Becky Wade's Blog, page 8
June 19, 2025
To Love a Beast is Now Available!
It’s always scary to try something new, yet there’s an inherent excitement too. That’s the state I’m in right now, as my first solo indie project launched last week. To Love a Beast – my latest fairy tale retelling set in 1800’s Texas. Reviews are coming in, and I’m absolutely delighted to see that readers are falling in love with this story as much as I did while writing it. Beauty & the Beast is my favorite fairy tale. How could it not be with a bookish heroine and a wounded hero? Add some forced proximity, a quirky supporting cast, and a vain villain seeking vengeance, and you know we’re going to have loads of fun!
I thought I’d share an except with you to give you a taste of what you’ll find within the pages of To Love a Beast. Here is a snippet from the scene where Everett and Callista meet for the first time. Enjoy!
Courage, Callista. Just because you can’t see any evidence of his presence doesn’t mean that God isn’t with you. We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.
Even as that scriptural assurance moved through her mind, something unseen made its presence known. Something with a deep bass bark that rumbled over her like the thunder of an approaching storm.
Her head spun to the right. Her gaze scoured the shadows for the guard dog whose territory she’d invaded. She saw nothing.
Heart thumping, she rushed ahead, praying the manor would be around the next bend. But before she could reach the bend in question, the barking shifted direction, now coming from in front of her. She stumbled to a halt. Leaves rustled nearby. The low-pitched barks grew closer. Nearly upon her. She’d never be able to outrun the beast.
Callista squeezed her eyes shut, wrapped her arms around her middle, and prayed for a miracle.
Gruff barks echoed with a percussive depth so near, she could feel them like tremors in the earth. Instinct urged her to flee, but reason glued her feet to the ground. He hadn’t attacked yet. She’d not give him reason to think of her as prey. Perhaps if she imitated a tree long enough, he’d grow bored and search for entertainment elsewhere.
However, the barks grew increasingly insistent. Apparently, her tree act wasn’t as convincing as she’d hoped. Or perhaps she was too convincing, for the beast decided to fell her. He rammed his head into her ribcage and threw her backwards. Callista let out a startled yelp as she stumbled and landed on her backside. Eyes wide open now, she stared into the face of the massive beast who stood over her. Even her imagination could not have conjured a dog like this. On all fours, he towered over her, his fur the tawny gold of a lion, contrasting with the dark brown of his face and eyes.
He barked again, and she flinched, bringing up an arm to fend him off.
“Spartacus. Heel!”
The dog’s countenance cleared as he turned toward the voice. A heartbeat later, he loped off the path and into the mesquite.
Callista scrambled to her feet, dusted off her rump, and turned in the direction the dog had gone. “Thank you, sir.” She lifted her voice to be sure the man could hear her. She strained for a glimpse of him but saw nothing. “My name is—”
“I don’t care what your name is. You’re not welcome here.” The harshness of the man’s tone took her aback. “I want you off my property. Now!”
Callista fisted her hands. She had not come all this way to be bullied into leaving before she’d made it to the front door. “I have an appointment with Mr. Lightfoot.”
“Mr. Lightfoot takes his orders from me, and I want you gone. End of discussion.”
End of discussion? Not likely. This boorish excuse of a human being needed a lesson in manners.
Swallowing her mounting frustration, Callista called forth the conciliatory tone she used on the rare occasion she had to deal with a difficult client. “I’m sorry if there has been some miscommunication.” She stepped off the path and began wending her way through the mesquite, hoping to have a civilized discussion face-to-face instead of yelling at one another across the vegetation. “I’ve been hired—”
“Stop right there!”
Did she detect a note of fear beneath the dominating anger? She took another step.
“Come any closer and I’ll sic Spartacus on you.”
She didn’t believe him. He might be rude and overbearing, but he’d called off his dog earlier. Intuition told her he wasn’t the type to harm an innocent woman. Scare her, yes. But not harm her.
Callista dared another step. “Please, sir. If you’ll just listen to what I have to say. . .”
“I’m done listening. Be gone!”
Hurried footsteps echoed from within the brush, and a moment later Callista caught a glimpse of the back of a man clad in a reddish-brown greatcoat darting between the trees, a giant dog at his side.
