• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Lessons Learned from Alexa

by Chautona Havig · 7 Comments

2Alexa’s Background:  Manuscript for Murder was one of the first things I started to write.  Those who know me well have often “suggested” that I might have literary ADD–the inability to keep my attention fixed on one work in progress at a time.  It’s one reason I have several dozen books in progress at once.  So back when I was first working on Aggie and Grace (and Margaret whom none of you have met as yet), I suddenly had an idea for a character.  At first, she was just a person who intrigued me.  Her name was Millicent, and she lived in a yellow cottage in a tourist town.  At this point, I hadn’t even named Fairbury yet.  Millicent was a writer–that much I knew.  What she wrote, I didn’t know.  I suspected it would be incongruous to her personality and character.  I tried desperately to create a character in her fifties with an eclectic taste in clothing (with a particular fondness for the Regency period) and she had a dog.

But something happened as I took it from those initial notes to trying to decide what I’d do with her.  So, I decided to do what all authors do.  I created trouble for her.  I sat thinking one night, “What would be the worst thing that could happen to a successful author?  My answer: make her life a cliche.

Sometime around this point, Millicent became Annette  Hartfield.  There was only one problem.  I couldn’t call her Annette, and that name refused to leave.  At that moment, her background became very clear, and I decided to have her grow up where I live for contrast and to ensure accuracy in anything that took place in her childhood.

Characters:  I expected to like Alexa–maybe even Joe–but as characters arrived on scene, I found myself falling in love with all of them–even the ones I hated.

Alexa:  Alexa’s character taught me to be comfortable in my own skin in new ways.  I’ve always been very “me.”  My parents taught me not to care what anyone thought about me with the notable exceptions of the Lord and my direct authorities (at the time, that would have been them.  Hee hee).  And while I had my own eclectic sense of fashion as a teen (I learned to sew so I could have Nancy Drew’s wardrobe!), walking around in period clothing to the extent she did is something I could only dream of doing.  I wouldn’t quite go that far.  Well, I might.  If I ever lose enough weight not to look ridiculous in the process.  😉

Joe:  Joe taught me acceptance.  His acceptance of who Alexa is and how she lives her life blesses me.

Chief Varney:  I think Chief Varney understands Alexa in a way that many don’t.  He holds the same value of old ideas that Alexa does.  While hers is showcased in fashion, his is in traditional police work.  He found a way to blend the old (cops walking a beat) with modern police practices.  He taught me to embrace the best of the old and the new without apology.

Lorie:  Oh, to have Lorie’s zest for life amid such trials.  I love how she has learned to embrace her life as a gift.

Theme:  Justice.  At the core of the book is the concept of justice–true justice and misguided justice.  A secondary theme would be community amongst the church.  I think I was doing a bit of self-reprimanding when reading it.  It’s very easy for me to remain too deeply in my own shell.  Writing Alexa taught me to remember that God created me to be a part of a community of more than one.  😉

Response:  I am always astounded at the response to The Hartfield Mysteries.  Alexa has some very loyal readers.  In fact, I even have a couple of readers who have left reviews of other books that said essentially, “It’s okay–not Alexa, but not bad” or “Don’t bother–just go read Alexa instead.”  Those always make me smile.

I loved this book. I’m not sure if Alexa is my favorite character by Ms. Havig, but she is in the top 3 at least. I cannot wait til the next one comes out. I’m already saving up to buy it… I know I won’t be able to hold out for a free one!  ~RJD

Wow!! Chautona is amazing! Her writing just draws me in and won’t let me go!! I love how the characters come to life. I found myself missing Alexa and Joe when I had to put the book down and, man, how I wish I could meet these facsinating people in real life!  ~Jonathan Taylor

As I was reviewing the list of books by author Chautona Havig, I discovered I’d neglected her series “The Hartfield Mysteries”, so I went to amazon.com and purchased the first one, “Manuscript for Murder”. I was drawn in by the characters so completely that as soon as I finished, I went back and purchased the second, “Crime of Fashion”…..This has enough twists and turns to keep the story line fresh and moves right along, and enough romance to satisfy the incurable romantic in all of us. I am NOT so patiently waiting for the third book in the series, “Two O’Clock Slump”!    ~Lucinda

I don’t usually read mysteries but if Ms. Havig writes it, I’m going to read it.

I almost quit reading it early on. I was so upset with how A. Hartfield was acting…Good thing I got over it and kept reading. I would have missed out on a good mystery.  ~JWilly

I look forward to spending time with Alexa, Joe, and Aunt Faye in Fairbury again.  Faye’s going to shake up the place.  🙂  Well, and there’s that cryptic message from Alexa to Joe.  What was that about?  I can’t wait for her to tell me.

