Becky Wade's Blog, page 41

His Eye Is On The Chicken

So . . . last month, one late afternoon, I stepped into one of my big chicken coops to refill their water. There’s a little white bantam rooster in there who loves to attack me, and while I was busy with the water and keeping an eye on him, one of my hens slipped out of the coop. This would not be a big deal except that Jazzy, one of the mastiffs, was outside with me, and a couple of years ago she LOVED chasing chickens. She hasn’t chased much of anything since her ACL surgery, so I was hoping I could catch the hen–Nadia–before Jazzy saw her.

Me and Jazzy

But Nadia didn’t want to be caught. She was having a ball, running around pecking at the ground, and managed to sidestep me every time I came near. And then–you guessed it, Jazzy saw her and started chasing. Poor Nadia was flapping and running and I was screaming and–well, thankfully Nadia disappeared. My coop sits on a wooden foundation, so I figured Nadia had gone underneath it.

So I put Jazzy in the house (she was tired by then!) and went outside to look for Nadia. The best way to find them is just to sit quietly and jiggle the bag of dried worms, so I tried that near the coop, but she wouldn’t come out. I was getting worried–I had to leave soon, and the sun would set, and we have all kinds of predators in our area. My hubby came out and looked, too, and I even got my flashlight and peered under the wooden foundation. No Nadia.

Hubby prayed for the missing chicken, and so did I. And then I had an idea–I let ALL of the other seven chickens out and sat with them. They were having a ball, scratching and pecking, and I kept counting heads. Seven. Seven. Seven. Eight!

I counted again. Eight chickens! One of them wandered back into the coop, and I noticed she was panting. Nadia.

Nadia the Russian chicken

There’s gotta be a moral to this story–maybe it’s that when the devil chases you, you’d better get back to your flock because they’ll see you home. After that, it was easy to toss worms into the chicken run, and all of them–eight–went back inside and I locked the door.

And last night at synagogue, during the time for praise reports, I said, “God has his eye on the sparrow . . . but also on the chicken! ” . And on YOU, never doubt it.

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.

Awestruck Wonder

Two and a half years ago, when I was seeking inspiration for my current Sons of Scandal series, I stumbled on an article about the total eclipse of the sun that would be coming to areas of Maine (the setting of my series) in 2024. That caught my imagination right away. I did some research and decided to integrate a total eclipse into the overarching story of Fiona Camden (the mother of the first two books’ heroes). Fiona is a “point of view character” in the series. I have a secondary romance going for her + a family plot line in which she’s seeking forgiveness from her estranged sister Isobel, who she wronged decades before.

In Memory Lane and Rocky Road, we learn that Fiona and Isobel saw a total solar eclipse together when they were kids and were both completely amazed and overcome by it. They made a pinky promise to one another that they’d experience together the total eclipse coming to their home state of Maine decades in the future (when they’re in their late 50s and early 60s). Fiona makes it her goal to fulfill that pinky promise . . . if she can gain Isobel’s consent.

Which is what led a reader to tweet this past Monday, the day of the Great American Eclipse…

I told her that I’d answer that very question in my next novel!

Back when I chose to write about the solar eclipse in my books, I had no idea that the same path of totality that was going to fall over Maine was going to fall directly over my head, too, here in Dallas, Texas! I was delighted when I realized this a few months back. I’ve seen a lot of partial eclipses in my life, but I’ve never lived through a total eclipse. To be honest, I wouldn’t have traveled to go and see a total eclipse. But if it was happening OUTSIDE my door? Yes.

My husband was at work on Monday and the only child I have left at home was at school.

My girl is the one in the red tank top.

So, my only eclipse viewing companion was…

My faithful Cavalier spaniel, Duke (wearing a star bandana in honor of the occasion.)

