Becky Wade's Blog, page 110

Two MUST SEES on the Big Screen

Yesterday Joe and I had a mini-date and went to see Christmas with The Chosen, and oh… I cannot recommend it highly enough. If it’s in a theater near you (click the image to find out) and you have time to go, please do. Not only to support the series but because it is phenomenal! I loved every minute and am eager to see it again.

The movie is doing REALLY well in the theaters too, which is great to hear. It should be on The Chosen app soon, I think. Before Christmas, I’m betting (but don’t quote me).

I shed quite a few tears as the scenes unfolded (as did people around me, judging by the sniffling), and those scenes are still resonating inside me.

I’m so grateful for The Chosen and for how scores of people are coming to Christ because of its message, and are also gaining a deeper love for the Bible. Watching the series has certainly deepened my own love and appreciation for the living, breathing Word of God. If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, please enjoy…

As Joe and I were leaving the theater, I caught sight of another something special across the lobby!

Redeeming Love the movie—the novel based on Francine Rivers’ bestselling novel—opens in theaters on January 21, 2022, and I am so stinkin’ excited to see it! In fact, a dear friend and my two daughters and I already have tickets! Do you?

But the real question… How many times have you read Redeeming Love? I’ve read it at least 5 times over the past several years, and I know many of you have read it more than that!

Have you seen the trailer?

In celebration of the movie’s release, I’m giving away two copies each of three of Frani’s novels this month (one book each for six separate winners). Click the image below if you’re interested in entering to win.

ENTER TODAY TO WIN

Lastly, Becky (Wade) shared about the 2021 Christmas Blessing Giveaway last week—and you have 1 more day to enter! There are no hoops to jump through. You don’t have to sign up to receive 4,897 newsletters. You don’t even have to like us on BookBub. All you have to do to enter? Promise to pay forward a blessing during this Christmas season. That’s it!

LAST DAY TO ENTER!

I hope you’ll take a minute to enter. There are lots of fun gifts to win! PLUS! We’ve created a FREE recipe booklet with some of our favorite holiday recipes. Whether you enter the giveaway or not, you’re welcome to nab it!

I WANT THE FREE RECIPES! (Okay, stop shouting and nab ’em!)

Let me know if you’re planning to see Christmas with The Chosen or Redeeming Love in theaters—and I’d love to know what one of your favorite “go to” recipes is for the holidays. If you have a minute, share the recipe with us! I really appreciate having tried and true recipes from friends.

Now back to writing. I’m on the homestretch with another novel—my first contemporary (out next year)—and I’m busy wrapping things up, soooo ready to reach The End. But even more, to share this story with you.

Hugs from Nashville,

Tammy

Nice to Meet You!

Hello!  

First, let me thank my friend Lynn Austin, who for seven YEARS has filled this spot on the first and third Monday of every month. I am honored to follow in her experienced steps, and grateful for the opportunity to share some thoughts with you each month. Lynn, thank you for a job well done.  You will be missed. 

If we’ve never met—online or through the pages of a book—let me introduce myself. I’m Angela Hunt, Angie to everyone but salesmen and spammers, and I’ve been writing since 1983. I live with my youth pastor husband in Clearwater Florida, where I have pet chickens and mastiffs.  I also have the three most adorable grandkids in the world. 

Over the years I’ve written a little bit of everything and a LOT of some things, especially fiction.  I am fascinated by unexplained mysteries, theology, art, music, and why people act the way they do. I have a caboose in my front yard and a creek in the back, which is home to otters, turtles, and the occasional alligator. 

I have a couple of philosophies about writing—first, writing is what I do to find out what I believe—the stickier the topic, the more I enjoy the research.  Second, I’d rather my prose be effective than beautiful, though I am always happy to create an occasional beautiful phrase. 

Finally, one of my philosophies about LIFE is this: In John 17, Jesus prayed to His Father: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one.” 

I spent years in a “Christian bubble,” a world in which the only people I saw or met were church people. And when I realized how “bubble-bound” I had become, I began to venture outside my comfort zone—I stared a neighborhood book club, I began to volunteer at the SPCA, I attended parties with my neighbors on church nights—because that was when people were willing to socialize. I put what I learned in one of my novels, THE DEBT, because, as Jesus said, “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). 

