest children. These are hands-down my favorite books to read aloud. The writing is snappy, the stories clever and witty, and a joy to read – with accents, singing, and clapping in the appropriate spots. The illustrations are fun and lively as well. In November, Judy Schachner will be signing books at our library. Registered families (that includes us!) will receive a free copy of Skippyjon Jones Snow What to keep. There will also be kids’ crafts after the program. I’m looking forward to it!

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Want more details on An Open Book? You can also sign up for An Open Book reminder email, which goes out one week before the link-up. No blog? That’s okay. Just tell us what you’re reading in the comment box.

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Commemorating Pregnancy Loss

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. While it’s the last day of October, it seems fitting to me to write about it today, All Hallow’s Eve, the precursor to All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

Photo by Sepp. (pixabay)

I don’t have any great wisdom to share. I don’t generally like to offer advice. I do, however, know intimately the pain of pregnancy loss. Every day, I remember the three babies we lost, even though those pregnancies ended in 2010 and 2006.

One blessing of those losses was the empathy it created in me for others who have lost babies, born and unborn. Whenever I’ve shared anything about my miscarriages, I’ve discovered many other friends who have  experienced similar losses.

Here are some things I’ve learned:

No matter how many living babies you have, you will grieve the baby you lost as the unique blessing that he or she was.
Naming the baby, whether you knew the gender or not, preserves the baby’s unique identity, and, I think, creates a special bond with that baby.
Regardless of how short an earthly life may be, a soul is eternal.
Patience is required in dealing with your other children. For example, our oldest, barely three when I had my first miscarriage, suggested that in lieu of a new baby we plant a tree instead. To two grieving parents, it seemed a callous remark to make, but was surely made from innocence, ignorance, and a desire to comfort his parents.

To everyone who has lost a baby, whatever the circumstances, I offer both my sympathy and prayers. Every life, no matter how short, has meaning.

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Tuesday Talks: Halloween Reads

Making videos is a little bit like exposure therapy for me. Maybe if I create videos more frequently, I’ll not only learn what I’m doing (note to self: record in HD), but get more comfortable watching myself on video. So, since one of my unwritten writing-related goals for the years was to put more videos on my YouTube Channel, and it’s nearly the end of October, what better time to link up with Tuesday Talks (over on Goodreads) than now?

Today’s topic: Favorite books to read for Halloween.

For your convenience, here are the books I mentioned:

Tales & Poems by Edgar Allan Poe (available in a variety of editions)

Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe (available in a variety of editions)

Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier

Frozen Footprints by Therese Heckenkamp

Crazy, Sexy Ghoulish by G. G. Andrew (I think this may be perma-free.)

Honor at Stake by Declan Finn

The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano

The Half Killed by Quenby Olson

Do you have any Halloween reading suggestions?

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Image and Likeness: Literary Reflections on the Theology of the Body

Today is the feast day of my favorite saint – St. John Paul II. There are so many things to love about this man. His lifestyle and his personalist approach made him relatable. His love for hiking, skiing, poetry, and drama, as well as his experience in Poland during and after World War II, make him a remarkable and fascinating man. His love, as evidenced in all that he did, is a stellar example of what it means to be a Christian, including the sacrificial nature of the universal call to holiness. So, what better day than today for Full Quiver Publishing to release Image and Likeness: Literary Reflections on the Theology of the Body?

Why a fiction collection? Erin McCole Cupp and Ellen Gable have put together a tremendous collection by authors as varied as they are talented. In coming days, they will be sharing interviews with those authors that answer (among other things) why fiction? You can find a selection of quotes on the collection’s website, but here’s just one example:

 

All art is evangelical. Image and Likeness, Theology of the Body #shortreads #TOBTweet This

Here’s my own take on “why fiction?” that I shared on my Facebook page:

I’m disappointed when people dismiss fiction as irrelevant or somehow less important than nonfiction. Fiction can be powerful, powerful stuff. It has a rightful place next to nonfiction even when it comes to catechesis and evangelization.

For more information on Image and Likeness, including author interviews, keep tabs on the collection’s website. You can also join the discussion at the Image and Likeness Facebook Launch Party on Thursday, October 27, 2016 from 8:00 – 10:00 EDT. Take a look at all the books authors have donated as party favors!

Image and Likeness: Literary Reflections on the Theology of the Body edited by Erin McCole Cupp and Ellen Gable

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even if you’ve read St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body from start to finish and a half-dozen nonfiction books about it on the side, I guarantee this collection of shorts will uncover the teachings in ways you hadn’t considered. It will challenge you in unexpected ways. One or two (or more) of the stories may make you uncomfortable. While the writing is polished, the varnish coating the darkness of our lives is stripped, laying bare the truths written on our heart and the lies we tell with our bodies.

Recommended for reading, reflection, discussion, and even entertainment. A gritty but beautiful introduction not only to the Theology of the Body as it is lived (or rejected), but also to the breadth and promise of Catholic fiction being written by contemporary authors. These shorts are accessible to any careful reader, whether familiar with the Theology of the Body or not.

(I received an advance copy. I am contracted by Full Quiver Publishing for other projects, but had no part in Image and Likeness. Opinions expressed are purely my own.)

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Small Success Thursday

Why small success? Because that’s the only kind I know! Even the big ones come in small steps. Here’s my paltry offering for the week:

Reduced the email clutter – I got our email inbox on our home computer down from more than 11,000 emails to under 400. You read that right – 11,000! And that’s an inbox I tended to daily, deleting spam and various other messages and filtering others into appropriate folders. It took a couple of weeks of daily devotion, but I did it. I plan to maintain the comparatively low number of messages by regularly purging.

Creeping up again. Oh, no!

The semiannual clothes switch – I’m more than halfway through switching the kids’ clothes to the appropriate season and size. I still have to do inventory and make a shopping list for the older kids, but the two youngest now have access to long pants and long sleeves. Which means, of course, the day after said switch, Indian Summer arrived, and temperatures soared into the 80s. Regardless of temperature, the switch did solve the five-year-old’s chronic case of plumber’s crack.

Size 4T girl’s clothes, ready for storage.

Creating some consistency in my prayer life – I’ve been struggling with maintaining any type of interior prayer life for years. Outside of prayers before meals and family prayers at bedtime, I’ve been hit or miss with any type of prayer other than the spontaneous-type that arises according to circumstances. However, with my Pray: the Catholic novena app, the family rosary that came home from school, a concerted effort to pray The Morning Offering, and Divine Mercy for Moms, I feel more connected to God and my faith than I have for a long time.
Delicious dinner – I’ve been flying by the seat of my pants a lot for dinner lately, which doesn’t always work out so well. Last night’s dinner, however, was delicious, if I do say so myself. Sweet Italian sausage, baked acorn squash, broccoli and cauliflower straight from the farm, and fresh applesauce from the orchard. It tasted like fall!

Photo by genniebee512 (Pixabay)

Book launch – I successfully got my new book, Ornamental Graces, launched. This counts as a large success, but it was made up of many small ones: navigating formatting, cover design, and Createspace and Kindle Direct Publishing for the first time along with many, many other tasks.

That’s all I’ve got. Celebrate more small successes over at CatholicMom.com.

Have you had any small successes this week?

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