Made to Last

When her homebuilding show is on the brink of being shut down, Miranda “Randi” Woodruff rents a husband to jazz up viewer ratings. What she didn’t count on was a handsome reporter snooping around, trying to dig up her secrets. Little does she know, reporter Matthew Knox has some buried secrets of his own. Will Miranda evade Matthew’s journalistic curiosity long enough to save her television show? Or will she cave under the pressure? Will Matthew’s secrets push him past the point of no return, where his conscience is concerned? Or will he gladly toss aside his personal ethics to get the scoop on Randi Woodruff and catapult himself to new career heights?

Made to Last is the debut book of author Melissa Tagg. I must say I was surprised by this lighthearted romance. It dug into deep topics, challenging me as a reader and a writer. As a reader, the theme of identity made me stop and consider who I am. Am I defined by my career choices, marital status, and cleanliness of my home? Or is my identity found elsewhere? The answer I found is this: I am a daughter of God. All other identities (writer, tutor, daughter, sister, friend, etc.) fall into place, secondary to my place as a child of God.

The surprises Miranda and Matthew faced as the chapters went along kept me off balance and turning pages. It challenged the writer in me to consider every possible plot twist for my work-in-progress (WIP). I especially enjoy novels that catch me off guard, as Made to Last did. They usually nudge me deeper in my own writing process. There’s nothing quite like reading a fellow author’s work to push my own writing skills to a new level.

One of my favorite lines from the book is at the tail end of a discussion between Miranda and her TV show’s producer, Lincoln Nash.

Miranda: "I don't have a husband."

Lincoln: "So we get you one."

This simple exchange promised quirky, awkward moments for Randi Woodruff, and Melissa Tagg delivered! I loved the storyline and how the three different men in Miranda’s life played so well off of each other. One scene built upon another until I was holding the book mere inches from my face in eager anticipation of what would occur next. This book is an easy read that is sure to keep you entertained and yearning for more.

Look out, world! Melissa Tagg has arrived!

Melissa, thank you for including me in your Tagg Team of influencers. I appreciate the complimentary copy of Made to Last in exchange for my honest review and social media support.

Readers, don't forget to visit Melissa Tagg on Facebook and/or her website! She recently jazzed up her website, so I know you'll want to check that out.

Have you ever been in an awkward situation? Did you find the humor in it, or did you want to just sit down and cry? What did you learn from your experience?

Author Interview with Kim Vogel Sawyer

Today, I'm talking with author and Facebook friend, Kim Vogel Sawyer, whose latest book What Once Was Lost releases to bookstores tomorrow.

Available September 17th

Andrea: In your most recent book, What Once Was Lost, Tommy Kilgore was such an enjoyable character to get to know. Did someone in particular inspire his character?

Kim: No, Tommy is purely from my imagination, but I certainly grew attached to him.

Andrea: What piece of research surprised you most? Were you disappointed in any of your research?

Kim: The terminology which was perfectly acceptable surprised me--referring to poor farms as "asylums" and the residents as "inmates." I encountered these terms on historical sites and the images in my head, painted by today's use of those words, were quite different from the reality of that time. I find it intriguing how language evolves.

Andrea: Your descriptions in Tommy's point of view (POV) made it easy to feel what blindness would be like. Did you use a blindfold to better imagine the scenes? Or was there another technique you used? Or was it pure imagination?

Kim: I closed my eyes when writing in Tommy's POV. It sounds simplistic, but it's amazing how your other senses "step up to the plate" when you limit the use of one. Try plugging your ears sometime in a public place and see how keen your observation becomes. :O)

Andrea: Do you plot your books or write as you go? Are you ever surprised by the twists or outcomes in your stories?

Kim: I am a seat of the pants writer, so I am constantly surprised by what transpires. Every day is an adventure! I love it.

Andrea: When did you realize you wanted to write historical Christian fiction novels?

Kim: I always wanted to be a writer, and I always wanted to write historicals, but I think I became focused on Christian writing when I read my first Janette Oke story. I loved how God was a main character, and I wanted to write stories of the hope only He can give.

Andrea: How has the added responsibility of running The King's Inn Bed & Breakfast affected your writing schedule?

