Heather Day Gilbert's Blog, page 16

Why I Write Flawed Main Characters

Reese Witherspoon as the unforgettable Becky Sharp in Vanity Fair movie 2004

It’s an interesting experience, writing in first person. You see, when you write in first person, the reader is in your main character’s head. And, well…

SOMETIMES READERS DON’T LOVE YOUR MAIN CHARACTER.

Sometimes your main character does things less than heroic. Sometimes your main men might not say something when they should. Sometimes your main women might not be the best moms, or wives, or daughters.

Thing is–those are the characters that stick with me, so that’s why I write them.

I don’t like when people describe characters as “flawed,” but that is code for flaws like: they don’t brush their teeth 3x a day, or they lie to cover something up, or they forgot to get their girlfriend a Valentine’s Day card. When I say “flawed,” I’m talking about people who resemble the real people I know, including myself. I figure we all have one besetting sin, our Achilles’ heel, if you will. And we like to hide it. And we like to clean up the outsides while sometimes our insides are rotting away (Click to Tweet!).

Those are the people I write about. And I realize it might make people uncomfortable, being in their heads and seeing them do the wrong thing or act the wrong way. I figure God feels that way quite often with us…but I digress.

I’m kind of saying this as a heads-up, because I know for sure that Freydis is not going to fit into any box of how to act and obey the rules. And I’m bracing up now for people to hate her. But you know what? She was a real woman, and she really did much of what I’m going to write about. And I have to try to understand why she did much of that. Just like I had to try to understand why Gudrid sailed with all three husbands, and yes, the last time, probably while she was pregnant. I had to try to see what it would be like living in a camp full of men as a woman who was known for her beauty. Of course, with my Viking historicals, I’m working with main characters who were indeed real, living, breathing people. And I know they did things I might not understand, but as an author, I need to understand them enough to bring them to life.

I love Thomas Hardy books. Many times you’re shouting mentally at his characters not to make those fatal choices, but they do. Same with so many classics, from Vanity Fair (aptly subtitled: A Novel without a Hero) to Anna Karenina.

So if I garner some one-stars because people don’t get my main characters, I’m okay with that. I’m just hoping you won’t ever forget them. You may never struggle with the same issues they do, but you might run into someone who does. And I’m hoping you’ll say, “Hey–that reminds me of __________.”

My characters might not always even get their acts together by the end of book one. I know some real, live people who don’t get their acts together till the end of their lives, and it’s a tragedy. But it does happen, and I’m not scared to write about it.

So that’s why I write some seriously flawed main characters. That’s why I enjoy reading about seriously flawed main characters–because I usually see in them something I’ve seen in someone else, or in myself. I want my characters to tell their stories with their choices, even if they’re not always superior role models. I never claimed they would be. But the light of God will always shine into their lives, even if they reject it. Because I truly believe it always does for real people, too.

Sometimes we learn about the way others think by reading about them. For instance: Scarlett O’hara. Love her or hate her, but by the end of Gone with the Wind, we knew how that gal was thinking and dealing with life. And there are women like her out there today.

Just wanted to open up and share this with you readers now, at the beginning of this journey. I know some of you were able to relate to Gudrid and some were not. I know some liked Freydis and some did not. I imagine some will “get” Tess Spencer and some will not.

I guess I’m saying all this to say: a) I love writing first person, getting into flawed characters’ heads, and b) I don’t think I’ll stop writing that way anytime soon. I’m willing to take the chance that not everyone will love my main characters, so that those who DO relate to them will find them…well, utterly relatable, and those who don’t will at least not soon forget them (a la Scarlett O’hara or Becky Sharp). So please buckle up!

Miranda Warning Pinnable #2

As you may have noticed, the look of my blog has changed! I hated to see my old theme go, but I wanted my blog to be more accessible for my book links. All my old pages are still there, not to worry! If you haven’t yet checked out the God’s Daughter extras, I hope you can, if you’ve read the book and wondered about words and familial relationships!

Sharing the second Miranda Warning pinnable today and hope you’ll pin it. This quote really reflects the attitude of one of my characters. Hope you enjoy and are looking forward to its release, June 20th!

