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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

You Never Know What Will Inspire an Author’s Next Great Book

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Kim Vogel Sawyer has written many wonderful historical novels, and her latest, Still My Forever, promises to be a wonderful addition. via @chautonahavig

I had a lovely chat with Kim Vogel Sawyer a couple of weeks ago, all about her newest novel, Still My Forever. I’ll never see tubas or Music Man the same again. Listen in for her inspiration for this book and her next!

Quick note: the audio on my end of the episode is horrible, and I can’t figure out why. I did nothing different, but… *shrugs* Sorry!

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you

You Never Know What Will Inspire an Author’s Next Great Book

During our chat, Kim Vogel Sawyer talked about how the photo of the pack librarians of the 1930s had inspired many books a few years ago and how a photo of a boy’s band in Kansas inspired her latest book, Still My Forever. I just loved the sound of a Music Man-esque novel about boys bands in Kansas… and in a Mennonite community!  EEEP!. How cool is that?

Though she writes from the 1860-1930s, Kim said the Depression era holds a special place in her heart. I bought her recommended Depression book inspired by her husband’s… grandmother? Great grandmother?  Can’t recall. Sounds heart-rendingly beautiful to me. So a photograph here, a family story there… and she even told us that her next book was inspired by her research for this one!  I for one cannot wait!

Still My Forever Kim Vogel SawyerStill My Forever by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Can a frustrated composer find new inspiration with the woman who once made his heart sing? From the bestselling author of Freedom’s Song comes a charming romance inspired by a real historical figure.

“A melodious second-chance romance.”—Publishers Weekly

Four years after leaving town to make a name for himself as a composer, Gilbert Baty has returned temporarily to Falke, Kansas. Now, he’s trying to keep everyone from learning the truth about his disastrous years in New York City. He hopes to start writing music again in Falke, but he can’t help being distracted by Ava Flaming, the brown-eyed baker to whom he was briefly engaged before he ended things—and who still stirs feelings in him he knows he has no right to pursue.

Ava had thought she was past the loss of Gil Baty. But to her dismay, she’s as drawn to him as ever. The situation only gets worse when Gil establishes a youth band in Falke, showing once more what a good man he is.

But when the band has a chance to compete in a statewide competition, Ava faces the prospect of heartbreak again. Could music take Gil away forever this time? Or might God be stirring in Ava’s and Gil’s hearts a new song that will draw them together for good?

You can learn more about Kim Vogel Sawyer on her WEBSITE.

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d’Entremont
byChautona Havig

When Lara d’Entremont began describing her YA portal fantasy, The Painted Fairytale, I knew this would be right up my alley. Listen in and see how art becomes the portal to other worlds!

note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Portal fantasy is my favorite, so I was crazy excited to learn about this one–especially the art tie-in. I can’t wait to dive in myself.

We chatted about her characters, the world, and the faith that connects them.

The Painted Fairytale by Lara d’Entremont

Seventeen-year-old Wren Devine refuses to share her art with anyone-other than her parents and her sister (who died three years prior). But when her mother submits her artwork to a mentorship program, and she gets accepted, Wren is forced to display her artwork for the eccentric Professor Hayes. Despite her fears, Wren hopes this mentorship will finally make her as worthy as her sister.

But this mentorship is about more than painting.

Wren soon learns that she has a magical ability to turn her paintings into portals to travel not only to other places but also to another world entirely. An eerie children’s book in the professor’s classroom reveals a wicked pirate with a vengeance who has her eye on Stefan Branson, a former student of Professor Hayes.

As all four of these lives intersect, it becomes apparent that everyone has a secret–some more deadly than others. The longer these secrets brew, the more deadly and heavy they become, and possibly lead to never seeing her former, earthly realm again. Wren must not only learn to release the shadow of her beloved sister but step boldly into her own world.

Learn more about Lara on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads.or on Subtack.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d’Entremont
Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d’Entremont
October 27, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 481: A Chat with Patricia Bradley
October 25, 2025
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Episode 480: A Chat with Tracie Peterson
October 20, 2025
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Episode 479: A Chat with Connilyn Cossette
October 18, 2025
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Episode 478: A Chat with Julie Klassen
October 17, 2025
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Episode 477: A Chat with Kate Angelo
October 13, 2025
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Episode 476: A Chat with Katie M. Reid
October 11, 2025
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Episode 475: A Chat with D. T. Powell
October 6, 2025
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Episode 474: A Chat with Ann Swindell
October 4, 2025
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Episode 473: A Chat with Jennifer Willcock
October 3, 2025
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