Becky Wade's Blog, page 31

Language Bloopers

I’ll be back to blogging next Friday, but until then I’m so pleased to introduce my final guest-blogger of the summer. Jessica Wakefield! As an Australian author, she’s sharing about the challenges she’s faced writing the dialogue of American characters. And she’s giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one of you! Thanks so much for contributing to our blog, Jessica. -Becky

“So? You mean it?”
“What? How do you think it’s going to happen?”

You’re wondering right now, what I’m talking about, aren’t you? Are you thinking, what’s with the dialogue above? Does it look odd to you? It doesn’t to me, but that’s because I’m Australian.

When I started writing my books, I already had a decent grasp on American terminology. I had this for three reasons. Firstly, my mum is from the Philippines and that is a very Americanised country. I grew up with some words that are American, not Australian. For example, in Australia we say lift, not elevator. I say elevator. We say footpath, not sidewalk. I say sidewalk. I get asked by students I teach if I’m American. All the time.

Secondly, I have American friends that lived and live here in my home city. The more time I spend with them, the more I pick up their words and phrases. Thirdly, I’ve had so many zoom sessions with my mentor, editors, agents, and other writers that I’ve picked up words and phrases along the way.

Back to the first set of dialogue at the beginning of this post. What’s wrong with it? Well, I’ve been informed that it’s not a normal American thing to start a sentence, that’s already a question, with another question. So? What does that mean? (wink, wink). It’s an Aussie thing. We do it in every day speech. My editor has lots of fun correcting this and other things.

I thought I’d list some of the word issues I’ve run into as I write my American characters, in their American settings. As you can see from the image below, these are just a few I still stumble over when I’m writing, which is why it’s so important that I have an American editor and beta readers.

Now, I think you might be asking another question. Am I ever going to write an American in Australia story, or an Australian in America story. The answer is yes! But the right story hasn’t presented itself just yet. It will.

My new release, Right in Front of You, is set in the fictional town of Trinity Lakes, Washington. This town has an unusual flavour. It’s home to lots of Australian and New Zealand characters. Now my hero and heroine, Hayden and Rachel are not from either place, but there’s a funny scene where they try and work out how to eat a meat pie. Right in Front of You is an ex-NFL player, friends-to-more story about forgiveness and moving forward, even when it’s hard and scary.

Please leave a comment to be entered to win a $10 Amazon card, courtesy of Jessica!

A winner will be randomly selected from all commenters Tuesday, August 27th.

As a kid, Australian author Jessica Wakefield penned really bad Anne of Green Gables fan fiction. Nowadays she lives in Newcastle with her husband, two daughters and a fluffy mini-groodle. Jessica has a lifelong love of Sweet Valley High books and is a recovering Gilmore girls addict. When she’s not fawning over her cuddly dog Ginny, you can find her reading, going for walks or baking. Find out more at: JessicaWakefield.com

Can he convince her that he’s not going to break her heart?

Rachel Marshall, a sports nutritionist, will do anything to save her mother’s health. Even traveling to the tiny town of Trinity Lakes to bring bad-boy NFL player, Hayden Donovan, back to Texas.

Despite turning over a new leaf, circumstances conspire against Hayden Donovan that sees his bad-boy reputation the center of viral social media outrage. His past won’t let him be the better man he’s determined to be.

When his nutritionist, Rachel, turns up to find him in Trinity Lakes, he sees an opportunity to strike a deal. He’ll help her get the medicine her mother needs if she’ll help him show the world he has truly changed.

Sparks fly between them, but will Rachel let cruel memories and scars from her past stop her from seeing the man behind the image? And will Hayden find the courage to show the world how much he’s truly changed?

Check out Right in Front of You on Amazon HERE!

Oh, What Fun It is to Visit with Readers & Giveaway

Last night I had the joy of connecting with readers at a nearby library. I love the opportunity to spend time with those who love books. There is something so special about conversing with those who adore the written word as much as I do. To also interact with those who’ve read my books and love the characters as much as I do.

I didn’t get any photos with those who attended — I always think about it at the wrong times. I really should bring someone with me to take photos sometime. Last night I got so many wonderful questions about writing and my books. We talked about where ideas come from and how I write my books. We discussed what it’s like to collaborate with other authors and how to plan. We talked about what they like to read and so much more. It was oxygen to my soul.

Readers, you matter so much to us. We need you and interactions with you. So here’s a thank you for all the times you show up for us. I appreciate you!

Who’s an author that you have interacted with? Do you like to go to author talks and booksignings?