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

Related

Filed Under: Lessons Learned Series

Previous Post: « All I Want For Christmas Is a Short Story?
Next Post: Winner of the boxed set of books!! »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Mary Tedder says

    April 10, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    When will we be able to get the next episode?

    Reply
    • Chautona says

      April 10, 2014 at 5:55 pm

      Book four of Alexa, I’m not sure where it is in the lineup. I’ll have to ask Ashley!

      Reply
  2. Alicia says

    March 27, 2014 at 12:39 am

    I love all three and the characters within them. They do teach you lessons within such wonderful and engaging books. You have an amazing talent, be it mysteries or Willow’s journey of bringing the past forward or Aggie and Luke teaching is about the joy and trials of such a large household… Such varied themes and lessons within all of your books and they NEVER fail to engage the reader so fully and so miss the characters at the end. I so often feel like if I just drive to Fairbury or Rockland I can meet these wonderful people in person and live in such a warm and magnificent place. You truly have a talent for drawing the reader in…

    I look forward to Alexa’s next book and Aggie’s as well as the new titles you are bringing into your wonderful collection of novels. I truly got lucky when I happened to come upon you on Amazon…I am always anxious for the next book or series… You are a gem…as a woman, an author, and a distant friend.

    Reply
  3. Laurel S. says

    March 24, 2014 at 12:30 pm

    woohoo! book #4! i keep thinking about having a wardrobe of Whatever I Want… that’s such a freeing thought!

    Reply
  4. Patty-anne Lea says

    March 23, 2014 at 4:01 pm

    I am waiting for book four. I have learned to wear what I have with grace and confidence. I do not need to be a clone.

    Reply
  5. Jaime says

    March 23, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    A book 4?!?!? I am on cloud nine now. I am such a big fan of your books but Alex and Joe are my favorite ones.

    Reply
  6. Barbara says

    March 23, 2014 at 7:23 am

    i’m so excited for book #4…how did i not know you had that one planned?

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
byChautona Havig

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 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
March 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
March 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 214: A Chat about After the Shadows with Amanda Cabot
March 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 213: A Chat about Daughter of Eden with Jill Eileen Smith
March 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 212: A Chat about Code Name Edelweiss with Stephanie Landsem
February 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 211: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn about Under Fire
February 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 210: A Chat with Jennifer Deibel about The Maid of Ballymacool
February 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 209: A Chat with Tracie Peterson about Remember Me
February 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 208: A Chat with Author, Hallie Lee
February 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 207: A Chat with Daniella Rushton about Portal Fantasy
February 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • What Is More Terrifying than an Author with a Sharp Tent Peg?
  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!
  • What Kinds of Lessons Can We Learn from the First People?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https: Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/512143
A curse.
A killer.
A chill in the air.
Temps are dropping and time is running…
These beauties just arrived. Eeep! #AmReading #c These beauties just arrived.  Eeep!
#AmReading 
#christiansuspense 
#ChristFic 
@lisaphillipsbks
This is what book sorting and cataloging and culli This is what book sorting and cataloging and culling looks like. The molding is still not finished,  a huge shelf sits empty, the above windows shelves are untouched (and therefore,  dusty)... but it's getting there...
#libraryprogress
#gottadoitbeforethekidcomeshome
#notquitebookstageam
Reading this right now. Just started last night, Reading this right now.  Just started last night, and I am already engrossed. 

Reposted from @lianaygeorge Get to know Perfectly Placed! Book 2 in the Hopeful Heart Series, it continues Nicki’s adventures in China and has her falling in love in ways she never imagined!

•
•
•

books book tropes convincing you to read perfectly placed hopeful hearts series contemporary christian fiction women's fiction ebook paperback
Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the n Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the next Bookstrings giveaway (this fall).

Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Link to these designs are in my bio!!!
#resbubbleartist 
#ilovestickers 
#artwork
How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... before time? Not often in my experience, but Jill Eileen Smith's Daughter of Eden takes a bold step to imagine the creation of the angels... of even Michael the Archangel!  Listen in while we chat about Eden, Eve, her children, and the war between those banished from heaven and those who remained to protect those made in God's image.
@revellfiction
@Jilleileensmith
#BecauseFiction
#ChristFic
#BiblicalFiction
#DaughterofEden
#BookishPodcasts
Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and h Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and he's still worn out. Plus, he misses @lornarose9 si we thought we'd say hi.
#NevilleLongBarkem 
#TheShediffice
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!