This is getting to be more and more fun every day! The stack of books I'm reading over Christmas is growing, but I truly am hoping to get lost in a few stories. I tend to be careful when I crack open a new book because I know no one will see me for at least a couple of days...
But it's so worth it. Today, we're adding another new book to the giveaway box, Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt.
Beth writes contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us.
I LOVE Contemporary Romance, so this is right up my alley. Read on to find out more about Beth's process!
Courtney: Where'd you get the idea for your book?
Beth: I’d written a scene several years before that I wanted to grow up into a novel. The scene involved a bride, standing at the back of a church, not sure if she could walk down the aisle and go through with the “I do.” I had to figure out how she got stuck at the back of the church – what caused her confusion – and yes, I knew it had something to do with the best man. If she went through with the wedding, well, all I had was a short story. So, I had to figure out what happened next … and that’s Allison’s story in Wish You Were Here.
Courtney: Do you have any "rituals" you do when you write?
Beth: Rituals? Other than obsessive editing once I’m past the fast-draft stage? Or drinking extreme amounts of Coke, Sobe, or hot/ice tea – depending on the season? Or keeping a stash of jellybeans in the bottom left-hand drawer of my desk? No, no rituals.
I love to process my novels using The Book Buddy, a marvelous workbook developed by author Susan May Warren. Once I have all the components detailed – characters, subplot, spiritual thread – I map it out on the back of my office doors, using oversize neon colored Post It Notes. And I’ve discovered that Skyping is essential to brainstorming. I am blessed to have Rachel Hauck on speed-dial.
Courtney: Favorite writing snack and/or beverage?
Beth: Snack: popcorn or jellybeans, as previously mentioned. Beverage: Coke, Sobe, or tea, also as previously mentioned.
Courtney: How would you describe your writing style/books?
Beth: I just discussed this with Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck the other day. Susie is a “processor” and Rachel is all about the “ping,” i.e. feeling the emotion of the scenes. Me? I’m both, so I was labeled “prong.” I love the process I’ve learned through My Book Therapy, Susie’s writing community. But I also want my reader’s to connect emotionally with my stories, which is why I hand my rough drafts off to Sonia, my “Preferred Reader.” She lets me know if what I’ve written flows (process) and when she laughs and/or cries (appropriately), then I know I’ve hit the “ping” too.
Courtney: Something people don't know about life as a writer?
I think many non-writers suspect this and I will now confirm it: Yes, we writers watch you and listen to you and think, “Hhhhhmm, that would make a wonderful scene for my novel. That bit of conversation? I’m going to have my heroine say it to my hero in chapter 3. Ooooh, I’m going to have my heroine’s BFF’s hair styled just like yours!” We don’t waste anything in our lives – or yours.
Courtney interrupting, as usual, to say: I can attest to that fact.
You can read more about Beth on her website and you can find her book right HERE.
Now about that giveaway...
I am thrilled that Beth has agreed to include her book in the Book Lover's Giveaway, and I cannot WAIT to see who wins. Remember, you can enter on each of this week's posts (up to five times each), so scroll down to read interviews with Deb Raney, Susan Meissner and Dani Pettrey!
Then, leave a comment on this post and you'll be entered to win!
Tweet, Blog, Facebook or Pin this post/giveaway and then come back and leave another comment for each one you do to be entered a total of FIVE times today...one lucky winner is going to win all of these beautiful books! {I can't tell you I'm not jealous!}
Good Luck!