First MIRANDA WARNING Pinnable and Winner of THE PRECIPICE!

First, I want to announce the winner of the e-book copy of TC Avey’s futuristic novel, The Precipice. Thank you all for your comments last week, and thank you for such a great interview, TC! And the winner is…

KC Frantzen!

Blessings to you, KC, and I know you will enjoy The Precipice!

Since I can’t help getting excited about upcoming releases, be it my own book or those of my friends, I wanted to share my first pinnable for Miranda Warning, the first novel in my A Murder in the Mountains series, which will release June 20th (West Virginia Day). I’m not the most artistic kid in the bunch, but I do have fun figuring out pictures to illustrate some of my favorite quotes. Keep in mind I pull quotes from anywhere in my book, so I’m not going to say who’s talking here (I actually have two narrators/main points of view in this one–so fun!).

I do hope you can start pinning and getting the word out for this! I can’t wait for you to read it! This first quote will set the tone, as it’s very important to me that this series is based in West Virginia.

Author Interview with TC Avey and #Giveaway of The Precipice!

Today, it thrills me no end to have my author friend TC Avey visiting my blog. TC and I have been friends for a long while, and I’m so excited she released her debut novel this week!

I was blessed to be an endorser for The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends, a collection of futuristic Christian short stories. Please comment below and tweet for a chance to win an e-copy of The Precipice!

Here’s a little intro to this great gal:

TC Avey is a Christian devoted to God, family and friends. She is passionate about encouraging Christians to live a life dedicated to Christ as well as helping them understand the importance of preserving our national freedoms through knowledge and love. She blogs at Wisdom of a Fool. You can also follow her on Twitter. Her book, The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends, is available on Amazon. You can purchase it by clicking here.

Author Interview with TC Avey:

HG: I’d love to know the inspiration for your book. Could you share that with us?

TC: The simple answer is God.

But it’s more complex than that.

My entire life I’ve loved Current Events and History. In 2008 God began showing the Bible to me from those two perspectives and it has changed my life.

I can no longer read Current Events and not link them with God’s Word. I can’t learn about history and not see God’s hand at work.

The day before Memorial Day, I sat in church thanking God for the freedom to worship Him without fear. I did nothing to earn this freedom. But I can’t take for granted that this type of liberty will always exist.

I may not have done anything to “earn” this right, but I do have a responsibility, as an American and as a Christian, to help ensure that this precious gift is preserved.

After church, I sat down and wrote most of this book. Months passed before I acted upon the words God gave me.

Slowly, I began linking each story with Modern Events.

The more I delved into it, the easier it became to see that God wants people to wake-up to the dangers facing Christians around the globe.

People die each day for the name of Christ.

I’ve no clue how strong their walk with Him is. But I do know that if I don’t put forth the effort to follow my God when I’m free to do so, I will have a hard time doing it if it’s ever a crime.

HG: I really appreciate how you link real news events with these stories. C ould you explain the significance of your title, The Precipice?

TC: Synonyms for Precipice are rock face, cliff, abyss.

All those terms explain the precarious position our world is in. We are standing on the edge of change. That change can be for the better or the worse (abyss).

God’s Word must remain a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).

That way, even if we fall into the abyss, we can find our way out and hopefully bring others with us.

It’s my prayer that this book will change lives and spur devotion to the only “sure thing”—God.

HG:  Do you categorize your book as dystopian? If so, what sets it apart?

TC: I do categorize it as dystopian, as well as speculative or “end times”. I really dislike all those titles as people often see them and look no further into a book.

The problem is I don’t know any other book like mine. I know great works of fiction that have left me thinking about them days later. I know devotionals with such inspired Discussion Questions that I’m driven closer to God. I know books that link God’s Word with Modern Events and completely blow my mind.

But I don’t know any other book that combines fiction, Modern Events and Discussion Questions.

But to be fair, I haven’t read every book published. So if anyone knows one, please let me know. I’d love to read it. 

HG:  How long did it take you, from the time you decided to self-publish your novel, to publication? Any highs or lows you’d like to share about the process?