He had fled from her. Interesting.
With the threat of the Mastiff no longer looming, renewed determination bolstered Callista’s courage. She returned to the path and marched forward with purpose. The master of Manticore Manor would soon learn that she did not surrender so easily.
To Love a Beast is available in print from all major retailers. The e-book is available exclusively through Amazon for sale at $4.99 and through Kindle Unlimited for free.
Do you enjoy reading fairy tale retellings?
June 18, 2025
Guest Post: Grace Hitchcock
Hey, y’all! I hope you enjoy this post by my friend Grace Hitchcock. Check out her books linked in her bio at the bottom of this post. She’s a delightful person and writer. Enjoy!
The Listening Habit that Transformed My Writing
As a child, I used to love listening to fiction books on tape (yes, tape…do you remember the pain it was to rewind them, or heaven forbid try to find the exact spot you were last at if you mistakenly forgot to press the stop button??). I never really paused to consider until after I had my firstborn how much listening to those tapes taught me about story—about voice—and vital writing techniques.
Now, with three little ones, (ages 7, 4, and 2!) and approaching deadlines, most of my reading is done via audiobooks while I take care of babies, do housework (let’s be honest, I owe any willingness to clean to audiobooks), farm chores, and drive!
4 Things I’ve learned from listening to fiction audiobooks as a writer:
1. The importance of plot. Audiobooks, even more so than physical books, are a huge time commitment and if the audiobook doesn’t have a GREAT hook, engaging plot, and satisfying arc, it’s going to be set aside.
2. The promise of pace. Set in the beginning chapters, the pace is the promise that the author makes to the reader saying that the story, as good as it sounds in chapter one, will only keep getting better if you keep reading/listening!
3. Setting and description breathe life into a story. Listening to an audiobook has given me a whole new perspective on description. It’s amazing how certain authors can draw in the reader by painting a vivid picture with words. As I tend to lean more towards dialogue in my own writing, I’ve made it my goal for each new writing project to really focus on the descriptions of the setting and characters. As I read my WIP aloud, I ask myself as a reader if I can see my characters/setting. I can picture the story in my mind as the author, but it’s vital for me to translate it onto the page for my readers.
4. Keeping the love of story alive. And lastly, audiobooks are just a good way to keep up with your TBR pile and staying up to date on the tropes that are selling while cultivating your love for a good story and gaining inspiration. I find myself keeping my notes app open to jot down favorite phrases and possible new book ideas that are sparked from little historical facts sprinkled in by authors!
I’m currently listening to Jen Turano’s A Lesson in Propriety and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!
What are you listening to?
Thank you all for having me on the blog today!
Happy Listening and Writing!
Grace
Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas, including the American Royalty, Best Laid Plans, and Aprons & Veils series. She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives South Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter in a farmhouse that is always filled with the sounds of sweet little footsteps running at full speed. When not writing, chasing babies, or tending to her chickens and golden retrievers, she’s baking something delightful and can usually be found with a book clutched in her fist.
June 17, 2025
“Survey says!” (a question for you)
Remember that line from the game show Family Feud? I started to say “old” game show but it may still be on (and not just in syndication). Anyway…
If yes, would you share the name of the book and the author?
Reason being, I’ve recently gotten the following three Fountain Creek Chronicles novels back from a publisher, which I’m thrilled about (thank you, dear publisher), and need to give these three historical novels new covers and get them up for sale again on Amazon.
Here are the original covers (from 2006-2007). These were my very first novels, by the way.
[image error]As you can see, it’s time for a cover update! Hence, my question today.
The novels are historical fiction/romance, Colorado Territory 1860s-70s, and we’re starting from the ground up. Nothing from these covers will be used except title and author name. I’m working with Ken Raney on this (at least check, he’s still speaking to me after the new Timber Ridge Covers we worked on together), and he’s one gifted graphic designer. And is also blessed to be Deb’s hubby!
So… Has a cover come to mind that you LOVE? Maybe it’s a novel you’re reading now? Or recently read. Or just a cover you saw recently on Amazon and saved it for later. I’d love to know. If you list a cover, tonight I’ll circle back around and grab a snapshot of that cover and we’ll create a collage below!