Kim: I like to start my day focused on writing. Now I have to wait until we've served breakfast and visited with guests before I can focus. Since I am most productive in the morning, it was a real adjustment for me to put something else ahead of writing, but it's balancing out. Fortunately the Hubs is good about doing all the clean up, so once the guests are served I can scoot up to my office and get busy.

Andrea: The theme of helping others is dear to my heart, which is one reason I especially love What Once Was Lost. How do you decide which themes to focus on in your novels? Are there any certain factors you consider while planning your stories?

Kim: The only thing I plan is my characters' emotional/physical/spiritual arcs. I know what each of them hope to achieve and why it is important to them. Beyond that, everything else that transpires is a natural out-growth of the characters' journeys. I am often amazed at the themes that develop.

Andrea: Who was the most challenging character to write, and why?

Kim: Tommy ... because I couldn't use his sight and I am a very visual person.

Andrea: What's up next on your busy schedule? May we have a hint at what your next book is about?

Kim: Up next is a story set in a Kansas chocolate factory and features a female investigator who is going to turn the life of the Dinsmore Chocolate Factory owner's son upside-down!

Andrea: Lastly, but most importantly, how's that new grandbaby of yours doing (and her parents)? Is she close enough to spoil regularly, like your little Wugmump? (Of course, all your grandkiddos are precious! I always enjoy the photos you share on your website and blog.)

Kim: Our newest one is growing like a weed and learning to smile, which is always so precious. I wish she was closer--three hours can seem like thirty when you want a quick visit--but thankfully Skype allows us to see and talk to both Wugmumps whenver we need a fix.

Andrea: Kim, thank you for visiting with us here at Writing to Inspire. You write such endearing stories.

Kim: Thanks, Andrea!

Since the release of her first novel in 2006, Kim Vogel Sawyer has become one of the most beloved writers in the Christian market. Drawn to her gentle stories of hope and the life lessons contained between the pages, readers eagerly anticipate the newest release. When Kim isn't writing, you can find her serving guests with her retired-military hubby at The King's Inn Bed and Breakfast Inn or spoiling her grandchildren. You can learn more about Kim and her writing and speaking ministries at www.KimVogelSawyer.com.

The Hope Within -- by guest Joanne Bischof

Today, I'm thrilled to host author Joanne Bischof here on Writing to Inspire. Her Cadence of Grace series gripped my heart immediately with its sweet poignancy, hope and heartbreaking moments. Joanne has been a joy to get to know, and I hope you get a glimpse of her sweet personality here today.

Lonnie’s character was one of the first pieces of the Cadence of Grace series to fall into place, she’s also a character that so many readers have written to me to share how much they connected with her as a woman and, in many ways, as a friend. Early on, one of her main defining characteristics is her longing to be loved. With an abusive father and a shy spirit, she’s always led a quiet life. In the first moment she steps onto the pages of Be Still My Soul, she also steps onto the stage at the town dance in Rocky Knob, Virginia. Not liking to sing in front of people, it’s the last place she wants to be.

As she faces this great fear, she meets Gideon O’Riley, the handsome mandolin player with a reputation with the ladies. She’s always noticed him from afar, but never had he really noticed her. It’s a great surprise to Lonnie when he walks her home that starry night, and stealing a kiss, he seals their fate of a shotgun wedding. Lonnie’s quiet ways are so different than Gideon’s confident and roguish personality, but the sweetness of her heart is just what Gideon needs as he fights a battle of the spirit, and though it takes him a while to realize what he has in her, he’ll soon discover the blessing she is on his life.

The patience of Lonnie’s heart is truly rewarded by the time readers see her again in Though My Heartis Torn. Her husband, Gideon, is immensely grateful for the precious gift he has in his wife. Though when Gideon’s past as a scoundrel comes back to haunt him, their greatest trial lies ahead in the form of a woman claiming that she is his rightful wife, not Lonnie. Even as Lonnie’s world seems to crumble, she clings to that quiet faith, hoping and trusting that the Lord will hold her through this, all the while, hoping and praying that out of this trial, Gideon will grow closer to the Lord he’s kept at arm’s length his entire life. One of the themes I really wanted to capture with this series is the strength God can equip us with, regardless of the path we are on. Lonnie’s character is meant to symbolize how God can make us strong even when we feel we are weak.