TC: It took way longer than I imagined. My original goal was to have this published before Christmas 2013. But reality set in and I realized I needed more editing.

Each time I thought I was ready for the next step, God slowed me down.

I’m so grateful for all the people who have helped me along this journey. Each one of them (you, Heather) are in my life by God’s design.

Each day I commit this book, and it’s timing, to God’s care.

HG: (Aw, thank you, TC!) Having read your thought-provoking book, I will say that it made me think about things I sometimes try to ignore. One story, in particular, sticks with me…a decision Christians might have to make in the future. How should we balance keeping informed on possible future persecution with not worrying about the morrow?

TC: Excellent question!

Like I mentioned above, God began changing my world view in 2008. At first, I completely freaked out. I was scared, overwhelmed, angered, discouraged, and in awe that so many were blissfully and willfully ignorant of what was staring them in the face.

I was so distraught that I almost didn’t have a baby!

By 2012 I began focusing more on who God is, than on satan.

Not a day has ever occurred that God didn’t ordain.

He holds the world in His hands and nothing touches us without His approval.

It’s vital that people KNOW Him and TRUST Him.

I pray my book doesn’t scare people. That’s what satan wants. People bound in fear.

1 John 4:18 tells us that “perfect love casts out fear”.

God IS that perfect love.

We must abide in Him- the vine (John 15:1-16).

It’s not about what we can do or how strong we are…it’s all about God.

Because greater is He in me than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

HG:  What is the most helpful tip you have for authors planning to self-publish?

TC: Plan for distractions. Schedule more time than what you think is needed. I thought when I finally extended my deadline I had plenty of time…but life happens.

Also, make time to enjoy life and be with God and family.

Without God and family, any accomplishment really isn’t worth it.

HG:  Great advice! And so wonderful to have you visit today, TC!

****Please comment below and tweet about this giveaway for a chance to win an e-copy of The Precipice! I know TC will be happy to answer any questions! We will draw a winner next Wednesday!****

Gearing up for my First FREEBIE!

Hi my faithful readers! Just wanted to share that as of tomorrow, April 7th, God’s Daughter will be FREE ON KINDLE ONLY! (I’m trusting Amazon will make this happen, as per my instructions!). The freebie will be from 4/7-4/9/2014.

If you’ve read and enjoyed it, I’d love it if you’d help spread the word. I have a few tweets you’re welcome to cut/paste TOMORROW, when it should be live.

I’m really excited and nervous. I realize it may get some bad reviews from people who don’t normally even read historical fiction. At the same time, I’m hoping it will reach even MORE readers who love the story of Gudrid.

Here are the three tweetables for tomorrow through Wednesday! Thank you for sharing! It’ll be up on my Pinterest boards, as well!

 

TWEETABLES:

“One of those rare books I would read again…” FREE on Kindle today! #GODSDAUGHTER: http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Daughter-Vikings-World-Saga-ebook/dp/B00GAJKV8G

 

FREE on Kindle today! “God’s Daughter is not a frivolous or blithe novel, but a richly detailed one…” http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Daughter-Vikings-World-Saga-ebook/dp/B00GAJKV8G #goodreads

 

Like #Vikings? FREE on Kindle today! #GODSDAUGHTER: http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Daughter-Vikings-World-Saga-ebook/dp/B00GAJKV8G #freereads

Author MYTHBUSTING!

Today, I just thought I’d bust some myths we often hear propagated in authorly circles. I had lots of ideas for more…please comment below with any myths you’d like to see me tackle next time, if I vlog on this again! (And by the way, I know this is like the craziest still shot ever from a Youtube vlog…so sorry! I tried to change it!)

 

 

 

 

 

COVER ART REVEAL FOR MIRANDA WARNING

Because I could not wait ONE second longer, I’m going to share the Kindle cover art for Miranda Warning with you today! You can find the book on Goodreads here. Please add to your To-Read list and share with others you think would enjoy it!