In the spirit of sharing favorite authors, today I’m giving away a copy of Jody Hedlund’s latest novel, Saved by the Matchmaker. I have loved her latest series, but this book was great! From the first page this marriage of convenience romance pulled me in. The author writes wonderful romance and this one is even sweeter thanks to the hero’s approach to the wounded heroine.

Both Enya and Sullivan have a reason they must marry immediately. And both are skittish about giving their full hearts to the other. The way Sullivan sacrificial loves Enya is breathtaking. There’s a lot going on in this novel but the romance captured me. That is not normal for me and I loved it! I highly recommend this sweet, clean, yet romantic read. Be sure to use the form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Short Story Collection

What fun it has been to collaborate with some amazing authors and be able to present to you this short story anthology, The Jeweler’s Heart. As you can see, this collection also includes some of our lovely friends on this blog–Robin Lee Hatcher, Angela Hunt, and Cara Putman!

In The Jeweler’s Heart, each story centers around a gemstone–all of which are discovered in a collection by a modern-day jeweler who will craft them into a heart. The gem stories begin in 1869 and continue through the decades to the present day. A variety of genres and styles (as various as the gems!) create a stunning whole. 

My story, Tears in a Bottle, is set during the heat wave of 1980. I was 13 then, but I remember it well, even if I did have to look up all the statistics! Not only did we have our first 100-degree day on June 7th of that year, but we set a single-day heat record on June  26th and 27th at 113 degrees! We topped 100 for 42 straight days that summer (through the entire month of July) with 69 total days over 100 from June 7th through September 16th. In my story, this heat contrasts with the beautiful coolness of a blue topaz teardrop pendant. It’s a sister story, which I loved writing. 

The ebook version will be available September 1, but you can pre-order your copy now! (paperback and audio to follow.) 

Do you enjoy short story collections?

Snapshots of recent life

First, new covers for an older series…

I’m reissuing this three-book series (originally released 2008-2010) and am thrilled that they’re getting new covers.

Our own Deb Raney’s husband Ken (Raney Day Creative), who is a fabulous designer and collaborator, is designing these covers for me. The man has the patience of Job—at least in his emails. Deb might tell another story since she can hear him from his office downstairs to hers on the main. : }

It was my first time to see MidJourney AI in action. Talk about an eye-opening experience into the world of AI graphics. I think Ken did a wonderful job of creating, designing, and bringing everything together. From a Distance, Book 1, (re)releases in September, followed quickly by book 2 (Beyond This Moment) and book 3 (Within My Heart).

Next, our granddaughter Ari is already seven months old! I know I’m biased, but she’s just so precious and is at such a fun age. Although every stage with these grands has been delightful.

Her older brother Leo (19 months old and pictured below with our son Kurt) is pure joy, too. Joe and I keep them every Tuesday and Thursday and love every minute.

Lastly, Kurt and Kellie are building a house—just down the street from us! Can you say DREAM COME TRUE! We recently wrote on their unfinished floors and 2x4s, much as we did in our house a few months back. (The last pic bottom right is Leo’s…with some help.)

So if you were to post some snapshots of recent life, who or what would be in your pictures? Friends? Family? Anybody been doing some fall baking early? Been anywhere fun lately? I’d love to hear!

Blessings from my corner of Nashville,

Tammy

Artificial Intelligence and Sarah

I’ve started a new series, The Matriarchs, about the Matriarchs of our faith: Sarah, Rebekah, and Leah/Rachel. The first book is about Sarah, and not only am I using the Bible for source material, I’m also using the ancient Book of Jasher, which is actually mentioned in the Bible–twice.

There’s not a lot of historical material on Abraham and Sarah, other than the Bible, and I’ve found that few people agrees on the dates they lived. But the Book of Jasher has given me lots of fodder, especially about those years not discussed in the Bible.

I’ve also been using AI to help me visualize my characters–I’ve included some images of Sarah as a young woman, in Pharaoh’s harem, and as the mother of Isaac.

So here is my first scene (but it’s only a third draft, so it’s not final). What do you think? What questions arise in your mind after reading this? Enjoy!

My empty stomach twisted as Milcah’s hands tightened on mine. “The time has come,” she whispered, her eyes bright. “Soon we will both be married women.”

I exhaled a trembling breath. “I cannot believe it is finally happening. I was beginning to think I would have to live with my father and brother forever.” 

“No longer! Now that Abram has come, you will discover the joys of married life.” 

“I hope it is as joyful as you say.” 

“Of course it is. What could possibly stand in the way of your happiness?” 

