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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

I love to give.  Nothing makes me happier than to have a way to bless someone.  So, when my publicist, Ashley, suggested we do a weekly giveaway of a serial novel, I was both excited and confused.  Who would want to read several chapters a week instead of the whole book?  Well, she was right and I was wrong.  People loved it.  So, we made it kind of my trademark.

The first series, Past Forward, became almost an overnight hit.  Six books, 214 chapters, approximately 620,000 words, broken up into twenty-eight weekly episodes.  WHEW!

I had an idea for a spin-off, but I wasn’t quite ready to release that after the end of Past Forward, so I resurrected an old idea I had, polished it up, and let it loose!

That serial novel?

Diary of a De-cluttering Junkie, was nearly as popular with thousands of downloads each week.

Chronicling one woman’s desire for a more minimalist life, this serial novel pokes a bi of fun at ourselves when we take shiny, new ideas and run with them without consideration for the others in our lives who have to endure our quirky ideas. While fiction, many people have told me this book is full of helpful tips to conquer their own clutter.

When the seven-episode serial ended, I removed the individual episodes and republished the entire thing in one volume–The Confessions of a De-Cluttering Junkie.

HearthLand:

The third series, HearthLand, began in 2014 and features characters from many of my books.  Through it, I try to show Willow’s life through the eyes and experiences of those who didn’t grow up with the mindset of meaningful work made beautiful.

This series also explores what happens when people devoted to the Lord take their eyes off Jesus. And, because most of my books are interconnected in some way, you’ll find that some volumes parallel the fourth Agency Files book, A Forgotten Truth and Carol and the Belles.

What Now?

Recently, some have asked if I’ve abandoned the serial novel idea.  Well, as much as Ashley would like, I haven’t.

The Vintage Wren:

After HearthLand, I came up with a fun, quirky idea for a character who accepted a dare to “go green” for a year.

Okay, so  Cassie Wen in The Vintage Wren wasn’t actually wasn’t actually dared to do it.  She just took something her friend said and overreacted.  A little.  It’s what she does.

But, she’s on a quest to do it–one year of totally green living.  Can it be done?

The first month, January, took a year to write.  February took almost another year because other books keep getting in the way.  Ashley urged me to quit the serial novel process.

But I can’t. First, I have to know what happens!  I mean, Cassie’s spending a lot of time in HearthLand these days!  What’s up with that?

And well, there was something about a fire… and then there’s Joel and Evan, and her whole mixed up ideas on that score!  I can’t just abandon it! I’m no QUITTER! (even though we’re talking 12 books here! EEP!)

The Vintage WrenSo I’m changing my serial novel model.

What does that mean?

No more writing, putting on Amazon, letting it go free for a few days, lathering, rinsing, and repeating. I’ve got a better way that gets you new stuff every week!

How will it work now?

Here’s what we’re going to do. I’m sending you weekly episodes through my newsletter.  Yep! If you want to keep up with Cassie as I write, you need to sign up below:

Here, every week, you’ll usually get a full chapter! So, you can just read as you go, straight from your inbox.  Easy peasy.

As full episodes go up, they’ll be linked for those who prefer to wait, but at least this “Eat the elephant bite, by bite” will mean that we’re not waiting so long.

The plan is simple:

  • Sunday night I write the next week’s mini-episode.
  • I schedule this week’s newsletter.  They’ll go out on Wednesday mornings.  A tribute to Willow.

But I don’t use Kindle! I’m on Nook/Kobo/iBooks!

The way Amazon works with their free book promotions limits how I can do things.  If I want to be able to continue to do this I have to use their “select” program.  That means that I cannot release books on other platforms until my contract is ended.  It also means that I only get five free days per quarter per episode.   So, I have to use them judiciously.

This is one way that the weekly episodes in your inbox will help those of you who are not Amazon users.  

What if I miss an episode?

That’s another way that this new method will help. Missed episodes are easy for me to forward again. Email me and let me know. I’ll be happy to send it.  Of course,  I love it when people can afford to purchase missed episodes.  I won’t pretend I don’t.  That pays for people like Ashley and Christy to help me keep things going.  It pays for this website and for my editors and proofreaders.

But this serial thing is about me giving to my readers. So if you miss one, I really hope you’ll  email me and tell me.  I will email you the episode you missed, and I’m happy to do it. If you can’t download because you’re a Nook or Kobo user, sign up for my newsletter.  No more waiting for print volumes.

Enjoy the serial journey with us.

Just consider it a literary diet… portion control for those like me who tend to glut on books instead of read in moderation.  😉

And maybe even find a surprise serial in there somewhere.

And what’s next?  

You know, after I finish a year with Cassie?  Well, I do have an idea for a second year with her.  It’ll depend on reader preference.  And if you want to guess what that one’s about, the title will be, A Loving Wren.

innkeepercoversmThen, I’ve been talking about it for years, my assistant and editor, Christy, and I have planned a series for a long time.  We’re going to take you on a strange journey into the hearts and minds of a woman in a troubled marriage and a man who desperately desires a deep connection with the woman he’s falling in love with.  The Innkeeper.