I’m going to paste it below…my resolution might not look right. BUT please tell me what you like about it! If you don’t like it, don’t tell me! Ha. A mighty huge thanks to my brother and cover artist, JON DAY. We went back and forth with SO many things on this one, but finally got it to turn out in a way we both loved. I cannot WAIT to get a softcover in my hands–the colours on this one just make me happy.

HERE WE GO:

 

 

WINNER of Julianna Deering Mystery! And Last Call-Out for Early Readers!

First of all, let’s see who won their choice of Julianna Deering mystery novels:

It’s TC AVEY!

TC, I’ll contact you about which novel you’d prefer!

And just giving you all one more day to sign up for the early reader version of MIRANDA WARNING. I believe these will go out sometime this week. Contact me at heatherdaygilbert (at) gmail (dot) com if you’re interested in reading early and preparing a review (if you enjoy it!). I have limited slots, but still a couple places open. Authors or readers welcome.

Thank you all, and a big thanks to Julianna Deering for the great interview!

Interview and Giveaway with Mystery Author Julianna Deering!

Julianna Deering

So excited to interview mystery author Julianna Deering today! I’m sure you’ve noticed her smashing books around (affecting a fake British accent to celebrate the setting). The covers are irresistible! Here’s her latest:

I’m totally enamored with these covers!

Okay, back on topic. Julianna was not only kind enough to answer a lot of my questions, but she’s also offering a winner’s choice softcover giveaway to one lucky commenter (Click to Tweet!): winner can choose the first novel in the series, Rules of Murder, or the most recent release above, Death by the Book. (Um…I want to win. Don’t worry–I won’t enter, peeps.)

Sallying forth to the interview!

HG: Julianna, I’d love to know what drew you to writing in the mystery genre. What are your strongest influences?

JD: I’ve been a fan of the mysteries of the 1920s and ‘30s for a very long time.  Agatha Christie (Poirot), Dorothy L. Sayers (Wimsey) and Margery Allingham (Campion) are easily my favorites.  And I’m a big fan of the movies of the 1930s.  I especially enjoy the Thin Man series (William Powell and Myrna Loy).  This couple were a big influence on my own romantic pair, Drew Farthering and Madeline Parker.

HG:  I love the retro look of your covers. I know you are with Bethany House. Were you able to work with them on that first one or did they know what direction they wanted to take?

JD: Aren’t the covers fabulous?  My favorite so far is for Murder at the Mikado (due out July 1st).  Drew is delicious in white tie, isn’t he?  Bethany House has done a wonderful job of capturing the style of the book and of the time period with these covers.  They’re art all by themselves.  Anyway, they asked me for photos of what I imagined my lead characters looked like as well as photos of my idea of the house, the village, the car, etc., and we had some discussion about what would work to define the series.  After that, based on what’s in each book, they came up with the covers.  They did a marvelous job.

HG: We’ve had some chitchat in a Facebook Suspense group I’m in (and I’ve chatted with some agents about this topic, as well). What would you say draws the line between Suspense and Mystery categories? In other words, how did you decide your novel was Mystery versus Suspense?

JD: I think suspense is where the protagonist is in danger and has to stay one step ahead of the bad guy.  Often the reader knows who the bad guy is and gets to see what he’s up to.  Mystery is more likely to be solving the crime after the fact and, of course, knowing whodunit before the end would spoil the fun.

HG: I find it interesting you have a male main character (Drew Farthering). Do you find it easy or difficult to see things through his eyes? Do you ever have to run things he does or says through male beta readers?

JD: I enjoy writing male leads.  My very first book, the medieval romance In Honor Bound (written as DeAnna Julie Dodson) has a very strong male lead as do the other two books in the series. I haven’t ever written a book that’s completely from a male point of view, but I do like switching between the male and female main characters.  Men definitely think and talk differently from women, but that’s what makes them fun to write. Drew, being English on top of being male, is even more different, but he usually doesn’t give me any trouble.  My editors at Bethany House are male, so I’m sure they’d let me know if he was not coming across the right way.

HG: I know you write under two names. Could you tell us a little about the benefits of a pseudonym?