Thanks, friends, and I look forward to seeing what cover has caught your eye recently.
Blessings from rainy but still lovely Nashville,
Tammy
“Much loved” cover suggestions for the day!
Thanks, friends! You’ve definitely inspired me
[image error]
June 16, 2025
Emotions unveiled
I’m reading a book called Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment, and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words by David Whyte. The author does not write from a Christian perspective and I haven’t gotten far into the book, as I want to read it thoughtfully. I thought it would be a book about the meaning of words, but it’s not–it’s really a book about the meaning of emotions. And being a novelist, I’m always interested in what makes people feel the way they do.
For instance, this morning I read about anger. The Bible speaks of anger in two ways–there’s a destructive and foolish anger, and then there’s a righteous anger.
Whyte says that anger “points toward the purest form of compassion; the internal living flame of anger always illuminates what we belong to, what we wish to protect and those things for which we are willing to hazard and even imperil ourselves.”
Once I dissected those words, I realized–I think— that he is saying that we become angry when the things we love are threatened–and those can be righteous things (our God, our children, our families) or they can be selfish things (our time, our rights, our personal freedom to do as we please). So yes, anger can stem from love–things we love righteously, and things we love selfishly.
Whyte says, “But anger truly felt at its centre is the essential living flame of being fully alive and fully here; it is a quality to be followed to its source, to be prized, to be tended, and an invitation to finding a way to bring that source fully into the world through making the mind clearer and more generous, the heart more compassionate, and the body larger and strong enough to hold it.”
I’m not sure we should “tend” anger, as it tends to eat people alive, but I do believe it is good to analyze the source of our anger when we feel it. When I’m angry waiting in line, I’m feeling selfish with my time. When I’m angry because someone has wronged one of my children, I’m guarding those I love. When I’m angry when someone scratches my car, I’m being selfish with my possessions.
Perhaps this is a good exercise for us–so we can let go of the things that don’t matter and guard the things that do. May the Lord give us wisdom today and make our hearts large enough for love that there’s no room for anger.
What makes you angry? Do you agree that love is the root of all anger?
~~Angie
June 15, 2025
Robin’s Favorites
We hope you are enjoying these weekly feature posts from the authors of Inspired by Life…and Fiction. We’re sharing some of our favorite things to help you get to know us a little better—and we’d love to hear your answers to these “favorites” questions in the comments below.
Favorite Candy: I inherited a sweet tooth from my mom. No doubt about it. So it is hard to pick a favorite. But I think I’ll go with Hershey Nuggets (the one without the almonds). They are just the right size to put in my mouth and press my tongue toward the roof of my mouth while the milk chocolate melts away. Mmm. Mmm. Mmm.
Favorite Sport (to watch or play): I was never particularly athletic, and I don’t spend a lot of time watching sports in person or on TV. But I do love the rodeo. Cowboys in boots and Stetsons. Horses. Need I say more?
Favorite Scripture Verse: This is far more difficult than choosing my favorite candy . . . and that was tough! Seriously as soon as I name one, ten more favorites come to mind. So, with the understanding that this is only one of dozens upon dozens favorites (for a variety of reasons), I will share the verse that God used as I was about to begin writing The Forgiving Hour, the book that would be my first Christian fiction release.
Isaiah 42:16 (NASB95)
“I will lead the blind by a way they do not know,
In paths they do not know I will guide them.
I will make darkness into light before them
And rugged places into plains.
These are the things I will do,
And I will not leave them undone.”
June 13, 2025
Girlfriend Getaway
About a year and a half ago, I joined with three other women to begin a “Connect Group” (aka Sunday School Class). The church leadership team had realized that single mothers didn’t necessarily feel that they had a place to belong, seeing as how most existing classes were for married adults or single adults without kids. One of my co-teachers was raised by a single mom, two of them are single moms, and I came onboard because I have a heart for fellow women. In fact, in a way, I’ve been doing “women’s ministry” through my writing all these years.
I have loved being involved with this class.
I went in hoping to serve through co-teaching, hoping to bless the women. But in that way He has, God has blessed me way more than I expected. It’s a joy to surround myself with this group of mothers. We focus every Sunday on the truest truth of the gospel. Namely, that Jesus loves us. And because of his sacrifice and grace, we have hope and a future. I leave each Sunday encouraged.