I wasn’t sure exactly where in the sky the sun would be positioned during the eclipse and because I have lots of mature trees in my front and back yard, I was hoping I’d have a decent sight line at home. As it happened, the sight line was absolutely perfect from my favorite chair on my deck, the chair where I sit and write every day when the weather allows.

Chair, ready!Eclipse glasses, ready!

The eclipse began more than an hour before it reached totality. At the start, hot sun was beating down on me. But as it neared totality, the light and heat dimmed. My string lights are set to illuminate at dusk and they flicked on.

It got darker and cooler.

I watched (through the glasses) as the moon completely covered the sun. In that instant, I was filled with a giant wave of awestruck wonder. I took my glasses off and gaped at the eclipse and also at my dark backyard around me. It gave me chills! It was supernatural. Phenomenal. How incredible, that God would make the sun 400 times bigger than the moon but also 400 times further away so that they’d align like that exactly?

As you’ll see in the below video I shot with my phone during the total eclipse, I’m talking in a reverential whisper (as if I was in a cathedral) because that’s what felt fitting. Also, please notice what happens the moment I mention the quiet. Ha ha!

The partial solar eclipses I was familiar with were nothing like this total eclipse. Now I understand why people travel to the path of totality. I want to experience that again! My husband, daughter, and son (who was also in the path of totality at his college in Arkansas) were similarly, unexpectedly blown away by this phenomenon.

And guess what scene I’m about to start writing? The solar eclipse scene in my book! Just days after living through an actual one. I knew my characters were going to view a total eclipse. But how very gracious of God to give me a front row seat to that very same thing.

Did you experience the eclipse on Monday? What was your reaction? Thoughts?

Can’t Wait to See You!

Hi friends and happy Wednesday. Always excited to spend the day with you. I’m super excited to share I’m hitting the road this year and next and I’d love to see you! 

In May, I’ll be teaching at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference, and I’m so excited. It’s my first year there, and I’ve heard nothing but the best about it. I’ll be teaching on Molding Story Structure to Fit Your Story, so if you’re a writer, I’d love it if you joined my class. The first session will include instruction and a hands-on movie analysis to see the ideas in concrete examples. 

I’ll also be hosting a Coffee Chat time at a local coffee shop in Ashville, NC, on Saturday, May 25th, from 2-4 pm. I’ll have details of the location available in my May newsletter and will post on social media. I’d love it if you’re from the area or familiar with the area if you’d share a coffee café recommendation. And I might have a fun writer friend or two with me. I’ll update the details as they are confirmed, but I’d love to see you! 

In June, I’ll be participating in an author event at my favorite bookstore, Baker Book House. We have a fabulous line-up, and we’ll be spending the day together. There will be games, panels, lunch together, and a signing in the evening. And best of all, the event is FREE. To register just go click here to register. Spots are limited. 

I’m super honored to be attending the Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writer’s conference in Phoenix, AZ in September. I’ll be a keynote with a message about joy in the journey and will be teaching a class on romantic suspense. This is going to be a great conference so if you’re a writer, I’d love to see you there. AND I’ll be hosting another coffee chat in Arizona, but I’ll gather the exact details for that a little closer to the event, so keep an eye out for my newsletter and on social media. 

Lastly, this year, I’m taking my writing retreats on the road and heading to Texas. I’m so excited to announce this retreat still has availability. It’s in Rainbow, Texas, roughly two hours south of Dallas. It’s at a beautiful retreat center by a river, and everyone gets their own Casitas, and I’m going to have my dear friend Becky Wade as a special guest. I’d love it if you’d join us. It’ll be a time of teaching, writing, and fellowship with like-minded writers. A time to fill up your creative well. For more details, shoot me an email at danipettrey@gmail.com I’d love to get you the details. 

