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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Some of the Best Inspiration Comes from a Diner

by Chautona Havig · 2 Comments

Inspiration comes from everywhere, but I think my best inspiration came from a diner at a diner. What does that mean? Well, for one a new release! via @chautonahavig

Booth 14.

It’s been my writing home away from home for several years now. I’ve seen it all there—and I mean all. In fact, I have two or three “Tales from Booth 14” videos up on YouTube and half a dozen more to share. From flying plates and police with shields (those poor guys looked like they felt ridiculous, but protocol is protocol), to the gal who ate Angela-the-wonder-server’s burger patty and the guys from England educating me about “Monkey hangers,” I’ve pretty much seen everything.

Fights? Check.

Falling down on the floor drunk? Check.

The most ridiculous pick-up line ever? Check. (Actually heard the Tennessee one and the falling from heaven one used. No joke.)

Adorable couples? Check.

Heartbreaking couples that made me want to beg one or the other to get out before it was too late? Check.

And that’s just the beginning.

I’m not the only regular there. You have a trio of older folks who come in—a man, his wife, and their friend. The wife is a doll. The husband is interesting. And I can’t figure out how that friend managed to land such great friends. I wince every time she opens her mouth, and it’s not the language.

There’s a family… an older mom and dad and a deaf son about my age. Then there’s the other “Booth 14” lover. He usually takes over about the time I leave if I’m there later than usual. You can almost see the frustration when he walks in and sees my cord plugged into the only outlet in the place. He knows I’m there.

College students, theater folks, a guy who likes to read books, a Vietnam vet who talks to a wife and daughter who aren’t even there, the homeless…

And then there was Peter.

My husband used to work with Peter, and he warned me. “That guy can talk.”

Look, I’ve got a Ph.D. in talking. I know for conversation, man. Or so I thought. Mules… they’re not safe when Peter’s around. I’m just sayin’.

Fine Print: Meddlin' Madeline 3Peter was also brilliant. He talked about everything from quantum physics to space exploration and Esperanto. The guy was obsessed with Esperanto (so much that he spent a week in North Carolina last summer learning it at the university there).

Anyone who has read Fine Print now knows where I got that idea! He’s also where I got the idea for the Masonic element in that book.

Alas, Peter inspired an entire character once. So when I say that some of the best inspiration comes from a diner, I mean both restaurant and patron. Trust me.

Some of the Best Inspiration Comes from a Diner

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Some of the Best Inspiration Comes from a Diner

It was a dark and windy Wednesday night.

Actually, it was stifling hot and only dark because it was close to midnight. April had just left for home when Peter, arrived. Usually, he sits in booth 35 across from me.

This time, however, the guy just plopped down in my booth and started in on the night’s Masonic meeting. He’s an atheist who is big into Masonry, and I’d come over for dinner after Bible study. A study in contrasts. Trust me.

I’m not sure how long it took him to go from telling me who showed up at the night’s meeting—people I’ve never met and probably never will meet, but I listened, smiled, nodded, and smiled some more. It’s what I do. We had an odd acquaintanceship that way.

Out of the blue, he began telling me about mammals. No, seriously. He did. He informed me that all mammals of over 1 kg. take approximately twenty seconds to empty a full bladder. Full-voice volume, rather sonorous, if that matters. In a restaurant filled with people who had come in after some event or another.

No joke.

So, while the people around me ate their bourbon chicken skillets and their nachos, he talked about bladders. Explained how it’s because of predators. If animals take longer than twenty to forty seconds, they become prey for other animals, so the body is designed to empty quickly. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cat or an elephant. Twenty seconds. (All this from an evolutionist who mocks the idea of Intelligent design. I did not laugh at the irony. I should get bonus points for that).

For the curious, it’s all about the size of the urethra. That’s how it works. Elephants have a huge one. Cats not so big. I know this because he explained it to me for a full forty-five minutes. Then, after that, he opened the scientific journal from which he’d read about it and read it to me. The whole research paper. For another forty-five minutes.

Get this. The guy wasn’t autistic. That’s what blows me away.

I was so frustrated by the time I left Denny’s that I went home and told Kevin. “Peter is going to be single for the REST OF HIS LIFE.”

Kevin just looked at me and said, “It took you this long to figure that out?”

Gotta say something before I continue.

I’m not proud of my attitude. Although I was kind in my behavior, I was not kind in thought.

Back to the story.

The whole thing bugged me for days. That bugging turned into an idea. I pictured a scene. If you’ve ever seen the movie The Bachelor with Chris O’Donnell and Renee Zellweger, you’ll recognize the inspiration for it.

A guy comes home. His sister bounces up to him and says, “So… how’d it go?”

He refuses to answer.

She knows… she just knows. Asks, “Life cycle of a dung beetle?”

He shakes his head.

“Not the mating habits of chimps…”

Relief. “Well, that’s something. No, it wasn’t that one.”

