Becky Wade's Blog

I love a novel that leaves me “book drunk.” You know what I mean. You are sort of staggered by it, and you can’t immediately start reading another novel because the other one won’t leave you alone yet. Those don’t come along very often, but I sure love it when they do.

Then there is the novel that has the reader thinking about herself even more than about the characters. It’s a different kind of reaction, but I love it too. The novel Twice by Mitch Albom fell into that category for me.

I was introduced to Albom, as is true of so many, through the wonderful memoir, Tuesdays with Morrie. I’ve enjoyed several of his novels since then. The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto and The Little Liar both earned 5 from me, which in my rating system means: “Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.”

Now back to Twice which was the November selection for the book club I’m in. It is general market fiction. Here’s a little from the blurb:

When he is eight years old, Alfie Logan discovers the magical ability to get a second chance at everything. He can undo any moment and live it again. The one catch: he must accept the consequences of his second try—for better or worse.

I loved this story (I gave it 4.5). I especially loved the ending because it caught me by surprise, squeezed my heart, and made me tear up. The story made me think a lot about my own life, too. What would I change, given the option?

There are mistakes in my life that I wish I could undo. At least I think I would like to undo them. But then I consider what undoing them would alter in the days/months/years that followed. I would be a different person. If I hadn’t chosen to do X, perhaps I wouldn’t have known Y. There are painful experiences in my past that drove me deeper into the arms of Christ and His grace. If I could change what caused those painful experiences would I have still learned the same lessons? I don’t know.

I love second chances. I’ve written quite a few second chance stories myself. Twice is the ultimate second chance story. I recommend it.

What was the last novel you read that had you examining your own life? And/or what is the last novel you read that left you “book drunk?” I would love to know.

~robin

We don’t get to see many fall colors in West Texas, where I live. So when my hubby and I traveled to Missouri at the start of this month, we soaked in as many fall colors as we could. The highways showed off their deep red vegetation and patchwork trees. So beautiful!

One of the last places we visited before heading into St. Louis for the Redezvous event was Top of the Rock, just south of Branson. We took a guided nature hike and drank in the wonder of God’s creation.

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Amid this glorious tapestry of nature, there were also beautiful structures. Local Amish built the two tressle bridges on the property with no power tools, just intricate pulleys and expert craftsmanship. At the top of the overlook is a gorgeous chapel. We weren’t able to go inside because it doesn’t open until 4:00 in the afternoon, but pictures I saw showed that the enitre front wall is made of glass to look out over God’s glory in the valley below.

This was one of the highlights of the trip for me.

Another was making time for a stop back in downtown Springfield at Gilmore’s Tea House. We had tried to eat there the day before, but they had been closed. So I twisted my hubby’s arm to try again as we were leaving town, and it was open. We enjoyed delicious tea, a fantastic lunch, and even splurged on some of their decadent cake for dessert (half of which we took with us for later).

The place was half tea room and half Victorian shop. There was a heavy Alice in Wonderland theme happening, which was delightful as well. Literary vibes in a tea house? Yes, please. Wes tried a cucumber/honeydew tea and I stuck with a more standard blend of black and green teas with conflower petals named after Buckingham Palace. Such a treat!

Speaking of treats, I have a little something for you, too.

Attending the Read, Write, Rendezvous in St. Louis afforded me lots of time to chat with readers, other writers, and to bring home lots of great bookish swag. I’d like to share some of that with you.

Giveaway

Leave a comment on today’s post to be entered to win the books & goodies pictured below. Chat about fall colors, waterfalls, chapels, or even your favorite tea.

I will announce the winner in the comments tomorrow.

US addresses only.

I did a thing this weekend—I decorated for Christmas! 

Now, mind you, I have never, ever decorated this early before, mostly because I usually wait until after Jeff’s birthday in early December. But since he’s out of town on a mission trip right now, and when he returns, we only have a couple of days to get ready for a trip with our kids over Thanksgiving, and then there is a weekend full of Christmas parties in early December when we return, this seemed like the best (and maybe only!) time to get it done. 

I don’t do a ton of decorating, but I do like to change out my seasonal stuff above my TV/fireplace and put up the tree and stockings. I have a couple of winter/Christmas throw pillows, blankets, and kitchen towels. And mugs. I switched out most of the mugs for Christmas ones! 

The nativity is set up, the one my daughter brought me home from one of her trips to Ghana when she was in high school. And the garland is hung, ready to clip on the Christmas cards we receive. Now I just need to secure the coat rack that holds the stockings, and we’re good to go! 

