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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Lessons Learned in Past Forward

by Chautona Havig · 7 Comments

Background for Past Forward: Most of my books begin with a premise–a “what if” question of sorts. Past Forward   is different in that I “discovered” Willow as a person first. I knew who she was, how she was different, how she was interesting. I just didn’t know her history until I thought about who she was.  Then it all made sense.  

I originally wrote the story and posted it on a blog for friends to read.  So, some days I’d post more than one chapter and then it might be a week or a month before I’d post the next.  I loved exploring the life that my father might have lived if he had been given the chance.  I can absolutely see him living very much as Kari did and teaching me in the same way.  During the first few weeks of Kindle releases, I did an “interview” with Willow HERE.  I thought that was relevant to this post, so I’m including it.

Characters:  Willow’s life and Kari’s influence both made great impacts on me, but Chad definitely taught me different lessons as well.  I’d say the biggest surprise was seeing David and learning from him.  I think there’s a lot of my father in David–not in personality but in “tone.”

Willow:  I think the first lesson I learned from Willow (and it is definitely the one that people comment on the most) is to infuse beauty into everything you do.  The way they decorated envelopes, while not necessarily how I would choose to infuse beauty into my world, is a fine example of the mindset that says, “I will create beauty in my life and I will bask in that.”  In that sense, they are very much as their Creator.  God could have created this world in grays, browns, blacks, and whites, but he gave us rich, vivid colors in a variety of hues and shades.  He could have created a few necessary animals for our benefit (food wise and work wise) and left the rest off the planet, but He didn’t.  He created such a huge variety of plants, animals, geographical areas–the variety and the beauty of it all is amazing!

But as I wrote, her work ethic spoke to me more than anything else.  I remember writing and thinking, “She’d be disappointed in the way I’m avoiding mopping the kitchen floor.  She’d tell me, ‘Just do it and make it a work of art.  Imagine how beautiful it’ll look once it sparkles and shines after you remove the dirt and grime.’ ”  I can’t tell you how many times I made a great meal after working on an episode rather than tossing together anything I could find.  Why?  Because I was inspired to give my family my BEST… not whatever was fastest or easiest.

Kari:  I’d never realized the paralyzing effect of fear on a person until I saw it in Kari.  This woman was strong–confident.  She wasn’t led by emotions as a general rule, but one fear–for someone other than herself even–drove her to make decisions that were irrational.  I remember when my mother moved from California.  She’d worked in some rough areas of Fresno without a bit of trouble, but when she moved to a little town south of there, her house was robbed multiple times and then she was held at gunpoint at her workplace.  She packed up and left California.  She hasn’t been back in twenty years.  It’s an irrational fear that has controlled Mom’s life in that area. One small area, but still.  And Mom, like Kari, is an extremely level-headed woman with a strong, confident personality.  I didn’t even notice the comparison until near the end of the series. 

Additionally, from Kari I learned to find a vision for my life and embrace it–live it.  Choose a deliberate path and walk it rather than be dragged here and there or pushed by the winds of change into whatever direction change forces you.  I love that idea.  In fact, I felt very much a part of my imaginary world today as I smocked Lorna’s dress for my niece’s wedding.  I sat on the couch, wearing my “Embracing every day as a gift, I am living my life Past Forward” shirt, and hand-smocking the bodice of her dress.  I tried to force myself to relax and enjoy the process–not rush.  Lorna is almost nine.  She’s almost out of the age for smocked dresses.  I need to enjoy these last few times rather than let the pressure of time (we leave on Thursday!!!) stress me out.

Chad:  I think the first thing I learned from Chad is to serve people even when you don’t feel like it–when it “costs” you something.  Then, the same strength of character that caused him to befriend Willow against his initial inclination also showed itself in how he refused to give up on her–even when she balked changes in her life.  Many men would have taken her lack of interest in marriage personally–as an affront.  He didn’t.  He managed to hold off his pride and do what was best for her.  That’s just so hard to do.

David:  There is such a gentleness–a tenderness–to David.  The man was wounded so deeply by his daughter, but he works to forgive and move on with his life.  It’s almost as if the pain he endured made him even more tender–more compassionate.  This made me desire to let the difficult times in my life sweeten and gentle me while making me stronger rather than hardening me.

Theme:  Thoreau’s words, “Live deliberately and suck out the marrow of life” are the core of this series.  Kari took those words to heart and created a world for them that had a profound effect on more than just the Finley women.  Chad, Becca, and even the town of Fairbury were all influenced by this lesson

Response:  I was astounded by the response to the Willow series.  I never imagined that people would be so drawn to her and her life.  A few reviews caught my eye and I thought I’d share them.

