This past September my first novel, Emma and the Reasons, released.
It’s girly and funny (and maybe a bit silly) and hopefully encouraging in some unexpected ways.
And besides all that—do you see this fun collection of gifts in the photo? They are all connected to Emma and her roommates in some way, and I am giving away this whole gift set to someone! (This giveaway has now ended.)
I’ve had quite a few questions and comments about the book in the months since it released, so I thought I’d take a minute to give you a few fun facts about the story, where it came from, and answer the never-ending question… “Are you Emma?”
1. Yes, Emma and the Reasons was inspired by my life, but no, it’s not biographical.
When I started writing Emma and the Reasons I was living with two roommates. No, the characters in the book are not replicas of the three of us, but yes, some of the interactions and situations were inspired by true events.
For example: we all learned to love coffee together, and we might have been known to hitch a ride to church from random single men in order to laugh at the raised eyebrows.
Oh, and we really did welcome all the young children on our street into our house for treats and stories about Jesus and all the songs they could convince us to sing.
2. I accidentally prophesied about two of my best friends while writing Emma.
One of the few characters in the book that I actually used specific close-to-me people to create is the character of Shari Green. I made a composition of the personalities of two of my best friends and then imagined a life for her.
When I gave my character an occupation, I decided on town librarian.
And when I gave her a love interest, I decided on a tall redhead.
Years after the book was written, one of my real-life Shari-inspirations became the town librarian and the other married a tall redhead. And no, neither of these things were possibilities at the time of the writing.
Mmhmm. Not kidding.
Of course, this might be more of a testament to me understanding the true personalities of my friends than anything to do with prophecy—but it’s still a fun story to tell!
3. One of the men in the story originally looked a bit like the guy I liked when I first wrote the book (long before I was married)…and I, not joking, rewrote his character to be more like my husband before the final edits.
What can I say? I learned what a great guy is like… 😉
4. While the characters of the Women of Promise girls are completely made up, the names were not—they belonged to actual girls in my church at the time.
I had a real-life group of “WoP” girls that I mentored, and I wanted to write a similar type of group into my book—but I was having a hard time coming up with names.
One day after church I was watching a group of several 5-8 year old girls playing together and thought, “Oooh, if my characters went to a church like this, these girls would be some of their ‘future WoP girls’.”
And boom. I had my names.
Little did I know most of those “little” girls would be in their 20’s before my book ever saw the light of day.
(Let this be my hearty “thank you” to Avery, Brooke, Breanna, Courtney, and Alexis for hanging out together that day. Your names inspired a really fun part of Emma’s story.)
5. In answer to the question, “Are you Emma?”
Since Emma and the Reasons is written in first person, I totally understand why it seems like I am writing my own personality into the story.
But no, Emma is not based completely off me.
There are some strong similarities, for sure. Her love for children and her interactions with the neighborhood kids definitely comes from me.
However, though I created Emma to have a similar worldview as I do, I did not give her my exact personality.
When I started writing this book, I had just started joking about the 3 types of women (you can read this post to get the overview of what I call my “stuck in an elevator theory”.) and I decided to make Emma an Instantly Attractive type, which plays an important role in her reasons and her story.
I am so not this type. Not even a little bit. And trust me when I say, there were never multiple guys vying for my attention. Ha!
That said. I did write myself into another character.
But I’m not telling you which one. 😉
Giveaway Time!
This giveaway is now closed.
- One signed paperback copy of Emma and the Reasons
- One Café Press Stainless Steel travel mug
- One 10 oz package of Tug Hill Artisan Roasters Coffee
- One 4 oz Pure Maple Syrup
To enter:
Comment on this blog post with “one thing very clever…or two things moderately clever; or three things very dull indeed.”
Or…just leave the title to the book the above quote came from in the comments and I’ll add your name to the giveaway list! 😉
This giveaway closes 12:00 am on January 24, 2019 and is open to US residents only.
Winner will be chosen by random and will be contacted via email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.
Emma!!! One of my favorite classic novels! I’m loving reading Emma and the Reasons!
three things very dull indeed:
1. Foster care paperwork is monotonous!
2. Sitting in court advocating for your foster children’s needs (no matter if they stay or go, because that part really isn’t the point) for hours waiting for your case to be called
3. Hm….nothing is dull around here with our crew and crazies that keep my day filled with joy, tears, chasing them around, diaper changes, and lots of bubble baths! 😉
You’ve been an encouragement in my life for over 10 years! Keep shining for Jesus!!!!!
Now those are some very dull things indeed. I’m so thankful for those who are willing to do the work of foster care though. ❤️ May the Lord bless you richly for it!
I’m so glad you’ve been encouraged for all this time!! ❤️❤️
OK going for the three dull things… A person spends approximately 6 months of their lifetime waiting for that light to go green, pigs are the only farm animal that can get sunburnt, and I only wake up on time if my alarm goes off.
😂😂 very nice. Thanks for entering!
1 thing! We’re trying to adopt!
Thanks for posting a reminder for this contest! I thought i already commented but truly hadn’t.
Also, just wanted to thank you in general. After four losses and navigated adoption, your posts have been a balm to my soul.
