How the book was born…
My third novel with Harlequin Love Inspired, An Unexpected Arrangement, is out now. Readers who enjoy an uplifting story of faith, forgiveness and hope can find this book in stores and online.
It’s fun and exciting to share my art, but also a tiny bit scary because one never knows how a book will be received.
This story was created the way most stories are: I’m a writer who wanted another book contract.
And I really, really wanted to continue my journey as a published author with Harlequin. In 2019, I was struggling to develop a plot with the existing fictional characters I’d already created in my previous novel. While it didn’t feel right to abandon this imaginary tight-knit community of Merritt’s Crossing, I couldn’t figure out who should take center stage next.
Jack and Laramie had been secondary characters and I sensed there was potential for a future novel, but the story just wasn’t coming together.
Plot twist!
Until I received an unexpected piece of good news: a phone call letting me know that I’d been nominated for an award and the winner would be announced at a conference in New York City.
To be honest, I was thrilled about the nomination, but scared to death to go. I tried my best to talk myself out of it. It’s just too “peopley” there. I’d have to travel alone. This was a significant expense and what if it was a huge mistake? What if I didn’t see anyone I knew? Who would I eat meals with?
The struggle is real for us introverts, y’all.
However, my husband encouraged me to go and my family rallied and assured me they could survive without me for a few days. So off I went, to mingle with publishing professionals and some of the finest romance writers in the land.
While I didn’t win the award, I did have a wonderful time and that’s because I took a leap of faith. I met with my editor face-to-face. I shared plenty of meals and delightful conversation with writing pals and made some new friends. In short, I remembered that God had not forgotten me. He’d gifted me with the ability to tell good stories and He wasn’t going to abandon me in this season of waiting for my next plot to develop.
That weekend in Manhattan, the seeds of An Unexpected Arrangement were planted. Over the next several weeks and months, the plot sprouted, while my family and my writing friends encouraged me all the way until I wrote ‘the end’.
Today the journey comes full circle as the book celebrates its birthday.
Much like I was challenged in unexpected ways, Jack and Laramie also encounter a few unexpected plot twists in their lives. I hope you’ll buy this book, read it and embrace the message of hope woven throughout the story.
Click here to buy your copy from your favorite bookseller.