I need to talk to Christy and see if she has time to do this with her many children growing and moving into different stages in their lives.  Otherwise, I might just have to take it on myself.  🙁

I’ve also been considering doing Webster’s Bakery as a serial novel.

Webster’s is about a coffee shop-turned-prayer-house full of quirky characters and loving relationships. WOOT!

What do you think about that?  Zip me an EMAIL  and let me know!

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
byChautona Havig

A chat with Sarah Sundin is always fun, so when I learned we’d be discussing her upcoming release, The Sound of Light, last October, I was excited. Well… we chatted, and it’s finally time to share that interview. Listen in to what the title means, where Sarah came up with it, and the delightful story that she’s got waiting for us. I’m glad this episode came out in time for me to get the 40% off and free shipping deal from Baker because I apparently didn’t order it back when we chatted!

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

How I Fell in Love With This Haunting Title

I didn’t know much about Denmark and WWII, so chatting with Sarah about The Sound of Light shed definite light (no pun intended) on the history of the Danes and how they stood up to Hitler… and got away with it (for the most part).

The Sound of Light tells the story of a physicist who meets a “slow, dull” guy who intrigues her in spite of herself. Come on… if that doesn’t grab you… Maybe the fact that this slow dude is really an Olympic rower in disguise who uses his father’s company as a front for who he is and how he helps Jews escape?  Yeah. That.

As always, Sarah Sundin has done her research and the result is a gripping story of resistance, protection, and ultimately love for God, our fellow man, and maybe… each other.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for my copy of The Sound of Light to arrive.

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research–her life’s dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement’s legendary Havmand–the merman–and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

You can also grab this book from Baker Book House at 40% off with free shipping! (which is cheaper than the Kindle version!)

And you can learn more about Sarah Sundin on her WEBSITE.

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

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Episode 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
Episode 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
January 31, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 203: A Chat with Heather Greer about Window of Opportunity
January 27, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 202: A Chat with Historical Christian Author, Laura Frantz
January 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 201: A Closer Look at This YA Dystopian Series
January 20, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 200: Comparing & Contrasting Two Split-Time Novels
January 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 199: A Chat about Karl May with Robert Stermscheg
January 13, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 198: A Chat about Everything Is Just Beginning with Erin Bartels
January 10, 2023
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Episode 197: A Chat with Amish Author, Shelley Shepard Gray
January 6, 2023
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Episode 196: A Chat with Rom-Com Author by Becca Kinzer
January 3, 2023
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Episode 195: A Chat about What I Would Say with Liz Tolsma
December 23, 2022
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5-star read for me. Reposted from @sarahsundinaut 5-star read for me.

Reposted from @sarahsundinauthor A DNA test reveals a family secret, leading to a journal of a Jewish woman in occupied Greece. A rich and powerful World War II novel from @authorliztolsma . More here on my blog: https://www.sarahsundin.com/what-i-would-tell-you-by-liz-tolsma/ (Clickable link in the Linktree in my bio under Book Recommendations)
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This was a total 5-star read for me. Reposted fro This was a total 5-star read for me.

Reposted from @patriciaraybon She's a clever girl! Somehow my detective Annalee Spain made her way onto the Ladies in Blue listopia on Goodreads! I didn't see any other women of color on the list, but there she is. Represent, Annalee!
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Reposted from @celebratelit This is something that Reposted from @celebratelit This is something that holds true today. We are constantly surrounded by fake reality, especially with social media. Where have you seen genuineness, whether in others or yourself?

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#thelastgasp #chautonahavig #celebratelit #everaftermysteries #christianfictionreaders #christianfictionromance #historicalfiction #suspense #bookstagram #bookreadersofinstagram #bookloversofinstagram
Can you believe it's already February? My book for Can you believe it's already February? My book for  @chantelreadsallday 's Read Your Bookshelf Challenge is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen , and my Elizabeth Goudge book of the month is Island Magic.
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Lazy nights are beautiful. #toothlessthedog Lazy nights are beautiful. 
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Reposted from @celebratelit It's time to go on a n Reposted from @celebratelit It's time to go on a new adventure! We want you to join us and our authors, including Chautona Havig, Amanda Tru, Rachel Skatvold, Susan K. Beatty, Tabitha Bouldin, Marguerite Martin Gray, Melissa Wardwell, Jennifer Pierce, and Heidi Gray Mcgill, on an expedition to the Suamalie Islands. We'll get to meet new people, explore the islands, and find out their secrets. Follow the link below to find out more information, and enter the giveaway!

http://www.celebratelitpublishing.com/suamaliegiveaway/

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#celebratelit #suamalieislands #chautonahavig #amandatru #rachelskatvold #susankbeatty #tabithabouldin #margueritemartingray #melissawardwell #jenniferpierce #heidigraymcgill #christianfiction #contemporaryfiction #bookstagram #bookloversofinstagram #readersofinstagram
Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks 🚒 It's heating u Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks 🚒 It's heating up! 🚒 
Only 2 days left to get your copy of Expired Return the pre-release sale price!
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