By the time Lonnie steps onto the page in My Hope is Found. She’s armed with many life experiences. She’s shed a few tears and she’s loved greatly. Her heart is filled with the yearning for a man she’s certain is lost to her, yet it’s still for the taking. So when Gideon steps back into her life, she’s not only a bit older, but a bit wiser.

One of my greatest hopes is for these characters to feel human—with real struggles. A moment that comes to mind is in My Hope is Found. Faced with the trial of being so near to the man she loves, yet who is no longer her husband, Lonnie is faced with an immense struggle. While just like with the girl she was in Be Still My Soul, her longing to be loved hasn’t changed, but she has a greater understanding of wisdom and faith in the Lord…that He works all things for His glory.

My Hope is Found releases on
October 15, 2013.

Gideon O’Riley has been given another chance at a life with Lonnie. But will the fight for her heart risk it all over again?

Christy Award-finalist and author of Be Still My Soul and Though My Heart is Torn, Joanne Bischof has a deep passion for Appalachian culture and writing stories that shine light on God’s grace and goodness. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children. When she’s not weaving Appalachian romance, she’s blogging about faith, folk music, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life. www.joannebischof.com

How do YOU cope when you feel weak and inadequate? Do you have a favorite Bible verse you turn to in moments of disappointment? Do you have a support group or friend who helps you rediscover hope when you feel there is none?

Summing Up Summer

My friend Amanda, sister Kristy,
and parents (not pictured)
helped me celebrate my birthday.

August is my one full month off from my job as a tutor of children grades five through eight. It’s the month I celebrate the day I was born (by eating at Cheddar's, of course), and it’s also the month in which my family typically tries to go on vacation.

This year was no different. My parents, sister and I packed up our Tahoe and headed down the road. Up the road, technically, since our destination was north of our home state of Texas.

Where were we headed? Indiana and Michigan.

My challenge? Not getting distracted by the landscape whizzing by my window.

Yes, that’s right. I brought my laptop. I gladly sacrificed some of my landscape-watching, book-reading, z-z-z-z-catching time in order to get a good jump on the edits necessary to make my manuscript shine. That task proved quite daunting, but I steadily made progress on my work in progress (WIP). No, I didn’t get it completed. Even though I didn’t meet my goal 100%, I couldn’t be too disappointed in myself. I could have taken the entire month off, claiming it as family time, which would have been true on all accounts. But I chose to use the many hours in the car to my advantage.

Did I have fun on this trip, or was it just a working vacation for me? Oh, I had fun. Lots of fun.

The reason my family chose to visit Indiana was to spend some time with my dad’s aunts, uncles and cousins. My two great-aunts we met last summer, and of course we wanted to make more memories with them. This year, though, we also planned on meeting my second-cousin and another uncle and his wife. Since the cousin’s brother was in town, we got the bonus treat of meeting his family, including his granddaughter. When puzzling it out, I realized that she was my fourth-cousin. That meant we had four generations—from my great-aunt to my fourth-cousin—at Golden Corral that day! How neat is that? It was so wonderful to share a meal and fellowship with these relatives I’ve only known for one year. Hopefully we’ll get another chance to gather again soon.

JoAnn Durgin

Since we were going to Indiana, I asked my parents if we could stop by and meet author JoAnn Durgin on the way. JoAnn was one of four authors who critiqued my manuscript proposal in order to help me improve it. I really appreciated the tips she gave me and wanted to thank her in person and get to know her even better than I already had on Facebook. Also, I was planning on taking the first book in her Lewis Legacy series, Awakening, along on the trip to read (when I wasn’t working on my MS). My parents agreed to take a route that would take us through her part of Indiana, so we met JoAnn at Cheddar’s, my favorite restaurant. Tasty food, great company and conversation about books . . . It couldn’t have been a better evening.