A thousand things, I wanted to answer, but my sister would not understand the reason for my anxiety. She had grown up with Nahor, her husband, who was also our uncle. My future husband was also a kinsman to us, but long ago he had been sent away for reasons I never fully understood . . . and no one wanted to explain.

I was better acquainted with the neighborhood butcher than with my betrothed.

I sighed as Milcah released my hands and reached for my embroidered veil. Amthelo, my grandfather’s wife, had spent years adorning the linen square with delicate stitches depicting butterflies, flowers, and birds. The veil, now nearly covered with embroidery, had become something of a joke between me and my sister. 

“Finally, Amthelo’s work is finished . . . and there is still space enough for you to see through it,” Milcah said, draping the fabric over my braided hair. She stepped back and clasped her hands. “Unbelievable,” she whispered. “Despite all that adornment, your beauty shines through the veil. Abram will be speechless when he sees you.” 

“You are being silly,” I chided, “and I need you to be serious. I may be coming to you for advice in the days ahead.” 

“What advice could you possibly need? In your thirty-nine years, surely you have heard women talking about marriage.”

“I have, but—” I bit my lip.

“What?” 

“I do not know the man, so I do not know what he expects of me.”

Milcah chuckled. “You will find out within a few hours.” 

I released an exasperated sigh. “Do not mock me. I know what is expected on the wedding night, but I do not know Abram. I saw him for the first time yesterday, long enough to realize he is different. What if he does not like me? What if he decides that waiting for me was a waste of his time?” 

My sister raised a finger. “I cannot deny that he seems odd compared to the men of Ur. But the men in our family have always been good husbands. You will not be sorry you married him.” 

“I hope you are right.” I stepped back and braced for the future. “So? Have you any advice for an older bride?” 

She crossed her arms, ran a critical eye over me, and nodded. “You will not disappoint him. But here is one suggestion—if I were you, I would have a baby as soon as possible. Even with the blessing of the gods, older women find it more difficult to conceive.” 

And you are an older woman. The unspoken words dangled in the space between us. 

I sighed as she went to the door and peeked out, allowing a flood of voices to swirl into the room. As the king’s vizier, my grandfather knew nearly every man in the city. Dozens of guests had come to witness the marriage of his kinsman, the mysterious Abram who had come from the north to marry Terah’s granddaughter.

“No sign of Father yet,” Milcah said, closing the door. “We will have to wait.” 

Frustrated by yet more waiting, I dropped to a stool, careless of my new silk tunic. “Perhaps Abram has changed his mind. Perhaps he has gone back to his home in the north. He might have a woman there, someone he did not want to leave behind.”

“Grandfather signed a betrothal contract, did he not? Abram would be breaking the king’s law if he does not fulfill his responsibility.” 

“A betrothal arranged before I was weaned. He might not have known he had a wife waiting for him in Ur.” 

“Grandfather would have made certain Abram knew. He would have sent one of the king’s messengers with the news.” 

Her mention of the king only heightened my anxiety. Nimrod, ruler of the Chaldeans, was well-acquainted with our grandfather, but my father had always taken pains to keep me hidden from the king’s gaze, reasoning that the king did not need a woman from our family in his harem. Grandfather had received many gifts from the ruler, including this fine house, but I had never been allowed to visit the palace or even walk the streets of Ur without wearing a heavy veil . . . 

I understood why, of course. Our king—any king, for that matter—had the right to take any unmarried woman he found appealing, and both my father and grandfather were afraid I might appeal to the king. I found it hard to believe a king would covet an older woman, but even my sister advised me to wear a veil whenever I left the house. 

I sighed. If only my life had been as normal as Milcah’s. At forty-two, she had eight sons and two daughters who kept her busy and gave her a sense of purpose. My purpose? To keep my father’s house tidy while I waited for my absent groom. 

Waiting had never been easy for me. Yet like a good daughter, I had waited patiently for Abram . . . and for my life to begin. 

I shivered as an unbidden thought sent a ghost spider scurrying up my spine. “You do not think the king would come to the wedding, do you?” 

Milcah laughed. “The king, in his vizier’s house?” 

“He respects our grandfather. And he sent a gift to your wedding.” 

“He will probably send a gift to yours as well, but he will not come. A king does not concern himself with the private lives of his servants.” 

We stilled at the sound of voices outside the door, and I rose as my father stepped into the room and caught my gaze. “Are you ready? Your bridegroom has arrived.” 

Milcah squeezed my hand. “Iscah has been waiting for years,” she told him. “Your daughter is more than ready to become a wife.” 

