Becky Wade's Blog, page 98

Which Comes First? Character or Setting?

In days, I’ll be officially starting writing on two novellas I need to start, draft, and complete before the end of June. Fortunately, each is only 30,000 words, but at the moment I haven’t written that many words since last summer. But the spring semester ends for my on Friday, and it’s time to shift my focus to writing.

The exciting part is that I get to create these two stories as parts of collections.

The daunting part is that I have two very blank screen staring back at me.

How to start?

The question is characters or setting? Or in the case of these two novellas which historical hook? Both are set during WWII, so that means finding the historical nugget of intrigue is where I will often start. One book will be set in North Carolina and I have a strong sense of the historical details which dictate what the hero is. The heroine is a bit more opaque. With the second, the novella will be set in Europe during or immediately after the war. The hero is an attorney…I think. But the heroine is a bit more vague…again.

So I’m listening to books on different topics. Googling all sorts of details. Hunting for that right idea that will spark the cascade of what ifs that leads to a page-turning novella.

My answer to the question of which comes first? In typical attorney fashion: it depends.

Sometimes it’s the character that demands a story. This was the case as I created the idea for Flight Risk. My editor at the time read Beyond Justice and said that Savannah needed her own story. She was right, but I didn’t know it until I started writing Flight Risk and created a hero who would push her just as hard as she would push him.

Other times it’s the historical hook that launches a book I’m compelled to write. Shadowed by Grace was a book that was driven by the hook of the Monuments Men and what they did to preserve Western Civilization during World War Two. Stars in the Night was inspired by the real Hollywood Victory Caravan. A Promise Born was inspired by the second most top-secret project of WWII.

Still other times it’s a setting I want to visit and experience or have been to and inspiration hit. I knew I wanted to set a legal romantic suspense series in Washington DC, because I loved living and working there. It’s also the city where I attended law school. That led to Beyond Justice and the books that followed it.

What I’ve learned is the starting place doesn’t matter as much as chasing the idea until it comes together.

Which is your favorite? Characters or setting?

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What My Dog Taught Me About the Writing Life

Hi friends and happy Wednesday. I’m super excited to introduce my friend Kelly Goshorn. Kelly is a super gifted writer and I’m honored to have her guest posting on the blog today. She’s written a wonderful post. Hope you enjoy, and be sure to comment to be entered to win her beautiful debut novel.

What My Dog Taught Me About the Writing Life

by Kelly Goshorn
by Levi Goshorn
by Kelly & Levi Goshorn

I’m definitely a dog person.

What’s not to love about fury, adorable creatures that make you feel like a princess on her wedding day every time they see you?

My Welsh corgi, Levi, is my baby. He’s not only sweet, but he’s also savvy about a lot of things. Today I thought I’d share some simple truths Levi has taught me about the writing life.

Sometimes, You Gotta Walk Off-Leash
We stopped walking Levi on a leash years ago. He never strays far ahead of us or lingers more than a house behind. Nose down, my little fella stops and investigates random stuff, zig-zagging all over. Levi enjoys the journey.

Yes, writing for publication is a business, but if we’re not careful, endless deadlines, revisions, and marketing tasks will siphon our creativity. Write something that makes you laugh or cry. Fall in love with your story and your characters. Play with the words on the page until they sing the perfect melody. Text your best writing bud a line of dialogue that made you think, “wow, I wrote that.”

It’s Not All About Westminster
Levi is not an AKC registered corgi. His markings don’t bear the breed standard—no white fury ring around his neck, his nose sports a pink blemish where it should be black, and his right front paw is crooked.

Just like my sweet boy, most of us will never win Best in Show. While it can be tempting to covet the big dogs who are winning all the blue ribbons, comparison will only rob our joy. There are many adorable mutts in the world, and they are dearly loved, too.

Listen to Your Master’s Voice
Levi can do a variety of standard dog tricks—sit, shake, high five. But my favorite is his response to the word “mine.” I can put steak in the palm of my hand, position it beneath his nose, tell him “mine,” and Levi won’t touch it until I say, “Ok.” And what’s truly amazing, is in that moment, no matter what else is happening, his eyes are intently focused on me—waiting, listening for my voice alone.

I know that I’ve been called to write, that it’s my ministry. It’s also the most challenging thing God has ever asked of me. If I’m not careful, the voice of doubt creeps in and tells me I’m not good enough, that I can’t do it, and cripples me with fear. That’s when I need to be still, focus on God, and listen to my Master’s voice.

“I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13, NIV

Wherever this writing journey leads, I know Levi will be nearby, helping me make the most of the adventure.

What lessons about the writing life have surprised you?