I do love the lights in my living room on these early dark days. 

Have you decorated for Christmas yet? When do you usually do that? 

When Tyndale invited me to blog about the upcoming holidays for Francine Rivers’ Insider newsletter, at first I wasn’t certain what to write about. Then the following thoughts just bubbled up. If you’re a “Frani Insider,” you likely saw this in your Inbox last week.

If not, I’d love to share it with you now…

Fall is my absolute favorite season of the year—the changing of the leaves, the cooler temperatures, the holidays, the food! Yet fall always comes with a bittersweetness. Because as we gather around the table, I’m quietly reminded of those who aren’t with us anymore. 

By definition, fall marks the transition from warmer to cooler weather as nature readies for winter dormancy. The length of daylight decreases, the nights become longer, deciduous trees shed their leaves, certain animals prepare for hibernation, and birds such as geese and hummingbirds migrate toward warmer climates. 

A few years back, Joe and I were walking the dogs and admiring the vibrant shades of the leaves still clinging to the trees, and we started discussing the science behind that gorgeous flood of color. In a nutshell, the chlorophyll in deciduous trees reduces production which then causes the leaves to change color. At the same time, as the leaves are aging and deteriorating, the tree begins reabsorbing nutrients into its branches and roots for use in the coming spring (when new life will emerge!). 

So, as the leaves of our favorite trees—such as the sugar maple, river birch, quaking aspen, and sweetgum—are displaying such incredible beauty that we adore, they are, in essence, dying. 

Each year with the changing of the leaves, I think of the apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:4: “While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.” 

Swallowed up by life. Isn’t it amazing how Paul describes death for those who die in Christ? 

Joe and I took a trip to Colorado in September and the aspens were at their peak. Their vivid yellow and deep golden-almost-peachy-pink colors were breathtaking. The phrase “swallowed up by life” kept returning to me. Is it any wonder that our gracious God, in his never-ending creativity and compassionate grace, chose to display such beauty in dying leaves? 

The holiday season will be here in a blink, and Thanksgiving—my favorite by far—is, at its core, about gratitude. But thankfulness isn’t limited to seasons of plenty. It’s a posture we’re called to carry even in moments of hardship, loss, or longing. And there are plenty of those moments in this current world, aren’t there? 

But it’s in those moments that we must cling to the hope of Christ. As a believer, I grieve, yes, but I do not “grieve like people who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). For those in Christ, death is not the end, but the doorway to eternal life. That truth changes everything. Thanksgiving, then, becomes not just about remembering the blessings of this life, but also about anticipating the reunions that await us in the next. 

My heart is anchored in both gratitude and hope. Gratitude for the loved ones still gathered near me. Gratitude for the legacy of those who came before. Gratitude for the God who gives and sustains life. And hope in the promise that one day every tear will be wiped away, and every table will be full again. No more empty chairs, my friend. 

Blessings in Christ to you and yours this holiday season,

As I told Tyndale and Frani, I hoped my post wasn’t a downer (LOL). But when I started contemplating the holidays and all the wonderful things these occasions hold, this is what came out. It’s a mixture of emotions for me, for sure.

One of the fun things I look forward to doing with my family this year will be a gingerbread house competition. Kids and adults. We’re having a neighbor come in to judge the entries. All entries will be anonymous, of course. Don’t want any bias sneaking in. : )

What fun plans do you have for the holidays? Do we share any of the same mixed feelings? Do you look forward to the holidays and yet there’s also a touch of melancholy at times?

As always, thanks for sharing and being part of the treasured community here—and Happy Thanksgiving! Can you believe it’s only nine days away?!

Tammy

Before I jump in, have you watched any episodes of THE PROMISED LAND? They can be found on YouTube, and here’s a link to the first episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSI04-1oLwg

It’s Exodus-meets-The Office. It’s hilarious, but it never laughs at God . . . only at the all-too-humans involved in the story.

I am about to finish my last book in the matriarchs series, the story of Rachel and Leah. It won’t release until 2027, but I wanted to get it done while I still had tents and camels on my mind.

I’m ready to start something new. I am never comfortable being where everyone else is, and the genre of biblical fiction has grown quite crowded ever since the arrival of The Chosen. I’m happy the genre is taking off, as I love writing it, but honestly, I can’t think of anyone else right now I want to write about. I’ve written about Joseph and his brothers, Moses and his women, Delilah, Esther, Bathsheba, Herod and his sister, Cleopatra and her best friend, Salome Alexandra, and the Maccabees. I’ve covered the life of Christ, visited Paul’s churches, and I’ve just finished Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah.