Father stepped forward, placed his hands on my shoulders, and drew me close. “I know you  were often frustrated because I forbade you from marrying at a younger age,” he murmured. “I know other women mocked your status as a virgin.”

Other men mocked you, I wanted to say. For holding me in reserve as if I were some priceless treasure.

 But I held my tongue out of respect. 

“Soon you will understand why I kept you for Abram.” Father’s smile flashed in his beard. “My brother will prove himself worth the wait.” 

“I hope so,” I whispered. 

He released me, Milcah squeezed my hand, and I walked toward my future on legs that felt as unsteady as a baby’s. 

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.

Reading, Writing, and Miracles

Hey, friends!!

I hope you enjoyed James Scott Bell’s visit to Inspired by Life … and Fiction back on the 2nd while I was away. Jim is such a great writer and such a great human being. I feel blessed to call him and his wife Cindy my friends.

Robin & Jim, California, Fall 2013

If you haven’t read any of his books, my favorite is Try Dying, but that status comes with some bias. When I was going through a time of deep grief, I was unable to read fiction. For more than a year, I tried and couldn’t. I could read non-fiction and did, but my mind would not let me absorb stories the way it used to. Then, one day, the deep grief began to lift and I picked up Try Dying. Not only did I get lost in the story, but I stayed on my stationary bike an extra 15 minutes just so I could keep reading. To me, that novel will always be tied to the healing of my heart. Bias or not, I love Jim’s “voice” as a writer.

And, speaking of when I was gone on the 2nd, our annual retreat up in Coeur d’Alene was wonderful as always. We were missing three of our precious members, and we always feel the absence when someone isn’t there. Still, it was an amazing time of laughter and prayer. Not all of us are writing any longer. God has called some to other endeavors. But we brainstormed a couple of novels and one non-fiction book, plus prayed some problems right straight through to victory.

The book I had us brainstorm is the third in The British Are Coming series, To Capture a Mountain Man. I’m already having lots of fun telling the story of Isaiah and Lady Amanda and can’t wait to share it with you in early 2025.

This was my third straight year to drive to the retreat, and normally, with a couple of stops for gas and to stretch and use the bathroom, most years it’s taken me around seven and a half hours to make the trip. Doesn’t feel too terribly long as long as I have a good book to listen to. But my trip home was different this year, and I want to share.

It’s about 80 miles from the retreat location to Moscow, Idaho. I stopped to get gas at pumps outside a grocery store, so no bathroom facility. That was okay. I didn’t need to go yet (I skip coffee when on a road trip). But as I continued on through Moscow, just before I was about to leave the town, a little voice said, Stop and use the restroom. I didn’t feel the need, but I stopped anyway.

Before long I was back in the car and I paused to make a note in my travel diary of the time I was leaving Moscow. Then I took off. I wasn’t too far out of town when an ambulance went rushing by me. Not long after, I joined a line of backed up vehicles. I’m guessing I was about the 15th one in line. I could tell the accident was just around a bend and rise in the road because of the people standing and looking. More official vehicles came. A helicopter came. We waited and waited. The ambulance finally returned to Moscow. No lights or siren which made me think that was a bad sign. Some cars pulled out of line and went back to Moscow but I wasn’t sure what other route was available to me, so I kept waiting, always thinking the road would open in another ten minutes. Just another ten minutes. A lightning storm moved through, followed by lots of rain, and still we sat. Finally, after an hour and a half, an Idaho State Police truck came along, and the officer spoke to people who had their windows down. I made sure mine was down. He told me it would be at least another hour and if I had another route I should take it (and I learned from him what that route was). So I followed his advice.

I was, perhaps, an hour into my new route when I crested a hill to find a northbound vehicle coming toward me in my lane. I hit the brakes and swerved as much as I could to the side, giving the driver time to correct his trajectory and get back in the middle uphill lane. I really didn’t have time to be scared, but I was thankful he hadn’t hit me. Also thankful the guy behind me didn’t rear-end my car as he was a bit close.

I rolled into Boise ten hours and 20 minutes after I left the home of my friend. I was tired but good … and remarkably free of back pain.

Two days later, I thought to look up the accident that caused the delay south of Moscow (the road was blocked another two hours after I turned around). It was a head-on collision, the driver coming north swerving over into the southbound lane. And according to the time of the accident on the ISP report, it occurred right about the time I would have been in that exact southbound spot if I hadn’t stopped to use the restroom. I had already known I would have been near it, but a chill went through me when I read the time of the accident and could see the truth because of the timed entry I made in my travel diary. Not to mention how closely it mirrored the near-miss I’d had later that morning (northbound vehicle swerving into the southbound lane).