Vigo County Historical Society Museum

From there, we took a side trip to Vigo County. This portion of the trip was sweet because I actually got to go “on location” for the manuscript I took along to work on. I had the opportunity to visit the small town I had chosen as the hometown for my characters. Also, I got to stop by the Vigo County Historical Society Museum to see what information they had on the town I had chosen. Though the file on the tiny town wasn't very large, the information was wonderful. It confirmed to me that the town was a tight-knit community that cared about each other . . . just like in my story!

West Michigan Glass Art Center

Once we reached Michigan, we stayed in Kalamazoo, just so we could say we’ve been there. The next morning, we went downtown to this neat place called West Michigan Glass Art Center. When we told the man that greeted us we were from Texas, he offered to give us a tour of the place. The art of working with glass is quite impressive and takes so much patience and time to learn. From creating stained glass to bead making to flameworking to glassblowing, they do it all—and a little bit of everything in between. The thing that surprised me the most was the fact that they leave the huge furnace on 24/7 to keep it at the correct temperature for their art form. The only time it’s shut down is when it needs to be replaced every five or so years.

Besides visiting Kalamazoo, another of my family’s goals while in Michigan was to put our feet in Lake Michigan. (We had done the same in Lake Erie in the summer of 2012.) We accomplished this goal while making some new ones. There are numerous lighthouses along the lake, and we decided to see some of them. We enjoy taking pictures of them as they are typically very beautiful. We weren’t disappointed. The lighthouses we went to were gorgeous with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from the grounds.

West Point Lighthouse

Two Harbors Light Station... now a B&B too!

At that point, we were barely a week into our two-week trip. We didn’t really have any further plans of things to see or do. My dad surprised us by suggesting we travel down the coast of Lake Michigan, into Wisconsin and up into Minnesota, stopping by Lake Superior before heading home through Iowa. That would give us three more states on our quest to see all 48 continental United States over the years, leaving fewer than 10 states to accomplish that goal.

In Wisconsin and Minnesota, we saw a few more lighthouses, including Split Rock which was such an amazing sight from the lookout point up the road. While we were putting our feet in Lake Superior, a ginormous freighter left the port. I didn’t realize just how humongous those things really were until I saw this one up close. Talk about daunting!

Split Rock Lighthouse

Wisconsin Point Lighthouse

My sister Kristy and friend Jessica
Yes, that's a bear in the background.
We were at the Tulsa Zoo.

The last day of our trek, we stopped in Oklahoma to visit a dear friend whom we met at the beginning of summer. Her car had broken down on the way home from college, so my family had taken her home to Houston—six hours away from our hometown. We stayed in touch over the next couple of months, and my family decided that hanging out with her for a day would be a great way to end our vacation.

All along the trip, we met great people who each had a story to tell. Oh, the books I could write with such inspiration! At most, if not all, of the hotels we stayed at, the staff were friendly and ready to help their clients. At restaurants, the waitresses were often overworked but still managed to wear broad smiles across their faces. Some of the people I met were having bad days, so I smiled and greeted them warmly, hoping to add a little sparkle in the midst of their stressful moments. To many of these people, I gave a bookmark of one of my favorite authors, along with my own blog information. If you are one of them, thank you for your kindness and friendly smile. Thank you for visiting my website. I am thrilled you’re here! Please leave me a comment or friend me on Facebook or Twitter.

This summer’s vacation was amazing. I’m so grateful for every experience and each person who crossed my family’s path. Many more people and things and experiences than I could possibly mention made the trip one never to forget. My family and I had a memorable, enjoyable time. And I even made progress on my WIP!

What helped make your summer special? Was it the people around you? A family vacation? What will you remember most about Summer 2013?

Inspiration For (And From) Made to Last -- by guest Melissa Tagg

When I asked Melissa Tagg to write an article to guest on Writing to Inspire, I expected a glimpse of her humor. I've come to realize she's a witty woman. What I didn't expect--but totally got--was a peek at her spiritual journey with God. Each book a Christian author writes takes her relationship with God to a deeper level, while she hopes her words help her readers do the same. Today, we're honored to get a little look at the making of Melissa's debut novel, Made to Last.

What inspired Made to Last…and how Made to Last inspired me.

When Andrea invited me to write this guest post, she gave me a few topic suggestions, including the inspiration behind my debut novel, Made to Last.