I’m ready for a change of pace.

What will I do next? I’m not sure, but I trust that the Lord will guide me when I sit down to pray it through. And I’m excited to think about something different. So pray for me, if you will–I can’t wait to get started! What would you like to read that you don’t see represented in the market?

~Angie

Starting in 2019, I’ve organized a Christmas book exchange every holiday season. It’s become one of my favorite things!

I love it because . . .

*It’s a fun and festive way to support authors of Christian (or clean and wholesome) fiction.

*Each participant is paired with another reader. You give a book to your partner, she gives a book to you. So the exchange increases your circle of bookish friends.

*When readers start receiving their books, they post about them in my Facebook group. It’s been a delight to see what each person received. (And a bit of a danger because you might come away from those posts with 100 new ideas for your TBR pile.)

To take part in this year’s exchange, simply fill out this form! You’ll receive an email from me in late November or early December providing you with all the information you’ll need to give a book to your partner. I know finances can be a barrier, so gifting a gently used book is perfectly fine. Most readers request paperbacks, but you can also request ebook and audiobook formats! And international readers can take part.

If you’re on Facebook, I’d love for you to join my group here. However, I know some of you aren’t on Facebook. So, feel free to sign up for the exchange, regardless of whether you’re a Facebook person. You can still give and receive a book in the spirit of Christmas generosity toward your fellow bookworms!

In 2019, we had 99 participants. In 2024, we were up to 180! Repeatedly, readers tell me how much they enjoy the exchange and that they look forward to it every year.

I invite YOU to take part, lovely Inspired by Life community!

Have you participated in a book exchange in the past?

A year ago, I was working on a grant process at the Big Ten university I teach at that involved how to more effectively incorporate AI into my teaching and classes. It was a six-week sprint, and I found it really interesting to think deeply about AI and how to use it with students. How does this relate to writing?

Great question!

As part of developing an assignment I asked ChatGPT what it knew about me. It was decent. This week it was better.

Here’s a snapshot of Cara C. Putman — what she does, how she got there, and why she might be relevant to your work (especially since you’re working in the inspirational romantic suspense space).

Who she isCara C. Putman is an American author whose work spans legal thrillers, historical romances, and Christian-inspired romantic suspense. TNZFiction+2caraputman.com+2She is also a practicing attorney and a university professor teaching law and ethics. Goodreads+1She lives in Indiana with her husband and four children.

Not bad. Last fall, it just knew I was an author and I had to ask if it also knew I was professor. Then it asked if I wanted to know how I do it all. Why yes, I do! This time it took a different tact:

Why she might matter for you

Since you’re working on an inspirational romantic suspense novel (with legal/ethical aspects in your story), studying Cara Putman’s approach could help in several ways:

She combines legal/ethical professional elements with romantic suspense, which fits the kind of plot you described (you have characters in law school/accounting, crime-family money laundering, etc.).Her faith-inspired outlook could align with your “inspirational” aspect (you’ve indicated the novel is in the Inspirational Romantic Suspense genre).You could draw inspiration from how she develops strong female protagonists, suspense driven by professional stakes, and the intersection of vocation and faith.Also, if you’re considering marketing your novel, knowing how established authors in your space position themselves (like Putman) could help you.

Would you like me to look up her writing craft techniques (themes, structure, character-development) and marketing strategy (how she positions her novels, branding) so you can borrow insights for your own project?

Huh. Interesting. Sort of. But I know how I write and try to market. So I asked for advice on how I do it all. AII then pulled from my blogs and interviews to come up with this:

ChatGPT said:

That’s a great question — and one many readers and students ask her! From interviews, talks, and posts she’s shared, here’s how Cara Putman manages to balance being a professor, lawyer, author, wife, and mom — without losing her creative drive.

1. She builds seasons of focus

She doesn’t try to do everything every day. (True) When she’s teaching, that takes priority; when she’s drafting, she carves out intentional early-morning (nope! can’t write in the early-morning, though I wish I could since I keep waking up super early) or late-night blocks. (true!)

“You can do it all — just not all at once.” (I love this phrase and say it often.)
She’s said this mindset shift helped her let go of guilt and stay fully present in whichever role she’s in. (Well, I at least try to stay fully present.)

2. She treats writing as a calling, not a hobby

She approaches writing like her legal career — disciplined and structured. She blocks time for writing just like she would for client work or class prep. Her word-count goals and deadlines are specific, but she gives herself grace when life interrupts. (Very true — Right now I need a good deadline to force action!)