A sigh follows when she figures it out. “Ugh. Bladders.”

He nods.

At some point in the conversation that ensues, he says one thing that tugs at my heartstrings every time I think of it. He says (with a total wistfulness), “She had freckles…”

And all because a Denny’s Diner diner couldn’t stop talking about bladders.

For the record, just like someone in the book that ensued, I started calling restroom breaks, “20-second breaks.” It’s a lot more fun and a bit more private, you know? Totally less crass than poor Chessie from 31 Kisses and her “I gotta pee!” (Psst… that’s totally a thing from Chessie’s inspiration. I’ve read a review that says no one that age would do it? Yeah. Totally would. Just sayin’.)

Then it happened. In mid-September, I got a message from Amanda Tru—my partner in over-commitment crime. She said, “I want to do a Valentine’s Day book, and um… I think it might be perfect for your bladder guy.”

So, with just two months (and two other books due during that time), I agreed to another CrossRoads collection. Due date—December 3rd. I didn’t think I could do it. Then she mentioned the tenth. That I could do. And I almost made it.

From that, Random Acts of Shyness was born.

You know, I assumed I’d never get to tell this story. You see, I didn’t want there ever to be a chance that Peter would go looking up something I’d said and run across a blog post or article about it. As much as he annoyed me that night, his feelings are more important than a funny story about how I got a funny story.

But while I was at my conference this November, Peter died. Unexpectedly and suddenly. He won’t ever come into Denny’s and interrupt my writing again. And you know, that makes me sad. I pray that in the week before his death, he came to know the Lord—really know the God of the universe he adored so much.

So, I dedicated this book to that memory of him, because it really did give me one of my favorite stories and characters.

And because I’m really sorry that I won’t get to talk books, movies, and Esperanto with him again.

Random Acts of Shyness is available now in the Betwixt Two Hearts Collection. 

That’s right the fourth CrossRoads collection is available!  Squee!  Check out this SUPER COOL QUIZ and figure out which “Book Boyfriend” in Betwixt is your perfect reading match!  Betwixt Two Hearts collection

This collection is, like all our others, just .99 or FREE on Kindle Unlimited.  However, the first collection, Out of the Blue Bouquet is only .99 for just over another month.  Then it’ll become available on all eBook platforms (did you know you can get it in paperback and hardback???) but at a higher price.

Look at our cool line up!

CrossRoads Collections

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  1. Andrea Rossignol says

    January 11, 2019 at 7:58 pm

    Ooh!!! I’ve been wishing I could get some of your books in hardback! I’m excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Review and Giveaway for Betwixt Two Hearts – Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy says:
    June 18, 2020 at 4:16 am

    […] As the idea burst into my messenger box, I knew she was right. A matchmaking website?  Perfect for a shy guy with an unfortunate coping mechanism that ensures that he has a string of first and only dates in his back pocket. You can read about that story, here. […]

    Reply

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Episode 42: A Chat with J'nell Ciesielski
by Chautona Havig

The cover got me first.  It was “my” Madeline, but of course, no one could tell if they didn’t know the photographer’s work. So, combine WWI, poppies, and “my” Madeline… well, I had to read it, right?  Yeah. Among the Poppies (review here) by J’nell Ciesielski was the best debut novel I’ve ever read.  Bar none.  I became an instant fan of J’nell Ciesielski that day, and I’ve read everything she’s written ever since.

So, when I heard about her newest release, of course, I wanted to read it.  I wanted to talk to her about it–all the things. So, let’s talk about this book.

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

My First “Top Book” of 2021 Begins HERE!

I had a wonderful discussion with J’nell about her newest release (as in releases TODAY!), Beauty Among Ruins, about her vision for writing Christian fiction, and the goals Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins has for some of their Christian fiction titles/authors!

Let’s start with this book: Beauty Among Ruins.  Guys… this book. Lily and Alec just hit the top tier of favorite characters ever. Not only that, but J’nell Ciesielski adds depth and richness to her cast by having supporting characters that I’m dying to know more about.  Sequel perchance?  I’d love that. Just sayin’…

We learned the history of the book, how it got its title… hint, the original was hilarious but um… yeah.  Not one that I’d grab off the shelf unless I saw J’nell’s name on it!), and some of the research she had to do to keep her from using the hackneyed old solutions to familiar problems in early 20th century England… well!  WHEW!

Oh, and speaking of those problems… One of J’nell’s most brilliant skills is taking the spine of a story you think you’ve read before and turning it into something fresh and new. For example, in Beauty Among Ruins, you have an American heiress, an aristocratic family who are floundering to keep up the family estate, a crumbling manor house turned into a hospital, and wounded soldiers.  Sound familiar?

It’s not. And that’s the brilliance of J’nell.

Add to that a storyline that keeps you guessing and full of rich history that never weighs you down with preachiness (seriously, preachy fiction isn’t just for Bible. It also happens with science, politics… and history!