COVID has changed a lot about how we interact with others, but if I can leave you with one thought, it is this: which friends of yours do not know Jesus? God has placed them in your life for a reason. Ask Him to reveal what that is.  

Until next time~~

Angie

2021 Christmas Scavenger Hunt Round-Robin: Under the Texas Mistletoe

Merry Christmas! Welcome to the Christmas Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt!

Here’s how it works: At each author’s blog post, you will find a question that can be answered by checking out the free Amazon preview of their book. Provide the answer at this form.

Note: You must answer the questions for every author in the round -robin to be considered to win the $250 first place, $150 second place or $100 third place Amazon gift cards. These prizes are USD values. If you are not a U.S. resident, you will get a gift card from the Amazon store for your country; however, it will be valued at these USD amounts.)

At the end of my post is a link to the next blog, where you will find a link to the next blog, etc., to the very end, creating a circle (a round-robin) visit through all of the authors’ blogs.

If you love historical romance with adventure, humor, and a heave dose of Christmas cheer, Under the Texas Mistletoe might be the perfect holiday read for you. This collection contains three novellas that are short enough to squeeze in among your holiday activities and long enough to provide a satisfying escape from the hustle and bustle.

In this 3-in-1 novella collection, you’ll find “A Texas Christmas Carol,” where a town’s wealthy, Scrooge-like bachelor finds his world invaded by a woman set on earning his donation for helping the local poor, and the penetrating questions of three mysterious visitors. It also includes, for the first time in print, “An Archer Family Christmas.” When the Archer clan gathers for the holiday, they encounter an unexpected request for help that will require all their effort and a Christmas miracle to see them through. In previously published “Gift of the Heart,” a widow uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local resort owner. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love this Christmas.

You’ll also find you’ll find a hope-filled Christmas devotion, holiday recipes, and fun facts about nineteenth-century Christmas celebrations!

The two most powerful words in a writer’s vocabulary are: What if? When it came time for me to brainstorm a new Christmas novella idea, my mind turned to the classics and those powerful two words – what if . . .

What if . . . the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol took place in 1890’s Texas instead of early 1800’s London?

What if . . . Scrooge’s transformation story was a romance?

What if . . . there was a London, TX? Oh, wait. There is!

What happened next was a whirlwind of fun that is now available as A Texas Christmas Carol the first story in the new collection – Under the Texas Mistletoe.

Let’s begin this scavenger hunt! Go to my book page on Amazon HERE, and use the Look Inside feature to find the answer to the following question.

What is the name of the town Scrooge?

When you have the answer, FILL OUT THIS FORM and head on to the next blog!

Thank you so much for visiting! The next author on the tour is Jeanette Hanscome, who is telling us all about her Christmas novella Gifts. You can find it at this link.

Remember that the round-robin will end on December 12th at 11:59 PM EST!

Inspired by Scripture

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.

Christmas Blessing Giveaway

To celebrate the season, twelve authors will be sending twelve readers a book and a gift! The only thing we’re asking readers to do to enter is pay a blessing forward.

Head here to see the gifts each author will be sending and to enter to win! As our present to every entrant, the participating authors put together a downloadable recipe book filled with our favorite holiday foods. So be sure to scroll down once you reach the landing page until you find the button to access the recipe book.

Tis the season for Christmas blessings!

6 Things I Tell Myself Once I’m Done Writing a Book

I just finished writing my last novel of 2021. I always feel like breaking into the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah after typing the last word of a book. However, as usual, right on the heels of my relief comes a burst of anxiety. I start second-guessing the plot, characters, and a hundred other issues. And then I wonder if I should just throw the whole thing in the trash.

Over the years, I’ve learned to talk myself off the ledge by telling myself these six things:

1. “Thank God for the editing process.” In fact, thank God for the MANY edits the book will undergo in the months to come, including my own self-editing as well as various levels of professional editing. Even though I’ve written over 30 previous books, I wouldn’t think for even one second about NOT putting every one of my books through the most stringent and vigorous editing process. In fact, I’ve learned to be grateful for the feedback that can make my books better.