3. She merges her worlds instead of compartmentalizing

Rather than separating her legal and teaching life from her writing life, she uses each to enrich the other:

Her legal background gives authenticity to courtroom scenes.Her business expertise informs the entrepreneurial side of publishing.Her teaching sharpens her communication and empathy — both crucial for character building. (This is all good and right on)4. She builds support and community

She’s part of writing communities (like ACFW — American Christian Fiction Writers), has critique partners, and collaborates with editors and publicists who share her faith and mission.
At home, her family understands her calling and helps create the margin she needs to write. (They are good cheerleaders for me.)

5. She anchors her schedule in faith and purpose

In nearly every interview, she mentions that prayer and Scripture are her daily grounding practices. She sees her writing, teaching, and family life as integrated forms of service, which helps her decide what to say “yes” or “no” to. (I’m still not good enough at saying no.)

So the real key isn’t superhuman multitasking — it’s intentional alignment of roles, seasons, and purpose.

Not bad! It pulled from what I’ve said over 20 years of writing and synthesized it. I asked for a graphic to go with this post, and this is what it created:

So many typos. It amazes me how AI graphic creators are still TERRIBLE spellers. I created the image at the beginning of this blog using Canva AI. I had to clumsily clean it up because you can’t edit them. This is what th original looked like. Again with the spelling. And none of the AI generated options on Canva was great. But it was better than nothing… sort of. An experiment of sorts.

I don’t think AI is going to replace me in the graphics department anytime soon — at least when it comes to spellng and grammar. Why share this here? Because I think it’s instructive to ask ChatGPT and other forms of AI if it knows who you are too. It might be an enlightening exercise. And maybe in the process you’ll learn something about yourself.

And because it’s almost Thanksgiving, here’s a giveaway. Enter today. I’m so grateful to be part of the larger writer and reader world! Thankful for Readers Book Giveaway

Hi friends! I am emerging from my deadline cave for a moment because I am thrilled to have my virtual assistant, who also happens to be my youngest daughter, share a guest post today, allowing me to continue writing. I hope you enjoy!

Hi everyone! My name is Kayla Godfrey, and I am a virtual assistant, specifically a virtual assistant for authors! Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved reading, writing, and everything literature! I guess it’s not surprising that I am the daughter of an author! However, I never imagined I would be working with authors, helping to promote their books, organize their emails, and help them set up events! I also get to peek behind the curtain and be a small part of an author’s life, so today I’m excited to share five things I have learned from working with authors!

So let me take you behind the scenes of an author’s world! 

Authors are surprisingly disorganized 

With all the intricate plotlines, layered characters, and jaw-dropping twists, you might be led to believe authors are always organized and have everything together. I imagine that’s true for some authors, but in my experience…authors have sticky notes everywhere, bulletin boards that are almost indecipherable, and about ten reminders, at the minimum, on their phone for a task. I often find myself sending reminder texts almost every day. Don’t worry, my clients are always grateful for those much-needed reminders!

Each Author has their own writing routine and needs

One of my favorite things about authors is that they always have their own unique writing routines and needs. A cup of coffee, I’m looking at you, Mom! A pair of fuzzy socks, a special playlist, or a comfy blanket…no author has the same writing routine. I have often sent gift cards or gone on coffee runs for my clients while they’re on their deadline for additional encouragement. This is not a skill requirement for virtual assistants, in case you’re wondering! 

Authors are always ready for a unique conversation.

When I open my email inbox for the day, I never quite know what to expect! Authors are always equipped with the most unique conversations to discuss their next plot, a new character, or the wildest location for their next book. My clients and I often have people turn their heads in curiosity and at times concern while we brainstorm ideas and enjoy a cup of coffee at a local bookstore or coffee shop. 

Authors are always writing something.

Even when an author has just released a book, there’s a good chance that they are already writing their next story or, at the very least, scribbling ideas down in a notebook. An author’s work is never done, nor is their creative mind ever taking a break.

Authors are some of the most resilient, encouraging, and inspiring people you’ll ever meet.

I have been a virtual assistant since 2021, and one of my favorite things I have learned is that authors are some of the most amazing people you will ever meet, and I’m not just saying that because they pay me! Authors have to face what seems like an endless stream of reviews, some good and some bad, never-ending deadlines, and juggling all the aspects of life. Yet, the perseverance of my clients never ceases to amaze me! Even if they are in the middle of a deadline or have heard a harsh critique of their work, they are ready to push on! Write the next story, do the next interview, or attend a much-anticipated conference. They are there with the biggest smile on their face and the greatest appreciation for their readers. My clients have encouraged me in difficult moments and have inspired me with their faith and never-ending perseverance to keep doing what God has called them to do. Writers are truly amazing! 