More about A Love Restored

With pert opinions and a less-than-perfect figure, Ruth Ann Sutton doesn’t measure up to society’s vision of a perfect lady. When she accepts a position teaching in a Freedman’s School, it threatens the only marriage offer Ruth Ann is likely to receive. She’s forced to choose between life as a lonely spinster or reinventing herself to secure a respectable proposal.
Determined to rise above his meager beginnings, Benjamin Coulter’s reputation as a fast learner and hard worker earn him the opportunity to apprentice with a surveyor for the railroad—a position that will garner the respect of other men. After a chance encounter with Ruth Ann Sutton, Benjamin is smitten with her pretty face, quick wit, and feisty personality.

When others ridicule his choice, will Benjamin listen to his heart or put ambition first?

Purchase a copy here.

Historical Research Love

My editors are busy working away on The Sisters of Sea View (Book One in my new series, On Devonshire Shores, which releases Dec 2022). So now, I am beginning one of my favorite phases of starting a new novel: the initial research phase. As I plan out the details for Book Two, I am searching out what I can online or in books I already own, and am ordering additional books (often used/out of print volumes) as needed.

Some of my current research books. More on the way!

In a pleasant serendipity, at Sunday night’s meeting of the Minnesota chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers, friend and fellow novelist Erica Vetsch gave a fun and informative talk about research, from finding sources and experts, to tips for organizing the resulting information. (The latter point is something I struggle with—so much information to keep track of!)

Erica and I love to research and buy books, which we sometimes share with each other since we both write Regency-era fiction. I loved hearing her thoughts and advice. Whatever your calling, there is always more to learn and I’m grateful for people who are willing to share their expertise.

Timely advice from author-friend, Erica Vetsch.

If you are a reader: how much historical detail do you like to read in fiction?

If you are an author: How do you tackle the research component of the writing process?

A Trip Home to Kansas

Yes, Missouri is home for us now, but I was a Kansan from the time I was five months old until Ken and I moved to Missouri two and a half years ago. My dad and brother and sisters still live in Kansas, along with many beloved friends, so when we go back to Kansas, it still—and always—feels like going home.

I grew up on a farm in Rice County, a farmer’s daughter. I still wear that label proudly. Since my mom’s death, my dad lives on a small farm in the country, and even though it’s not the farm I grew up on, it still feels like coming home to spend time at his place. I could sit on Daddy’s porch all day long. So peaceful.

Ken and I got up early each morning to walk the dirt roads. It was Kansas-windy one morning, but the morning this photo was taken, we saw a beautiful sunrise and I made a new friend! (The neighbor’s horse.)

Ken got to spend time with his brothers and I got to spend time with my sisters. Such a joy.

We also got to get together with my dear Club Deb friends (and their hubbies!) in Wichita. It had been almost two and a half years since all six of us gals had been together. SO wonderful to hug their necks and catch up on each others’ news. We’ve been together through so many seasons of life. Just love these friends.

We’re back home in Missouri now and we do love our life here, close to our daughters and their families. But I’ll always love a trip back to Kansas. And it will always feel like going home.

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.

Cover Model Interview

Today I bring you one of my favorite posts of the year! Once again, my cover models kindly took time to answer a few questions for me. And once again they’re a real-life couple. Bethany House employees told me that Bryant and Ellie were a delight to work with on Turn to Me’s shoot and that staffers were swooning over the romance of their photos (as did I when I saw their cover).

Thanks so much, Bryant and Ellie, for allowing me to get to know you via this interview. And warmest congratulations on your engagement!

How did you meet?

Ellie: We technically met five years ago. I was bartending at a bad college bar and his sister tried to set us up. We were both walking disasters at the time, nothing came of it (thank goodness). We were both chasing the world, not Christ-centered at all. Fast forward five years. We’d both found Jesus and were volunteering with youth at church. He looked familiar, so I struck up a conversation and we became friends. I wanted to be single but he pursued me and it grew naturally from that! God brought us to each other.

Can you each tell me a little bit about yourselves?

Ellie: I am the youngest of three girls. I was always the wild child, and did the opposite of what I was told to do. I joined the Army National Guard at seventeen. I’ve traveled a lot and enjoy being adventurous and trying new things. I am a Criminal Analyst for now, we’ll see what God has me doing in the future! God turned my life around for sure.

Bryant: I am the youngest of three. I have an older sister and brother. I live in Minneapolis, MN. I own a business called Nautical Bowls which is an acai concept. I am actively involved in church at River Valley. I recently got engaged to Ellie!

How did you become the cover models for Turn to Me?

Ellie: Bryant was contacted about the job, and he didn’t want to do it out of respect for me because we were dating. So he was honest about it. Donna said she’d see if I could pose with him and then worked her magic to give me black hair and bangs. [They ordered a wig for Ellie to wear during the shoot to give her Finley’s hairstyle.]

When you think back to the day of the cover shoot, what memories stick out?

Ellie: Transforming into Zooey Deschanel and experiencing Bryant in his “model mode”.