Next year is the BIG trip! I’m hitting the road with a few writer friends for a Southwest book tour and then a Mid-Atlantic book tour. I’m so excited to be getting out there and hope to get to meet many of you. The states we’re looking at for the Southwest area are Texas, Arizona, and Utah. For the Mid-Atlantic area, we are looking at Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and maybe West Virginia and New Jersey. If you live in any of those states, I’d love recommendations of what cities and towns to visit and if there are any stores or libraries you’d recommend we visit. Details are still being formed, but I’ll be sure to share them back here and everywhere when they are confirmed over the next few months. Thanks so much for any suggestions. 

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope to see you on the road! 

Best, 

Dani

More Gifts For Jane Austen Fans

I am always on the lookout for gifts for Austen lovers, Regency readers…or myself. I recently came across these fun items on Etsy and posted them on FB. Favorites seem to be the mug, T-shirt, and cutting board. What about you? Which would you choose?

Gardens of Pemberley Candle

Probably Reading Regency Romance T-shirt

Jane Austen Vintage Book Cover Cookies

“Excellent Boiled Potatoes” Cutting or Charcuterie Board

Jane Austen reading mug

Six coasters featuring the Complete Novels of Jane Austen.

Austen-Inspired Tote Bag

I hope these ideas will help you the next time you need a gift for a Janeite friend, a Regency reader, or yourself. Happy shopping!

Here comes… er, there goes the sun

Today brings a total solar eclipse that will be visible in America throughout the 48 contiguous states. I feel very blessed that we live in the middle of the narrow path of full totality here in the southeast corner of Missouri.

Ken and I are excited (and prepared, thanks to our local public library giving free special eclipse glasses to library card holders!) to watch the eclipse from our yard this afternoon around 2 p.m. Our area will have one of the longer durations of totality at more than four minutes. If I capture some great photos, I will come back and include them at the end of this post later today.

It’s pretty amazing that we live in an age when these phenomena are not only understood scientifically, but can be predicted so that we can prepare for them. I can’t help but think how terrifying it must have been centuries ago when an eclipse happened without warning.

That said, perhaps we take these incredible celestial events too scientifically and too lightly these days. The Bible speaks often of God using His creation—especially the sun, moon, and stars—to foretell, celebrate, warn, and to glorify the Creator. The Gospel Coalition has some good information HERE about the biblical significance of eclipses.

Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that the last total eclipse in 2017 was the first total solar eclipse to visit only the United States since 1776? Does that date ring a bell? (Pun intended!)

Will you be able to see a total eclipse where you live? If not, do you have plans to drive or fly to a location where there will be totality? Do you have memories of other solar or lunar eclipses during your lifetime?

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.

On a High Note

On Friday, March 22, I flew into San Jose to teach and speak at the Vision Christian Writers Conference held in Mt. Hermon (an amazing Christian campground in the Santa Clara Mountains).

My keynote address on Identity

I confess, I was nervous. In addition to giving a keynote address on the evening of Palm Sunday, I was asked to teach the Fiction Writing track (eleven and a half hours of teaching spread over four days). While I have taught many, many workshops over the years, I’d never given an “intensive.” And as an intuitive writer, I’m always afraid that I won’t be able to verbalize the way I write.

Seven members of my fiction classwith Monique and Penny, both from New Zealand
with Laura Joy, Penny, Holly

I shouldn’t have worried. God sent just the right students who gleefully led me away from my notes and down unexpected paths. We had such fun! The truth (that I knew about myself) is, I can talk about writing all day. Just ask me questions. And that’s what the students in the workshop did which removed all of my nerves. I will never forget those smiling faces. Not ever.

with Lindsay, one of my two cabin-mateswith Cheryl

One fun thing about this conference — There were five Robins on faculty (although the conference director spells her name Robynne). Each of the three keynote addresses was given by a Robin: Robin W. Pearson, Robin Lee Hatcher, and Robin Jones Gunn. The other faculty Robin was Robin Patchen. Photos of the faculty haven’t been received yet or I would share the one of the five Robins that was taken.