This is one of my favorite reads of all time. I have really enjoyed getting into Willow’s life. When I was younger I would read to escape into another place and it is something I remember fondly of my childhood. I feel the same way when I read Past Forward: relaxed and swept away. I am looking forward to future episodes!  ~Cheri Cyr

Wow! (That’s also kind of a theme in the book…) I am LOVING this serial novel!
I “saved up” most of the episodes before I started reading and I’m so glad I did.
I know that if I had to stop and start, waiting for each new episode, I would be extremely frustrated because it is THAT good!
As it is, I read the entire Volume 1 in almost one sitting. And I’m moving fast through Volume 2 late into every evening even though I seriously need some shut-eye! What a great story/concept! So refreshing, inspiring, and be warned, addictive! I want a life just like Willow’s (ok, but maybe just with the exception of a dishwasher and air conditioning…)!
Even after only Volume 1, I already know deep down that it is going to be very difficult to accept getting to the end of this series. Maybe I should slow down in my reading…but no, that’s impossible!
It’s too good – like delicious home-made ice cream you just can’t get enough of!
And by the way, it is SO worth signing up for Chautona Havig’s newsletter. She’s constantly got great competitions and giveaways and always notifies you when there is a free book available for download for just 24 hours. Such a generous author, I wish I could meet her but alas, I live on a different continent!
However, I will forever be a faithful follower and collect all her books for as long as she writes!   ~Cands

 Beautifully written, brilliant storyline and theme. The characters pull you in relentlessly until you cannot put the book down. Well done!  ~dlblanch

Past Forward  is obviously my longest series–well, until I get Valle de Morado completed.  I can’t wait to work on that one some more.  It stretched me both as a writer and as a person.  And, I was only able to finish it once I promised myself I could explore her life from the opposite end in HearthLand. Additionally, I’ve written one and am in progress with several other books–a series for children based upon the life of Willow as a little girl.  There will be four books per year of age from five to seven and then a chapter book for each year from ages 8-11.  So, a total of sixteen books.  The illustrator is working on the first book now!  I can’t wait.  And,  I’ve considered a series based upon Kari’s first years.  I can’t decide.  Is it crazy to continue the saga from the beginning… open that up and show the raw pain she went through, the lessons she had to learn, etc. or is it time to let it rest?  I can’t decide.

Next time:  I think maybe I’ll consider Argosy Junction.

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Comments

  1. Shelia Garrison says

    September 25, 2019 at 9:58 am

    I love Past Forward and would love it, if you would show Willow and Chads life raising their children and how the children take lessons from their Mom and Dad and carve out a life well lived. It’s time to re-read Past Forward or let my Kindle read it to me this time. (Just got all volumes on audio) I read Past Forward 3 times in the same year I discovered it, then put it back in my cloud so it would be new again. It’s time! I miss Willow!

    Reply
  2. Carolyn Parris says

    August 2, 2013 at 9:33 pm

    Thank you so much for writing this series! I love Willow and Chad and all of the lives they touched. I haven’t read Chapter 28 yet. After I finish the series, I will go back and read all of it again, probably this fall. That is unless you release lots of books this fall.

    Chautona, you are the first writer I have ever communicated with on a personal level and it has been wonderful. I feel like we have become friends! God has given you a wonderful gift and it is so exciting to see you using it in such a fantastic way. Keep up the good work and may God continue to bless you.

    Carolyn Parris, Plano, TX

    Reply
  3. carla says

    July 29, 2013 at 11:01 am

    I have a 4 year old granddaughter and could enjoy willow through her eyes.. she likes to being read to so I could do willow all over again if you decide to do it.. bless you in whatever you decide to do.. I am slow in starting to read episode 28, not sure I am ready for the ending?! happy writing

    Reply
  4. patty-anne lea says

    July 29, 2013 at 8:55 am

    I am on Chapter 28, and for the first time in my life, I am rationing my reading, I am so reluctant to lose these dear friend at Walden Farm

    Reply
  5. Linda Sue says

    July 29, 2013 at 5:20 am

    I’ve written to you before – I “found” Willow’s story while going through a time of grief over a death. Your ability to write complete characters – not one dimensional participants in someone else’s story but bringing their own fleshed out life to the story – love it! Just downloaded Chapter 28 – hate to see it end but eagerly anticipating What’s Next – bless you and thank you for using the gifts God has given you .

    Reply
  6. Connie says

    July 29, 2013 at 1:32 am

    I hope you find it in you to write the continuing saga. I’ve been enriched in thought and actions. We hope you always enjoy your coke and delightful expression of creative writing.

    Reply
  7. Elisabeth says

    July 29, 2013 at 12:37 am

    Oh, I’ve been looking forward to this! Thank you.

    Reply

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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
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October 27, 2025
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