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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Episode 16: A Chat w/ Melissa Wardwell about Scrumptious Independence

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

How did Melissa Wardwell start writing? What made her join the Independence Island Series? What can you expect from her upcoming novel? Find out today! via @chautonahavig

Ever wonder what makes someone start writing? What about where ideas for characters come from? Have you been eager to find out what’s coming in the Independence Islands Series?

Have we got an episode for you!  This week, we’re chatting with author Melissa Wardwell about her author journey, her books, and her inspiration for some of the characters in her first book in the Independence Islands series, Scrumptious Independence.  Not only that, we get a sneak peek into her upcoming books in the series, too!

episode 16 Melissa wardwell

 

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

How the Love of 2 Grandmothers Inspired This Series

Each author in the Independence Islands contributes to the series as a whole, but their books also form an independent series within the series.  Melissa Wardwell ’s series follows Beth Stevens in her quest for independence from familial expectations and utter dependence on God.

In this episode, Melissa Wardwell talks about how both of her grandmothers inspired the character of “Gram” in Scrumptious Independence. Mingling the good food of her childhood with faith, love, and encouragement,

So, thanks, Melissa for sharing all about:

  • How you started writing
  • The books you already have in print
  • Why you chose to join the series
  • How you chose your food truck for your business
  • Your thoughts on the collaboration process
  • The characters of Beth and Gram
  • Your books in this series & where you’re going with them
  • And all the stuffness

This week’s sponsor is: Celebrate Lit Publishing

And even more specifically, the upcoming Independence Islands Series.  All of the Merriweather Island books begin releasing, one a month, starting July 28, 2020. All books are up for preorder and for each book you preorder, you can request a collector’s postcard including a map of the island (with special places related to that book marked, and a unique offering from the author—a gardening tip, a list of books to try, or as with Melissa Wardwell’s books, a recipe!  Collect all the cards and receive a special bonus book written just for series superfans!  To find out more and how to get them, go HERE.

Merriweather Island Series

Links are likely affiliate links that provide me with a small commission
at no extra expense to you.

Dual Power of Convenience
by Chautona Havig

All they wanted was a happily-never-after. It was supposed
to be a match made on paper. With him halfway across the globe, they’d
never have to see each other again. So what’s Richard doing back on
Merriweather?”

Scrumptious Independence
by Melissa Wardwell

Armed with an inheritance she never expected and orders on
how to use it, Beth sets off for Merriweather Island and fulfillment of
a lifetime of dreams.

Or so she hopes.”

Secret Beach Boyfriend
by Kari Trumbo

She met Rafe on the beach when she was just five and it
seemed like fate tied them together. When a chance encounter returns him
to the islands twenty years later, Annie finds her beach friend has
grown up and now needs her help.”

Her Merriweather Hero
by Rachel Skatvold

Falling in love wasn’t in Tyler’s orders, but a new
deployment to Iraq is. How can he convince Kendall not to go AWOL when
she hears? What can he do to convince her that they’ll make it…
together?”

Mishaps Off the Mainland
by Tabitha Bouldin

Everything’s falling apart, and Mel’s dream transforms into
a nightmare. She thought this was what God wanted for her life, but can
you blame her for second-guessing everything?”

Restoring Fairhaven
by Carolyn Miller

Max much prefers the fictional world to the real, and the
gardening girl’s interruptions means he’s driven from his writing cave
far too often for his liking.

How’s he supposed to craft stories with her distracting him all the
time?”

independence islands

Don’t miss your pre-order bonus! Click here for more details.

Thanks again to Melissa for being on the show and as one who has read her book, I can assure you that you want to read Beth’s and Scott’s story.  It’s beautiful to see what happens there.

What God Brings Together melissa wardwellBe sure to check out Melissa Wardwell ‘s book, What God Brings Together. 

About the Book:

Can they walk through the doors God opens for them and allow forgiveness to restore what was taken so long ago?

Marriage was forever, at least that was what Emma thought, but an unfortunate turn of events brought her world crashing in around her. Determination to make a good life for her three children spur her to push through the pain of rejection and loneliness she battles. A chance meeting with a disfigured handyman sparks an unusual friendship that turns into more. The only thing holding her back is the memory of her past and what should have been.

His body’s disfigurement and self-torment keep David living in the shadows of society.
After spending time with Emma and her children, he begins to hope for something he knows he doesn’t deserve. Unwilling to listen to the self-doubt, he hatches a plan to put right what was wrong in his life. If only she would let him in.

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

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 164: A Chat with Christian Fantasy Author, Ernest Yip
byChautona Havig

When I talked to Ernest Yip last month, I was crazy excited to learn about his fantasy novel, The Shattered King, an allegory about the attributes of God. Ernest talks about his inspiration, how he got started, and what’s coming next for us. I loved hearing more about the story and my copy is on its way to me now. EEEP! Listen in to learn more.

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

Experience the Attributes of God in a Whole New Way

In the tradition of Pilgrim’s Progress or the parables of Jesus, Ernest Yip brings us a story that introduces to a King like no other through the various attributes our main character meets through out the book. I love a good allegory, and listening to Ernest talk about his book had me choming at the bit to get started.

Though written for teens, The Shattered King is sure to appeal to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure. I especially love how it is a great introduction to who God is without being a heavy or preachy tome of apologetics. Instead, we’re taken on an adventure to discover it all for ourselves.

I can’t wait to see what Yip does next!

The Shattered King by Ernest Yip

Finding his way home means finding something else first—someone else.

When a dark force shatters the benevolent and mighty king Eloa, the land of Astrea lies broken and dying. Though Eloa lives, he is a shadow of his true self, unable to restore his kingdom unless he is reunited with the living Fragments of his being and made whole again.

Catapulted into this unfamiliar world and gifted with a magical sword, teenager Jax faces the ultimate test—finding the lost Fragments of Eloa. Only by fulfilling this quest will he be able to return home. But there are new forces in power, forces that will do whatever it takes to thwart Jax’s efforts and defeat Eloa.

But Jax will soon find that Eloa is no ordinary king, and neither are his Fragments—

A creator of living stone beings A father of orphans in a storm-filled land A desert warrior of limitless power

And they aren’t the only ones out there…

Encounter the Fragments of The Shattered King, a tale of danger and discovery that explores timeless truths about the world we live in, where justice and mercy are sometimes the most powerful weapons.

You can find out more about Ernest from his WEBSITE.

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

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 164: A Chat with Christian Fantasy Author, Ernest Yip
Episode 164: A Chat with Christian Fantasy Author, Ernest Yip
August 16, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 163: A Chat with Naomi Craig about Ezekiel's Song
August 12, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 162: A Chat with Author, Nancy Naigle
August 9, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 161: A Chat with Christian Women's Fiction Robin W. Pearson
July 26, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 160: A Chat with Liz Johnson about The Last Way Home
July 22, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 159: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Mesu Andrews
July 19, 2022
Chautona Havig
A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Stephanie Landsem
July 12, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 157: A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Lynn Austin
July 8, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 156: The Fragrance of Violets by Susan K. Beatty
July 5, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
July 1, 2022
Chautona Havig
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