Speaking of preachy fiction…

As much as I loved talking about her book, one of the highlights of the interview is getting an insider’s understanding of where Thomas Nelson is taking some of their fiction.

I’ve been an outspoken critic of the lack of spiritual content in the Christian Fiction coming out of Thomas Nelson in recent years. When you buy “Christian fiction,” you expect to find something other than just “clean fiction.”

In my discussion with J’nell, she described the publisher’s goal of using fiction with a Christian worldview and subtle elements to bridge the gap between Christian fiction and the general market. Knowing this is the plan rather than just a watering down of faith or something. Knowing that those elements are woven into subtext to be a gentle reach to readers who otherwise might not pick up Christian fiction makes that lack of overtness much more palatable.

Additionally, J’nell didn’t just write a “clean” book. The spiritual elements are in there. They’re just layered into that subtext. I found myself going to the Bible to see what it said about several things.  This is what I want from my Christian fiction.  I don’t’ need a token prayer or Bible verse.  Those do nothing for me. But give me something to chew on for a while, and I’m thrilled.

J’nell Ciesielski does that beautifully and has from the very first book of hers I read.

She also told me about a book coming out this summer… The Ice Swan.  Isn’t that cover GORGEOUS?

I’m so excited about Beauty Among Ruins  that I’m also giving away a copy of J’nell Ciesielski ‘s book to one commenter.

Go to https://chautona.com/because-fiction-42 and tell me if you’ve ever read anything by J’nell and what your favorite was if you have. I’ll try to draw next week when I do episode 43.

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

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Episode 42: A Chat with J'nell Ciesielski
Episode 42: A Chat with J'nell Ciesielski
January 13, 2021
Chautona Havig
Episode 41: A Chat with Jennifer Pierce
January 5, 2021
Chautona Havig
Episode 40: My Favorite Book of 2020
December 8, 2020
Chautona Havig
Episode 39: A Chat with L.K. Simonds
December 1, 2020
Chautona Havig
Episode 38: Dan Smith & Saving Ebenezer
November 24, 2020
Chautona Havig
Episode 37: A Chat with Sara Beth Williams
November 17, 2020
Chautona Havig
Episode 36: A Chat with Jennifer Beckstrand
November 10, 2020
Chautona Havig
Episode 35: What Is This NaNoWriMo Thing All About?
November 3, 2020
Chautona Havig
Episode 34: 5 Cheap & Easy Ways to Feed a Book Habit
October 27, 2020
Chautona Havig
Episode 33: 2020 Christmas Collections
October 20, 2020
Chautona Havig
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I can scribble!!! Justified Means: book one in the I can scribble!!!
Justified Means: book one in the Agency Files, is on tour with Celebrate lit. Visit celebratelit.com to find a link to follow the blog tours and check out the reviews. 
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Reposted from @karitrumbo Repost from @tabithaboul Reposted from @karitrumbo Repost from @tabithabouldin
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Who wouldn't want it?  Justified Means: book one Who wouldn't want it? 
Justified Means: book one in the Agency Files, is on tour with Celebrate lit. Visit celebratelit.com to find a link to follow the blog tours and check out the reviews. 
#christiansuspense
#christianfiction
#Christfic
#KindleUnlimited
Reposted from @becausefictionpodcast Episode 42: A Reposted from @becausefictionpodcast Episode 42: A Chat with J'nell Ciesielski

I had a wonderful discussion with J'nell about her newest release (as in TODAY!), Beauty Among Ruins, about her vision for writing Christian fiction, and the goals Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins has for some of their Christian fiction titles/authors!

Stay tuned for more in depth show notes in just a bit!

© © Chautona Havig 2020
@jnellciesielski
#becausefiction
#podcasts
#Christfic
#christianfiction
Kind of depressing but true... Justified Means: bo Kind of depressing but true...
Justified Means: book one in the Agency Files, is on tour with Celebrate lit. Visit celebratelit.com to find a link to follow the blog tours and check out the reviews. 
#christiansuspense
#christianfiction
#Christfic
#KindleUnlimited
Justified Means: book one in the Agency Files, is Justified Means: book one in the Agency Files, is on tour with Celebrate lit. Visit celebratelit.com to find a link to follow the blog tours and check out the reviews. 
#christiansuspense
#christianfiction
#Christfic
#KindleUnlimited
Lots of great books up for grabs for a lucky winne Lots of great books up for grabs for a lucky winner... not to mention that gift card!
Happy New Year to you!! To celebrate you along with the new year, I have teamed up with Celebrate Lit to do a special giveaway!

We want you to have a chance to win 40+ books or a $500 Amazon card to buy a ton of books yourself in Celebrate Lit's Have a Fab New Year Multi-Author Giveaway!

Click the link in my bio to enter!

The event and giveaway is going on now through January 17.
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