Made to Last is about a DIY guru who’s out to save her homebuilding TV show—which means posing with a hilarious pretend husband. (Yeah, there’s a reason she’s in a fake marriage. Read the book and you’ll see. ;) ) And in the meantime, a somewhat desperate and nosy but awfully sweet reporter is digging into her secrets.

A lot of people hear that first part—about my main character being a homebuilding TV show host and ask me if I was inspired by that 90s TV show Home Improvement. Dude, remember Jonathan Taylor Thomas? I won’t name names, but I know some girls who looooved him.

But no, JTT, Tim Allen and their fellow cast members did not inspire Made to Last.

Instead, my story idea was sparked by the classic holiday movie Christmas in Connecticut. It’s such a fun movie starring Barbara Stanwyck—all about a magazine writer who has lied about being the perfect housewife. When her boss and a returning war hero make sudden plans to spend Christmas with her, she has to come up with a pretend husband, pretend house, pretend kid, pretend domesticity, all of it.

So yes…my story was inspired by a movie.

Which doesn’t make me as a Christian author sound all that deep and poignant. After all, wouldn’t it have been better if I’d been inspired by a Bible passage or a message from God? Sheesh, it took me like half the book before I even realized what the spiritual thread in this story even was…

But the evening when I did, when this story’s underlying spiritual theme finally became clear to me, it ended up being one of my coolest moments as a writer.

I was working on a scene about halfway through the book and my hero and heroine were having it out. One character’s lies had finally caught up to her and the other character demanded an explanation. And I realized as I wrote, this character’s lies weren’t just about saving her career….

But saving her identity. Because to her, without her career success, she didn’t know who she was or where to find her worth or purpose in the world.

And the truth in that moment of heady realization felt like a whisper from God: Melissa, she’s you.

Which is funny, really, because I can barely put up a tent much less build a house and should probably never be trusted around power tools.

But seriously, she’s me. Me. The person constantly tempted to define herself by her achievements or lack thereof. Her performance or success. Who hates the thought of whatever little talent she might have being stripped away. Who finds it just waaay too easy to tie who she is to what she does.

But as I kept writing that night—and really, from then on in the story—the reminders were everywhere. Reminders that who my character is, who I am, is not so much about the things I do or don’t do—but about who I belong to. And just like my character, that need to hold onto accomplishments or career success or relationships as definers of my identity diminishes when I’m confident of the simple truth that I’m created and cherished by a loving God.

So yes, Made to Last was inspired by a movie. But the story and I, we found new inspiration along the way.

Melissa Tagg is a former newspaper reporter and total Iowa girl. Her first novel, Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, Melissa is also the marketing/events coordinator for My BookTherapy. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com. 

Melissa may be found at these locations:

Website/blog: www.melissatagg.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaTagg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Tagg

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/melissatagg

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/MelissaTagg

If you’re a writer, has your character’s spiritual or emotional journey ever become your own? And both writers and readers, are you ever tempted to find your identity in what you do? 

A Spunky Adventure -- Awakening by JoAnn Durgin

Spunky adventure.

That’s the only way I know how to sum up JoAnn Durgin’s Awakening. Her witty sense of humor shines in the banter between Sam Lewis and Lexa Clarke, two characters I know you’ll love getting to know. This book is a refreshing read that will have you believing TeamWork is a real organization . . . and you’ll want to join their next mission!

Lexa Clarke may be running from her past, but it might just catch up to her while she’s helping as a volunteer for a two-month summer mission with TeamWork. As she assists in rebuilding houses destroyed by flooding in San Antonio, trouble seems to follow her around in all shapes and sizes. Sam Lewis quickly realizes he’s got to keep his eye on Miss Lexa Clarke if he’s to keep trouble from interrupting his work as director of this TeamWork mission. Watching the petite woman with the long blonde braid proves to be a challenge worth accepting, even if it means facing his own haunting past. Will Sam and Lexa let the problems they’ve never dealt with drive a wedge between them as they discover a passion for serving the Lord in new ways? What will become of the TeamWork group when trouble turns combustible?

