Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #6

Beth VogtAuthors, books, Giveaway, scavenger hunt 35 Comments

Su With apologies for this post being delivered to your inboxes twice in one day. There was a glitch in posting. And yes, we are posting a day early to ensure that when the scavenger hunt goes live, all the links on all the posts work smoothly for you! Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered …

In Others’ Words: Creativity Takes Courage

Beth Vogtcreativity, In Others' Words, Quotes 11 Comments

Every time I write a book, I have to get my brave on. Some of you are probably chuckling, wanting to ask: Oh, come on, Beth! What’s so scary about writing a novel? All of it. Figuring out what the book is about. Developing the characters. The first page. The messy middle. The end — oh, my word! The end! …

In Others’ Words: When Story Conquers Fear

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, Quotes, story 10 Comments

I sat across from my trusted friend Wise Guy recently and told him, “My heart seems smaller.” Had unrelenting circumstances — mine and others’ close to me — turned me into some emotional Grinch and downsized my heart? As I talked some and listened more, I realized that yes, fear had crept in and silenced me … that unknowingly I …

In Others’ Words: Who’s Got a Secret?

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, perspective, Quotes 11 Comments

The women’s fiction series I’m writing? One of the themes is secrets.  The funny thing is, I’m not a fan of secrets. I’m not saying I’ve never had secrets. I’m just saying I don’t like harboring them. If asked, I would say growing up has meant realizing how damaging secrets can be and recognizing the need to reveal them — in the …

Wish You Were Here: What’s Up with the Llamas?

Beth VogtContemporary Romance, Fun, Life, Romance, Writing 18 Comments

So, let’s talk llamas. I know, I know. I write romance. I should be introducing you to the hero in my debut novel, Wish You Were Here. But the llamas — Kuzko, Pacha and Banzai — have have always attracted a bit of attention along the way to publication. The conversation usually goes like this: Interested person: So what’s your …

Contemporary Romance Writers: Telling the Truth

Beth VogtReality, Romance, Writing 9 Comments

I love the characters I run into when I read a novel. It doesn’t matter whether I’m reading a romantic suspense, a la Susan May Warren, a low country romance, a la Rachel Hauck,  an historical a la Siri Mitchell, or even a contemporary romance, a la … well, all three of those authors (and even my upcoming debut novel, …

Heroes and Heroines: Can They Ever Be Too Perfect?

Beth VogtReality, Romance, Writing 10 Comments

  I don’t hang around with perfect people. I’m sure you’re all very nice. I mean, you’re perfect, after all. And that’s the problem. I’m not perfect. I have a serious sugar addiction. (Jelly beans, anyone?) I skip my workouts. I prefer to “pile” rather than file my papers. My children will tell you that, um, sometimes I raise my …

Love Finds You … Where?

Beth VogtRomance, Writing 14 Comments

Miracle. Revenge. Romeo. Last Chance. Humble. What on earth am I talking … er … typing about? All of those words? They’re the names of real towns or cities in the U.S.A. And Summerside Press has designed an entire inspirational fiction book series around “towns and cities with great names, neat personalities, and colorful histories.” I’d love to meet the …

Boy Meets Girl:The Meet-Cute

Beth VogtRomance, Writing 17 Comments

I learned a certain unforgettable phrase from the romantic comedyThe Holiday. (Okay, before anyone jumps in and protests about some of the content of that movie … I agree. Some of the content: Highly objectionable. Moving on.) Where was I? Oh, yes … the phrase. Arthur, played by Eli Wallach, is a renown scriptwriter from the Golden Age of Hollywood. He explains …