Last weekend, our group went on a girlfriend getaway to a ranch in the Texas countryside southwest of Fort Worth. When you think “ranch”, you might think “rustic”. This was not that.
Gathering space on the left, one of the cabins on the right
I fancy myself an okay interior designer, until I see an interior like this. Ha! And then I appreciate that interior design is a true art form.
The living room of my cabin
Me with Wynette, one of my wonderful co-teachers
Fabulous longhorn wallpaper!!
It was gorgeous! This ranch is owned by a Christian couple who are friends of one of the teachers. Apparently, they’d always envisioned it as a retreat meant not just for them, but for others, to enjoy. So instead of building one big house, they built a gathering space plus four separate two-bedroom cabins spread out over the property. They keep their ranch feeling like an AirBnB so that ministries can come and stay and meet God there. When the wife learned about our class, she invited us to come.
Y’all! They let us stay there for free. They didn’t even charge us a cleaning fee.
I’m blown away by their generosity.
We had wonderful conversations and wonderful meals. We prayed. We laughed. We cried. We relaxed. Some of us played a late-night game of Rummikub. We delighted in the nature that surrounded us on all sides.
The Lord used the trip to remind me…
When we step in to serve, He blesses us. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35God intends for us to find our places of belonging because He made us for community. The women in our class are of all different ages and we like it that way. Age doesn’t have to be a barrier to friendship. In fact, having different ages represented has added richness to our group. “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34We can all generously share what we have. We might not be able to offer our ranch to others to use. But we can offer whatever He’s entrusted to us. Our time, our gifts. “Freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew 10:8June 12, 2025
Feeding Creativity
Today I’m writing this post from a bus in Italy. It’s a fun and challenging experience. I hope you’ll forgive any typos!
There is something about traveling that feeds my creativity. I’m sure I will post more when I’m not writing on my phone. But the colors. The architecture. The landscapes. The variety of dialects that I hear. All of it combines to fuel me and fill my cup.
Add in introducing extended family to some of my favorite places in Italy, and it’s a unique sort of homecoming. It’s been fun to feel like I k ow the streets I am walking even though it’s been six or seven years since I’ve visited these roads and places. It’s this interesting mix of homecoming and seeing it anew.
Do you have places you like to travel? Places that are comfortable yet also bring a sense of exploration and what’s around the corner? What attracts you to that location?
June 10, 2025
The Summer of No
A lot of my writer friends and reader friends know I have Lupus. I’m pretty open about it and the fact that I have three autoimmune disorders. I try hard not to let my disorders rule my life. If I’m completely honest, I try my best to defy them. It’s the rebellious nature in me when told no regarding my health. I don’t like being limited or having to curtail the things I’d love to do at times because my health dictates otherwise.
This is one of those times. Earlier this Spring, I took a three-week book tour across three states. I had the best time with my writer friend Becky Wade as we toured together, seeing the wonderful Lynn Gentry and making new writing friends Natalie Walters and Jaime Ogle. If you haven’t read these authors, you’re missing out.
I loved meeting readers in person, especially ones I’ve known online for years. It was wonderful to be able to sit down and chat books, writing and life with them.
However, and I think you saw this coming, given the title of the post, upon my return home, my Lupus flared and wouldn’t calm down. I saw multiple doctors, had tests, and a lot of lab work, and it still wouldn’t calm down after an intense steroid shot and a double course of oral steroids. It concerned my doctors so much, I heard the word I dread hearing regarding my health—no.
But this wasn’t any small no—at least not to me. This was a BIG no. No traveling for work for three months, which resulted in me having to do something I hate doing—saying no. I had to pull out of trips I’d committed to. Had to “clear the deck,” as it were, for the bulk of the summer.
My health is still not where it needs to be, but I trust my doctors and know they’ll get me back on the path of wellness in spite of Lupus. But I have been blessed by their ‘no’ at the same time. Not traveling has freed up more time for writing and, more importantly, more time with family. Kids grow up in the blink of an eye, so having more time with my grandkids, even if it’s just hanging in the pool with them, has blessed me beyond measure.