2. “Wow. I actually made it to the end.” As I was writing this last book of the year, I felt the normal mid-book panic and asked myself questions like: Is the tension strong enough to keep readers moving? Where is this story taking me? Will I be able to wrap up the plot believably? I admit. I second-guess myself and my writing ability with almost every single book. So I feel satisfied at the end when somehow I manage to land the book at the destination without too much turbulence.

3. “I’ll need to cut major chunks, so don’t get too attached to the words.” After all, they’re just words. Sentences. Paragraphs. I WILL need to go back through the document and ruthlessly eliminate some of the prose that I labored over. To make the process slightly less brutal, I’ll open up a new, blank document and save those eliminated sections there. Not that I’ve ever used any of the deleted words again. But knowing that my hard work isn’t totally wiped out makes the process of cutting easier.

4. “Whew! It’s a relief to finish another book.” I love being in first draft writing mode. I love playing the roles of my characters and living out their stories. But those weeks of living in another world get a little intense. I push myself hard with daily word count goals, and I’m very strict about getting in my “words” for the day. That means I sacrifice other things (like free time!) during the weeks I’m writing the first draft. While I’m emotionally and physically drained after I finish climbing Manuscript Everest, there’s also a sweet sense of accomplishment.

5. “I hope readers like it.” I always write the books I love to read. I figure why write anything else? However, readers come into my books with differing expectations. I’ve long since realized that I can’t please everyone with every book. But I do hope that each book hits the sweet spot for the majority of my readers. And so at the end of every book, I sit back and ask myself what things about the story will or won’t please my readers.

6. “It’s time to put the baby to bed.” In other words, I need to stick my book in a virtual folder, step away from it, and say goodnight to it. I need to let it sit there untouched for a while (weeks if not a few months). After time away, when I finally go back to it for my first round of self-editing, I’m not so in-love with it anymore and able to approach it more objectively. I’m able to see issues and flaws more clearly and also able to start the hard work of editing with more enthusiasm.

In other book-related news, ENTWINED, the second book in my Knights of Brethren series releases on Dec. 7 (next Tuesday!). Early readers are saying about the book:

“Just a few pages into Entwined and the word that kept coming to mind was sizzling.”

“Let me just say that NO ONE writes swoony but sweet romance like Jody Hedlund.”

Pre-order your copy HERE

WHAT ABOUT YOU?! Do you ever second-guess yourself? How do you talk yourself off your ledge?

Christmas Cookies – Recipe & Giveaway

I enjoy baking, but I rarely make the time for it. Except at Christmas. I still don’t do a lot of baking, but I always make at least a few yummy goodies to have on hand. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without cookies.

Growing up, we would go to my grandparents house for Christmas every year. I have so many wonderful memories of playing games with my cousins, singing carols, playing Skipbo (once I was old enough to join the adult card table – BIG moment in my life – ha!), and finding the delicious treats Grandmother had strategically placed around the house. My favorite was the shortbread hidden under a covered pink glass dish in the living room. It was such a simple cookie. Dry yet sweet. No special flavoring. A simple sheet cut into rectangle fingers. I loved it!

Strangely enough, I never tried baking it myself until about 5 years ago. Now it is a Christmas staple. The perfect cookie to have with hot tea while curling up with a fun Christmas read.

Shortbread Christmas Cookies

1 1/2 cups butter (room temperature)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Pre-heat over to 350. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine butter and sugar. Add vanilla. In a medium bow, sift together flour and salt. Add to butter/sugar mixture and mix until combined. Form dough in your hands and mold into 2 flat disks. Cover in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Roll dough 1/2 inch thick and cut into shapes. Place cookies on ungreased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Karen’s tip: Instead of rolling dough out on a floured surface to cut into shapes, since this dough is already dry, it is much better (and easier) to roll the dough onto a piece of wax paper. Lay a piece the plastic wrap you covered the dough in earlier over the top and roll dough between the plastic wrap and wax paper. No additional flour is needed. I do dip my cookie cutters in flour, however, before cutting the dough to prevent sticking.