JD: I think it’s a good way to let readers know you’re coming out with something different than you’ve had before.  The style and content of the Drew books is very different from the contemporary mysteries I wrote for Annie’s Attic (very gentle needlework-themed cozies), and they’re both extremely different from the angsty, lushly romantic medieval trilogy I started with.

HG:  Medieval! Big fan of medieval myself…I know some mystery writers plot meticulously, down to the last detail. I also know some don’t know the murderer into well into the book. What approach do you take to structuring your stories?

JD: I have to know the end first.  In mystery, you have two basic storylines. (Click to Tweet!)  One is what’s going on behind the scenes, what the bad guy is up to and how he’s hiding it.  The other is what seems to be going on, the crimes, the people who seem guilty but aren’t, the clues that seem to point to one thing but really mean something entirely different.  By the end, both of these storylines have to tie in together.  I couldn’t possibly make all that work out if I didn’t know from the start who the murderer is.  Now, I’m not a “plot to the last detail” person either.   I usually have a destination and a few planned stops along the way, but otherwise I like to let the characters take whatever roads they like to get there.  They often surprise me.  And sometimes what I have carefully plotted just doesn’t work when I get down to the actual writing, so I have to fix it.  I really have to let the book grow its own way every time.  It’s always an interesting journey and never happens the same way twice.

HG: Finally, if you had to pick your favorite mystery novel EVER, which would it be and why?

JD: You really can’t go wrong with Dame Agatha.  I have a really hard time deciding between her Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None. They’re both absolute classics with wonderful plots.  I think And Then There Were None has the most baffling plot, but Orient Express has a more interesting cast, and the reason for the murder is more compelling.  Either one is a fabulous read, especially for those who love a vintage mystery.

Thanks so much for visiting today, Julianna!

Thanks so much for having me, Heather!  I’d like to add that Bethany House has made up some wonderful bookmarks and bookplates for Rules of Murder and Death by the Book.  I’d be happy to send out autographed ones to anyone who sends a self-addressed, stamped envelope, at least 7” long to me at P. O. Box 375, Aubrey, Texas  76227.

More on Death by the Book: With Farlinford Processing and the family’s good name safe again following the events in Rules of Murder, Drew Farthering wants nothing more than to end the summer of 1932 with the announcement of his engagement to Madeline Parker. Instead, he finds himself involved in another mysterious case. The family lawyer has been found dead in a Winchester hotel room, skewered through the heart by an antique hat pin with a cryptic message attached: Advice to Jack. 

Evidence of secret meetings and a young girl’s tearful confession point to the man’s double life, but what does that have to do with the murder of a physician on the local golf course? Nothing, it would seem. Nothing except for another puzzling note and the antique hat pin affixing it to the doctor’s chest.

Soon the police make an arrest in connection with the murders, but Drew isn’t at all sure they have the right man. Could the killer be one of his society friends, or is it someone much closer than that? 

Find it here: 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Christian Book.com

 


JULIANNA DEERING has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuted with Rules of Murder (Bethany House, 2013) and is followed by Death by the Book and Murder at the Mikado (Bethany House, 2014). Also, as DeAnna Julie Dodson, she has written a trilogy of medieval romances (In Honor Bound, By Love Redeemed and To Grace Surrendered) and four contemporary mysteries for the Annie’s Attic series. She is represented by Wendy Lawton of the Books & Such Literary Agency (www.booksandsuch.biz).


Find Julianna here:


www.deannajuliedodson.com
www.drewfarthering.com
www.juliannadeering.com




****Do you have any questions you would like to ask Julianna? Please leave a question or comment below to be entered to win your choice of softcover: either Rules of Murder or Death by the Book! (Click to Tweet!)****

AUDIO Version of God’s Daughter is Live on Audible.com!

I’ve been waiting for Amazon to link the audiobook version of God’s Daughter with my book versions, but it’s not happening fast enough! I want to share it with you! So here is the link–you can listen to a five-minute sample. And PLEASE spread the word! I looked into Audible and it looks like an interesting program if you like audiobooks. I know many listen to them on their commutes. I’d love your comments below or on my author page…I’m so pleased with the job Becky Doughty of Bravehearts Audio did!

Here is the link!

God’s Daughter Audio on Audible.com