Robin Pearson (on the evening of her keynote; Robin was my other cabin-mate), Cynthia Ruchti (her agent), and Robynne Miller (conference director)

How good God is, that He has given us so many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ to meet on this side of eternity. I flew to California knowing only a few authors who would be there. I returned home having formed friendships I will treasure forever, including several precious ones from New Zealand.

Sadly, I returned with something else. A nasty virus. Not covid, probably RSV. After getting home from the airport on the night of the 26th, I crashed and slept for 36 hours. I’ve been hacking and coughing ever since but am beginning to recover. Still it meant I missed seeing some of my family who were passing through Boise as well as having to remain home from church on Resurrection Sunday. Can’t help being sad about that.

And now it is time to get back to work. I’m falling behind on deadlines. Never a good thing. And please explain to me how it got to be April already!!

Has God brought any new brothers and/or sisters in Christ into your life this year?

~robin

Cover Reveal & Series Sale

I’m thrilled to share the cover for Book 3 in my Texas Ever After series with you today. Reimagining classic fairy tales in an old west environment has been so much fun, and the covers that the design team at Bethany House has produced have been some of the best I’ve ever had. This one is no exception.

Cloaked in Beauty entwines “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Sleeping Beauty” for a romantic tale that explores the power of love to conquer even the darkest of nights. A Pinkerton hero, an heiress hidden away for her protection, a loving grandmother, a dragon-hearted villain, and an irascible wolf combine for a whirlwind adventure where danger lurks behind every tree.

Here it is!

What do you think?

I love that the wolf made the cover, and those little speckles of light add a magical touch that just enhances the fairy tale feel. The red dress and cloak bring plenty of drama, too. Not only that, but this book will be releasing in December, and even though it is not a Christmas story, the red and green really work well for the timing of its arrival.

Available for Pre-Order Now!

Amazon | Baker Book House | Chrstianbook

Releases December 17, 2024.

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You might recall that last year I participated in a multi-author series with the ladies from the Petticoats & Pistols Blog. This week, we are celebrating the one-year anniversary of the series with a huge sale. Every book in the series is on sale for only $0.99 each, including In Her Sights. Several of the books are on sale through April 10, but a handful of them (including mine) are only discounted through April 7, so grab your copies today.

Find the Entire Series Here

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Which cover in the series is your favorite?

Total Solar Eclipse!

I don’t know what you are doing on Monday, April 8, but North and Central Texas residents are in a frenzy over the coming total solar eclipse. Since the path runs through Dallas-Ft. Worth and down to Austin, many of our small towns (mine included) will be overrun with visitors coming just for this event. I’ve been told there isn’t an empty hotel room or Airbnb for miles around the area. And residents have been warned about the increased traffic this will bring to our town. Even many schools have canceled for the day!

Apparently, this total eclipse will last longer than the one visible in the US in 2017, and there won’t be another such event in the US until 2044. Thus, all the hoopla. 

But other than bracing ourselves for an onslaught of people, we’re preparing ourselves in other ways, too. 

We have planned our day to stay at home.

We bought our eclipse glasses so we can look at the sun. 

We RSVP’d for our neighborhood watch party. 

According to sources, the partial eclipse in our area will begin at 12:23 pm with the total eclipse happening at 1:42 pm and the end of the eclipse at 3:02. 

I can’t remember the last time I viewed a solar eclipse. I think it might have been elementary school because I remember making an eclipse viewer in maybe third or fourth grade. However, I now realize that must have been for a partial eclipse since a total solar eclipse hasn’t been visible in Texas since 1878!  

However, I am excited to watch this event for more reasons than its historical significance. I’m excited to view this natural occurrence because, as Psalm 19:1 says, the heavens are telling of the glory of God and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Some visions of this created galaxy are so vast in beauty and power that they inspire in me a greater sense of the unfathomable bigness of God. This, I imagine, will be one of those moments. 

Are you in an area to watch this eclipse? Have you ever viewed a total solar eclipse? Did it live up to the hype?