Giveaway (Nov 25-Dec 24)

I’ve joined with nearly 30 authors to brighten your holiday with books, cookies, and tons of Christmas fun. I’m offering an individual prize of an audiobook download code for Under the Texas Mistletoe to one person who comments on my Facebook post. Click here to visit my post.

We are also sponsoring a trio of goodie baskets with piles of books and one that includes gourmet cookies! Yum! Click here to enter the group giveaway. Be sure to take a look at the Bookie Exchange schedule in my FB post so you don’t miss other chances to win! We’re using the hashtag #Christmasbookieexchange on Facebook and Instagram to make it easy for you to follow.

What is your favorite thing to bake (or eat) during the holidays?

Done!

Yesterday afternoon I sent my book off to my editor, so I did a happy dance!

I have to say, I’m both exhausted and pretty proud of myself! After all, I haven’t written on a deadline in 8 years, so I was a bit rusty as far as rhythm goes. But I managed to get back into the groove. This was also a much shorter timeline than I’ve ever written on before, which was both a challenge to meet and a stress to manage. And right here at the end I was able to set it aside for a few days to be with my kids and grandkids to celebrate both Thanksgiving and Christmas!

But now that I’m finished (until edits arrive in my inbox!), there are definitely some things I’m looking forward to. Here are a few:

No morning alarm for the rest of this week. I’m not a morning person, but I have pushed myself to get up and going more quickly for a couple of months now. And while I will dive back in to a more normal morning routine next week, I’m giving myself some slack as this week finishes out.

Reading. It’s not that I haven’t continued to read. I certainly have! But I haven’t been able to read as much as when I’m not working with words most of the hours of the day. I’m looking forward to more time in other people’s books, especially Christmas-themed ones.

Hallmark Christmas Movies. By Thanksgiving I’m usually watching one during the day a few times a week, even though Jeff will watch with me in the evenings occasionally. But since I couldn’t indulge during prime working hours, I’m now looking forward to a few afternoons with sweet, romantic stories wrapped in Christmas.

Clearing out the laundry room. Not of laundry, mind you, but of everything else! For these past few months, I’ve shoved so many things into my laundry room rather than figure out what to do with them. Stacks of papers, but also things. It won’t take long, really, I just won’t feel guilty about setting aside an hour or so to get it done.

Time with friends. I’ve been putting off scheduling time with friends–and family, too. Not that I haven’t seen anyone, but I haven’t been able to be as consistent as usual. I’m looking forward to catching up with friends again.

Of course there is still writing work going on even after turning in this book, but it isn’t the same kind of deadline work, so there is a greater element of flexibility. At leasts until those edits arrive. But the truth is, I have loved being writing-busy again. I’d forgotten the joy and energy each day brings, whether in the drafting or revising stage. I hope the Lord continues to give me projects to do. But even if He doesn’t, I’ve been so very thankful for this one.

What kinds of rewards do you give yourself for meeting a goal?

Inspired by Scripture

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.

Movies Based on Christian Novels

Holiday season is movie-watching season! I’ve been so encouraged, in recent years, to see more and more movies based on Christian novels being produced and released.

Here are a few recent ones. . . .

A December Bride is based on Denise Hunter’s novella of the same name. So far, three of Denise’s contemporary romances have served as the inspiration for movies, which you can read about here.

Finding You was adapted for the screen from Jenny B. Jones’ book There You’ll Find Me. It released in theaters this past spring and is now streaming on Amazon Prime.

Rachel Hauck’s royal romance, Once Upon a Prince, became a movie with the same title.

Finding Love in Big Sky, which will be made available in the USA soon, was inspired by the novel of the same name by Angela Ruth Strong.

Francine Rivers’ famous novel, Redeeming Love, is about to make the transition to the big screen in January!

I’d love to hear about other movies and TV shows inspired by Christian fiction that you enjoyed!

Before I go, I wanted to tell you about a festive “Bookie Exchange” that will be taking place over the coming month. Participate by visiting the listed authors on the assigned days for individual giveaways + enter the grand prize giveaway!