It has been such a pleasure to spend some time with you, and thank you to my fabulous Mom, for not only allowing me to be a part of her writing journey but for finding the perfect balance of being a mom and an author. Being your virtual assistant is a dream, but being your daughter is the biggest blessing and honor from the Lord.

P.S. Thank you to everyone who has supported my mom or any of my clients! Words can’t express the gratitude we have for your support!

What is one of your favorite things you have learned from or about an author?

We’re in Kansas this week visiting family and friends. We came by way of Columbia, Missouri where we watched two of our grandsons place 13th and 14th in the State cross country meet. Their team, coached by their dad, Ryan, and mom (our daughter Tobi), took FIRST in State for the third year in a row! We are busting our buttons! It was fun to watch the awards ceremony with their big brother, Reed, who took first in State two years ago, and Ryan’s parents.

Since we camped nearby in Jefferson City and had a few hours to kill, we decided to visit the capitol of our adopted state of Missouri. Wow! We were blown away! I’ll share just a few of the many photos we took. (And fall was such a great time to be there. The trees were stunning!)

A friend recommended Central Dairy Ice Cream and Ken wasn’t about to skip that! We were amazed that two huge scoops each cost us exactly $7!! And it was yummy! And charming!

Another friend who saw my photos on Facebook messaged me to say: “I saw your post about visiting Missouri‘s State Capitol building… Recently my husband and I have been visiting state capitol buildings and they are all amazing. We have been to 8 so far, Nevada, New Mexico, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Maine and Georgia. All have been free (parking too) and we have taken the guided tour for most of them. They are all unique and my favorite part are the libraries! Our favorite so far is Iowa.”

I told her that Ken and I would be adding state capitols to our bucket list and seeking them out when we travel now! Especially that FREE part! For Missouri’s capitol, that included all the area inside and outside the buildings, the museum, and the parking! And we were able to park right in front too!

Now we know so much more about our adopted home state and oh, my, there were SO many ideas for books that came while we were walking through the museum. If you write historical novels, your State capitol is a treasure trove of ideas but even for this contemporary writer, I came away inspired!

Have you visited the capitol of your home state? What about other states’ capitol buildings? If you haven’t, we highly recommend it! If you have, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

As I told subscribers in my monthly newsletter, I received my first oil paint set when I was twelve, a gift from my mom. In my twenties, I switched to acrylics (I’m too impatient to wait while oils dry). These days, while I enjoy pulling out my paints on occasion, I can say with all honesty that I’m not a true artist. I just enjoy playing with it a little bit.

That’s not true of Roger Bernhardt, the hero in To Reveal a Reckless Love. He lives and breathes his art. He sees everything around him through that special lens. It took real effort to get inside his head and manage to put his view on paper, and all I could do was pray I’d managed it. An advance reader emailed me before the book’s release last week to say, “I was so moved by the story line and the detailed description of the Grand Tetons and the passages where you described the paint colors used to paint the buffalo.” Talk about music to a writer’s ears! A sweet moment for sure.

I shared the following post on my website for the Autumn Scavenger Hunt last month, but I thought it worth sharing with my friends on Inspired by Life and Fiction too. So here you go:

When I wrote To Reveal a Reckless Love, I discovered that seeing the world through my hero’s eyes changed the way I wrote. Roger Bernhardt is an artist. He views everything around him in terms of line and shape, color and light, texture and depth. Telling his story meant that I, too, had to become an artist of sorts—not with brush and canvas, but with words.

Like a painter, I found myself thinking in color. The morning light on Yellowstone Lake wasn’t simply “beautiful.” In Roger’s eyes, it was silver threaded with gold, a shimmering blue that shifted as the breeze stirred the water. I had to choose my words the way an artist chooses pigments, layering description until the scene came alive.

Perspective matters, too. Every painter knows the angle changes what the viewer sees. Writing through Roger’s point of view reminded me that each character filters the world differently. Roger notices the curve of a branch, the tilt of a hat, the wash of color across the sky before he registers spoken words. Seeing through his artistic lens challenged me to write with sharper attention to detail.

In the end, painting and storytelling share the same purpose. To capture truth and beauty. That’s what I hope people will find when they read To Reveal a Reckless Love.

~robin