Do I like being told no? Absolutely not, especially when I feel limited by my health, but I’m slowly healing up and am now looking forward to the slow days of summer I used to love.
Do I feel awful for letting readers down? Yes. Absolutely! And, event organizers? Absolutely! But everyone has been so kind and gracious, wishing me well and praying for my health. I’ve been so touched by their grace. What about you? Have you ever had to say no to a good thing?
Best,
Dani
Christmas in…June?
My publisher just sent me a new Publishers Weekly review for my next novel, A Sea View Christmas, which releases on September 2, 2025. A positive PW review is always a gift, and I’m grateful!
…fans will appreciate the reappearance of the lovable cast of characters, and it’s gratifying to watch the two wounded souls at the book’s center haltingly work their way toward love. This ties up the series with a sweet and satisfying bow.” —Publishers Weekly
A Sea View Christmas is now available for pre-order from most retailers. More information HERE.
In the meantime, here’s a description of the novella:
With a promise to her youngest sister, Sarah Summers declares that this year’s Christmas at Sea View will exceed all expectations. But an upcoming trip to Scotland—and the prospect of becoming reacquainted with dashing widower Callum Henshall—blows a flurry of doubts into her mind. Sarah had discouraged his attentions before yet soon finds herself once again torn between attraction and duty, as alluring thoughts of a second chance at love weave their way into her practical heart.
Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Georgiana eagerly anticipates the exciting Christmas of her dreams after last year’s dull, disappointing holiday filled with endless chores. She enjoys all the promised parties, music, and dancing, but is taken by surprise when young love comes knocking. Does the festive romance of a Sea View Christmas hold the key to a happily-ever-after for both sisters?
I hope you will enjoy the new book when it releases!
June 8, 2025
Tammy’s Favorites
We hope you are enjoying these weekly feature posts from the authors of Inspired by Life…and Fiction. We’re sharing some of our favorite things to help you get to know us a little better—and we’d love to hear your answers to these “favorites” questions in the comments below.
Favorite Candy: Peanut M&Ms. Hands down. Cannot keep them anywhere within a 200 yard radius or they’ll be on my hips in nothing flat. And the “SHARING SIZE” label on the package? Purely subjective.
[image error]Favorite Sport: I am not a sports girl. Remember that moment in Titanic when Jack looks at Rose and says, “You just seem like, you know, kind of an indoor girl.” That’s pretty much me. (Move ahead to 1:24 in the video if you want to see that moment again.)
That said, I will happily try to play anything. You just don’t necessarily want me on your team. Much like the gals in middle school who finally had to choose me for their team. That experience was a defining sports moment for me.
One day during gym in middle school, I desperately did not want to be chosen last for basketball. But I was, as usual. And I still remember the team captain’s comment, “We don’t want that white girl!” However, since I was the last remaining person, they had no choice. So off I went. I so wanted to redeem myself, so you can imagine my absolute THRILL when I finally made a basket! Only…it was for the other team. To say my teammates were not happy was an understatement. To say my basketball career died right there on that court, was not. : }
But if you ever choose me for your team, honey, I’ll be all in! Just don’t make winning your goal, k?
[image error]Me at age 10, entering middle school (with our little Toy Manchester Terrier, Duchess).Those girls weren’t lying. I was white! LOL
Favorite Verse: This is like choosing a favorite child or grandchild. No way. They’re all so loved and dear to me. But here’s a life verse I return to repeatedly:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2
I love that the Hebrew writer alludes to the “huge crowd of witnesses,” especially since so many loved ones have already crossed to the other side. I often imagine Mom and Dad cheering me on, praying me home. Same for Fred and Claudette (my inlaws), and so many other loved ones including aunts, uncles, cousins, and even high school friends.
I asked ChatGPT to provide a picture based on this verse with the parameters: “Make the runner a 60-something woman with reddish hair and a joyful, yet determined look on her face. And for the love, make Jesus middle eastern looking because he was.” This is what it gave me:
Just picture your own loved ones in the faces of those portrayed, cheering you on!
I’d love to know YOUR favorites! Do we share any? Peanut M&Ms, perhaps? Is anyone else kind of an indoor girl?
Love from my corner of Nashville,
Tammy