Sam tells Lexa in chapter two, “I’m saying He [God] allowed it to happen. He has His reasons. It’s up to us to try and figure out what He’s trying to tell us.” It’s neat to see how Sam’s and Lexa’s differing levels of faith play such huge roles in their lives during their work with TeamWork and in the other parts of their lives, as well. Each character has their own trials to face, and they depend on their faith in God in such unique ways that it really does inspire the reader to take a good look at their own faith life and reconsider where they are with God. Are we following His will for our lives? Are we making a positive difference in the world around us? Is there something more we can do to better serve the God who loves us so completely? Is there something from our past that we need to face in order to be a vessel God can use to spread His message?

JoAnn Durgin

Awakening is a book worth reading for its sense of adventure, plot twists, witty humor and a glimpse at what it means to live what you believe. It’s the first in JoAnn Durgin’s The Lewis Legacy Series. I’m eager to add to my collection, and I have a feeling you will be too, after reading this first adventure. JoAnn sure has a knack for storytelling, and her pacing is spot-on. Just when I thought everything was wrapped up, she brought back yet one more loose end . . . and another one . . . and left me wanting to read the second book in the series to find out what adventure the TeamWork crew will find themselves in on their next mission.

Thank you, JoAnn, for sending me a complimentary copy of Awakening for my honest review. I enjoyed it immensely and hope those reading this will also find a little adventure when they pick up their copy of Awakening.

When was the last time a book took YOU on an adventure? What was it about the book that transported you to a different time or place? Is adventure something you look for when reading for pleasure?

What Once Was Lost

A fire destroys the kitchen of Brambleville, Kansas’ poor farm house, displacing Christina Willems and her charges. The townsfolk open their doors to provide refuge for each one—except young Tommy Kilgore, a blind boy. Christina wonders, “Why did people find it so easy to turn him away?” (page 12) As a last resort, she approaches the town hermit about harboring the boy until she can get the poor farm house repaired.

Levi Jonnson doubts the woman’s claim that the inconvenience will be temporary, but he begrudgingly agrees to give sanctuary to the youngster. How is he to know this one decision will change his life forever?

Will an adversary from Christina’s past stir up enough trouble to permanently discourage her? Will the mission board provide the funds needed to rebuild her beloved home? Will Levi hold onto the reasons he became a hermit and refuse to open his heart to the little boy now in his care? When trials of great magnitude block Christina’s path, will she have the courage to embrace help, or will she tighten her grasp on her independence?

These and many other questions plagued my mind as I read What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer. By the end of the book, I had laughed and cried and felt my heart lifted up in gratitude. There’s nothing quite like reading about someone’s sorrows to make you count your blessings and thank God for them. (I do this anyway, but I found myself praising God for His kindnesses a lot more while reading my advanced reader copy of Kim’s latest book.) Such poignant writing that tugs the heartstrings book after book is difficult to find, but this author delivers! I’ve loved her books since I first read My Heart Remembers many years ago, but her last two books (Sweet Sanctuary and What Once Was Lost) have proven (again) to me that Kim Vogel Sawyer is at top form, writing books that will forever have a place on my book shelves.

Particularly, I was quite impressed with her descriptions while in Tommy Kilgore’s point of view. Her vivid use of the boy’s senses—with the exception of sight, since the boy is blind—made me want to close my eyes to fully experience Tommy’s world. Of course, when I did that, I couldn’t keep reading! A conundrum like that I’d gladly face with a great book like this one.

If you’ve never read one of Kim Vogel Sawyer’s books, What Once Was Lost is a fabulous one to begin with. There is also a prequel entitled The Grace That Leads Us Home that is available only on eReaders. You won’t want to miss that either!

There are many ways to let Kim Vogel Sawyer know how much you enjoy her books. You may visit her website, Facebook page and Twitter account. You may also order her books here. If you enjoy her writing, be sure to stop by her blog to learn more about her and nine other women who write such touching historical fiction novels.

Thank you, Kim, for selecting me as a member of your Hope Harbingers influencer team. I appreciate the advanced reader copy of What Once Was Lost and the fellowship with you and the other members of Hope Harbingers. Blessings to you all!

Have YOU ever read a book that made you stop reading to count your blessings? What was it about the book (or books) that had you feeling extra thankful?