Praying your adoption journey is filled with unexpected blessings! ❤️❤️
Emma! I love that book. 😊
I have not read Emma, but I loved Emma and the Reasons!!! I cannot wait for your next novel!
The quote is from “Emma” by Jane Austen (I’ve read some of it, haven’t gotten around to finishing it just yet) and a very clever thing…
The national animal of Scotland is the unicorn 🙂
Ah! That’s hilarious! 😊😊
Very clever- took the rubber ring off a car oil filter and used it on my blender. Moderately clever- took the fabric off the back of my sofa to patch the front of it. 2nd moderately clever-cut my tube of toothpaste in half to get another weeks usage. 3 dull things- took a shower, brushed my teeth and cleaned the kitchen.
Moderately clever-
Ha! Very nice, Sally!! 😊😊
Love reading your blogs! I am not great at coming up with clever sayings, so this may end up in the “very dull indeed” category! But I do really need to read this book someday– it sounds like a lot of fun! =)
I would love to receive your book. I have one of your devotional and loved it.
Emma!
I have not read Emma and the Reasons yet. It is on my list!
Quote from Jane Austin’s “ Emma”. Looking forward to reading this one.
3 Things Very Dull Indeed (sourced from a few google searches for dull facts):
1) Boring, Oregon and Dull, Scotland are sister cities
2) According a computer program that calculated news and events, April 11, 1954 was the most boring day ever
3) People who report feeling more boredom are more likely to have injured or underdeveloped frontal cortexes. This part of the brain plays a crucial role in self-control and self-regulation.
Oh, my word. This comment just made me so happy. 😊😊 I love it!
Emma!!!
Oh, I would love to win this because I want to read the book so badly!
Thank you for your writing. You words have blessed me so many times on this infertility journey, because you GET it. May God bless you and grant you the desires of your heart in His perfect timing and way!
Quote by Emma, Jane Austin.
I really enjoy and am encouraged (and sometimes toes stepped on) reading your blog. Thank you for sharing your true feelings and not holding back.
Would love to win the giveaway!
Loved this book!!! Wish I would have bought the paperback instead of ebook so I could share it with others!
You won!!! Check your email for the details! 😊😊😊
Now I want to reread the book and try to figure out which character is more like you! I got so caught up in the story that I didn’t even try to analyze that. 😉
What a lovely giveaway! I only have the book on kindle, so to get a signed paper copy would be super exciting. 😀
That quote is from “Emma” by Jane Austen! 😁 I’m excited to read your book and have found encouragement from you for several years. Thank you for being open and honest!
It’s from Emma!!!!!! 😍😍
Emma! By Jane Austen, of course.
“Emma” by Jane Austen
I was so excited to be an early reader of your book. I am looking forward to the next one. I would like to win the book so I can donate it to my church library
I actually think.i would very much enjoy this book. I enjoyed reading your 5 fun facts. Thanks for sharing.
“one thing very clever…or two things moderately clever; or three things very dull indeed.”
Emma and the Reasons. I loved this book so much! I would love to win the giveaway. If not, I know it will be a blessing to whoever wins 🙂
I don’t have any clever things to write but I would love to have a hard copy of this book to lend to all my friends! I’ve told many about it because like someone else mentioned, I’ve laughed, I’ve wanted to cry and I’ve worshipped God all in the same book. I am anxiously awaiting a sequel and unfortunately can’t really lend a kindle book to my friends. I’ve read Jane Austen but not sure I’ve read Emma.
Oh and maple syrup!!! That’s enough to make me drool. I’ve been wishing for some!!!
Quote is from Emma by Jane Austin! 🙂
One thing-
This is one of those special books I finished and wanted to restart immediately! (As there was no sequel yet:)) So uplifting, funny, encouraging! Hope to read more from you soon!
Aw, thanks!! 😁😁
My two things moderately clever:
1. Upon failing to convey 3oz. of NY maple syrup in my liquids baggie back to TX, entering to win 4oz. and have it shipped to me.
2. Reading the prequel while I was single and the book while I’m in a relationship. 😉
Ah, I love it! 😁😁
“I am neither especially clever nor especially gifted. I am only very, very curious.”
—Albert Einstein
So, so perfect. 😂
The quote is from Emma.
The author of this book is called to write women’s fiction!!
There, a very brilliant thing. 🙂
Seriously, I cried, I laughed, I worshiped God, and I wished I could find a friend to read it and join me in my happy place.
Aw, thank you!! ❤️
The quote came from Emma by Jane Austen!
The quote is from Emma!
I really loved reading this book! You are a very talented writer. I look forward to reading more books from you.
Emma and her roommates, opening their house for anyone…can so see you in that! Love this book. Is there going to be a book 2?
There is! There isn’t a publication date yet, but it’ll be coming eventually! 🙂
The quote is from Emma!
Thank you!
One thing very clever
I love reading your blog and Facebook post! You have and will continue to be a big encouragement to me!!
Aw, thanks Rebecca! <3
I am now more than interested in reading your book, “EMMA and the REASONS,” because I would love the challenge of “detecting” which character in the book you “wrote yourself in” via. LOL!!
😉
Emma!
Also, I just read another novel written from life on a similar theme to yours…and yours is still my favorite!! I so appreciate the realism, the joy and the hope.
Aw, thank you, friend. <3