Bryant: I’ve been doing shoots for a while now and I felt connected with the shoot because I was acting with my fiancee. I felt so relaxed and it was a blast performing with Ellie!

Their engagement!

What do you think of the finished cover?

Ellie: I love it! I can tell in Bryant’s eyes that he’s sincere. The cover photo captures real emotions, not faked, even if it was for a cover. The director was amazing at getting us into character.

And now (just for fun) a quiz to see how similar you each are to Luke and Finley, the hero and heroine of Turn to Me….

Bryant:

Do you have a history of stealing cars? “No.”

Do you sometimes wear black leather jackets? “No.”

Have you ever experienced an earthquake? “No.”

Would you consider yourself tech savvy? “Kind of.”

One reader described Luke as “fantastically grumpy”. Does that bear any resemblance to your personality? “No, unless I’m hungry or right when I wake up.”

Ellie:

Do you love animals? “Yes.”

Are you an only child? “Nope! I’m the youngest!”

Has anyone ever left you a mysterious gift in their will? “Yes — haha — a house in another state.”

Do you enjoy the “Boho” style of clothing? “Yes, I wear BOHO as my main summer style.”

Is faith a big part of your life? “The biggest. I am crazy independent, but God softened me up and I owe everything in my life to Him.” [Ellie is similar to Finley in 4/5 ways! And the house she was given in another state proves that she was meant to be a book heroine.]

If you’re on Instagram you can find Bryant here and Ellie here.

Readers, didn’t their cover turn out beautifully?

Turn to Me releases in less than two weeks! There’s still time to take advantage of the pre-order deal offered by Baker Book House. 40% off list price for a copy with a signed bookplate inside + free shipping in the USA.

Here’s a peek at the novel’s plot:

His promise will cost him far more than he imagined.

Guilt has defined Luke Dempsey’s life, but it was self-destructiveness that landed him in prison. When his friend and fellow inmate lay dying shortly before Luke’s release, the older man revealed he left a string of clues for his daughter, Finley, that will lead her to the treasure he’s hidden. Worried that she won’t be the only one pursuing the treasure, he gains Luke’s promise to protect her until the end of her search.

Spunky and idealistic, Finley Sutherland is the owner of an animal rescue center and a defender of lost causes. She accepts Luke’s help on the treasure hunt while secretly planning to help him in return–by coaxing him to embrace the forgiveness he’s long denied himself.

As they draw closer to the final clue, their reasons for resisting each other begin to crumble, and Luke realizes his promise will push him to the limit in more ways than one. He’ll do his best to shield Finley from unseen threats, but who’s going to shield him from losing his heart?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the interview!

The Woman Who Put Books on Wheels

I love stories about women in history who accomplished amazing things by holding tight to their passion and showing fortitude in the face of adversity. Even better if they are fellow book-lovers. Mary Titcomb was just such a woman.

Mary was born in 1852 into a family who valued education. She graduated from Robinson Female Seminary and set her mind to put her education to use. She discovered a library internship program through a church, and after completing it, went on to serve as a librarian in Vermont for 12 years. She entered the field at just the right time. A few years earlier, and a woman would not have been granted such a position. A few years later, and the role would require advanced degrees and certifications through Melvil Dewey’s work to professionalize library work.

Her lack of training in Dewey’s system proved a hindrance, however. In 1893, she applied to work as a librarian at the Women’s Building Library at the Chicago World’s Fair and was denied by Dewey himself.

Determined to move forward, Mary took a position as librarian at the Washington County Library in Maryland. The library was only the second country library in the country and gave her opportunities to be on the cutting edge of library development. One of her main passions was to make books more accessible to people in rural areas. She set up book stations in community gathering places like general stores, post offices, and even creameries. However, these stations were still mainly used by townspeople. So Mary decided to take the books to the people instead of waiting for them to come to the books.

Mary’s original Book Wagon

Her “Book Wagon” launched in 1905. The first bookmobile set off over mountain roads, stopping at each house. The library’s janitor, Joshua Thomas, drove the wagon and called himself a “book prophet.” He followed Mary’s instructions to the letter, allowing families plenty of time to browse the books and make their selections.

Horse-drawn Bookmobile from the 1920s

This library on wheels was a tremendous success. In 1910, however, a freight train destroyed the wagon. The library’s board refused to give up on the idea and in 1912 purchased a motorized truck as a replacement. The truck contained space for 300 books.

Elmer Corderman was hired as the driver and accompanied by librarian Nellie Chrissinger. With the ability to cover more ground more quickly, the bookmobile expanded its territory. Demand grew so high, that in 1915, they replaced it with a bigger truck.

Mary’s creativity inspired a literary revolution around the country. Her career took off as well. In 1914, she was elected Vice President of the American Library Association, the very organization that Melvil Dewey established. She had proven her worth and helped shape the future of community libraries.