Trust me. I have been thanking God often for causing me to listen to the small voice that said, Stop and use the restroom, even when I didn’t need to. I’ve been thanking Him for keeping me safe the second time as well. His eye is on the sparrow … and on the Robin too.

~robin

Footwear Fun!

Writers are a quirky bunch. We talk to imaginary people, dream up ways to torture characters we claim to love, and have been known on occasion to show up to work in our pajamas. We all have different ways of getting into the writing zone, too. Some create playlists for each book they write to set the mood. Others load up on coffee and dark chocolate. Me? I put on bookish socks.

Fun socks make me happy and put me in a positive frame of mind as I sit down to write, and over the years I’ve amassed a pretty good collection of book-themed footwear.

Books and tea are always a favorite of mine. And I adore the cute little bookworms!

Jane Austen even makes an occasional appearance.

I thought I would personally foot-model my cowboy socks for you. (You’re welcome for not blinding you with the white legs above the sock line. Thank goodness for crop capability!)

I even have a pair of knee-highs, but I don’t wear these very often for writing sessions. Unless it’s really cold in my office.

I recently added these two beauties to my collection:

Do you have any favorite “fun” socks you like to wear?

Giveaway!

I’m giving away a fun pair of owl reading socks to one person who leaves a comment.
(US addresses only.)

Moving Vacation

Aloha, friends, and happy Wednesday! 

Yep. I titled it right. We took a moving vacation. What is a moving vacation, you may ask. We have one month to pack up and move from our home of 25 years in Maryland to a cozy new home in Florida. Yay for Florida. However, it’s a lot to purge, give away, and pack up in a month. So, what did my hubby and I decide to do? We took an eleven-day 32nd-anniversary vacation to Maui in the middle of it. Yep. We now have only two weeks to move. One week before we arrived in Maui and one week after. Pray for me! 

Why would we do this with such a short time to move? I asked myself that numerous times until we arrived here and saw this. 

We haven’t been to Maui in years. The last time we were here, our girls were teens. Since then, they’ve both graduated college. One is finishing up her doctorate, and our younger daughter is on her Master’s degree.  Both are married, and my oldest and her hubby have two adorable grandsons. It’s amazing all that has happened between the two trips. Such a big life change in the blink of an eye. 

Now, back to why we decided to vacay in the middle of a crazy move. We had four reasons. One—we’re pretty crazy as a family, so it’s par for the course. Two—we had a gracious friend who invited us to stay in his guest house, so it was a fabulous opportunity to come.  

Three—when we sat down and thought about it—all the stress related to a fast move, the emotions of leaving the home we raised our girls in, where so many memories are held, and the physical strain of loading what feels like eight-thousand boxes—we decided we both could use a getaway. Four—it’s Maui. 

We spent our first day hiking in Maui, where I saw this. Hmmm. Is it a secret trail if it’s marketed ‘secret trail’?

But my hubby said only I would go on a hike and find caution tape on a secret trail. Sounds like there’s a mystery to be solved

We went to the beach and saw these big guys. I’ve never seen bigger sea turtles. 

We had yummy meals with great views and hit the first of what will be many coffee shops.

And I spend each morning here on the porch with my coffee and this view.

I can honestly say my stress went from an 8 out of 10 to a 1. There’s just something about Hawaii…about being in God’s creation, that settles my soul. Do I want to think about what craziness awaits me when we get home? Not even a little bit. That craziness can wait, but when I return, I’ll be more rested and relaxed and ready to tackle what we’ve dubbed in our house Mission Move. We figure if Ethan Hunt can pull off dismantling a bomb, we can handle a move. 

Question for you: 

Since I have such a short time to move, I’d LOVE any moving tips you have. 

Thanks so much for spending a little of your day with me. 

Blessings, 

Dani

River Cruise Dreams

Earlier this summer I reached a significant (cough, cough) birthday and was able to realize my dream of going on a river cruise to celebrate. Today I thought I’d share just a few photos with you.

We went on Avalon Waterways and traveled through Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, ending in Germany.

We took walking tours of historic places like Budapest and Vienna, and enjoyed views of the beautiful countryside from the boat.

On the big day, crew and fellow passengers sang “Happy Birthday” to me and brought out a cake with a big, sparkling candle.

We felt spoiled throughout the cruise. It was certainly a wonderful way to spend a special birthday!

Have you been on a river cruise? If not, is it on your bucket list?