Have you ever visited a bookmobile?
What are some of your favorite library memories?

Resources: Mary Titcomb: service through books and The First Bookmobiles

Two Re-Releases!

This spring I worked hard to get my second and third novels up for purchase under my real name. I’m happy to say that both At Every Turn and A Home for My Heart are now available! And I have a book trailer for each one! 

At Every Turn

Caught up in a whirlwind of religious fervor over a missionary project in Africa, Alyce Benson impetuously pledges three thousand dollars toward the work. Now she must find a way to get the money.

Alyce harbors a secret passion for automobiles and speed, and she’s spent many an afternoon driving around the rustic racetrack in the field behind her home. When she discovers that her father’s company has sponsored a racing car that will compete in several upcoming events—races in which the driver will be paid up to five thousand dollars in prize money—she conspires with her father’s mechanic, Webster, to train and compete.

But when her friends cast aspirations on Webster’s past, she realizes she may have trusted the wrong person with her secret. Will Alyce come up with the money on time, or will she have to choose between her hasty promise and the man who holds a piece of her heart?

A Home for My Heart

Sadie Sillsby loves her job as assistant to the matron at the Raystown Home for Orphan and Friendless Children. Day after day, she pours her energy into the boys and girls who live there even while dreaming of the day she’ll marry her beau, Blaine, and have a family of her own. But when the long-time matron of the home surprises everyone by announcing her engagement, Sadie finds herself next in line for the job.

Growing up as an orphan herself, Sadie isn’t quite sure she has what it takes to oversee all aspects of the home—financial, legal, and logistical. But there is an even bigger issue: the matron cannot be married. Can she abandon the place she loves to be the with the person she loves? Before she can make a decision toward one path or the other, the future of the home begins to look bleak. Will Sadie be able to turn things around before the home is forced to close its doors forever?

Have you read these? If so, which was your favorite? If not, which one sounds like you’d enjoy it most? 

Deb Raney + Garage Sale + $5 = ???

So a while ago, I gave Deb Raney $5 and asked her to buy me something the next time she and Ken went garage sale-ing. She always comes back with the neatest finds.

If you don’t already follow Deb’s garage sale posts on her Facebook Page, you need to! She finds the best stuff. For example…

I love what she did with that pot. So pretty. She’s just so stinkin’ creative.

So…what wonderful something did she find for me with the $5 I gave her? (Or that I will give her when she visits me in May ).

She didn’t get me just one thing, she got me ALL OF THIS!

I love every single item and am already mentally finding places for these little treasures in my home. But until then, here they are in Deb’s!

Pretty little bird house

I love bird houses and can’t wait to find a special place for this. I’ve told Deb to be sure and write on “the backsides and bottoms” like my mother used to do. I love turning something over that Mom gave me and finding a note and date there. Precious.

Wooden ruler

I love this wooden ruler Deb nabbed for me too. Every time I use it (and I will), I’ll think of you, Ms. Raney!

Christmas plate

Deb said she wasn’t sure if I would like this little Christmas dish or not, but I LOVE it! It matches some of my mother’s Christmas dishes that I inherited when she passed. And see that cool little antique piano at the top right? That antique was Deb’s Valentine’s gift from her husband this year. That um, she is NOT parting with. LOL!

Totally terrific teal card holder

I love teal. In fact, see that little teal apple dish to the left of the card holder? When Deb was visiting me here in Nashville a few years back, we went antiquing and we each bought one of those little teal dishes. I keep rings and earrings in mine—and yep, think of her every time I see it. : )

Do you have special little “treasures” that, when you look at them, you think of someone special in your life? Please share! And are you a garage saler? I used to be back in the day (big time), but I haven’t been in ages.

If you haven’t entered my April GIVEAWAY for the Filament Bible, please do! Eight days left to win. The clock’s a’tickin’!

Much love friends! And thanks again, Deb, for these sweet treasures! One day I want to go garage sale-ing together, if Ken will allow me to tag along. Donuts and coffee on me, babe! ; )

Tammy

8 DAYS LEFT TO WIN

Bulletin Bloopers

Does your church still print a bulletin? Even if they don’t, I hope this collection of actual bulletin bloopers will brighten your day!

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

The sermon this morning: “Jesus Walks on the Water.” The sermon tonight: “Searching for Jesus.”

Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.

Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say “Hell” to someone who doesn’t care much about you.

Don’t let worry kill you off – let the Church help.

Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again,” giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing: “Break Forth Into Joy.”

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What Is Hell?” Come early and listen to our choir practice.

Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment, and gracious hostility.

Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM – prayer and medication to follow.

The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the Church Basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

The Associate Minister unveiled the church’s new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: “I Upped My Pledge – Up Yours.”

Have a grand day and a marvelous week!

~~Angie