• 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
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

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

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Murphy’s Mystery Law (and 20K reasons I’ll prevail)

by Chautona Havig · 8 Comments

Let me set the scene.  Denny’s.  Eleven o’clock at night.  I had to wait for my “usual” booth–table 14.  It’s the only table in the restaurant with an outlet right at the base of the bench seat.  My spot.

It happens almost every night these days. I walk in, they point to “my table” and tell me to go ahead.  Now and then, someone has the audacity to be sitting there already.  Then I have to wait at another table.  That was last night.  The wait, I  mean.  Someone appears with a Coke.  It could be anyone but the cook.  I think he’s the only one who hasn’t yet.  I’m trying not to be offended.  Uppity guy, that cook.  😉

I show up with two bags.  My purse and my fabulous tote bag–the one my friend Rachel made me.  The one that has half the books I’ve written on it.  Because she’s cool that way.  Unzip the purse… pull out the laptop.  Dig into the little insert pockets and voila!  Earbuds.  BTW… I LOVE my purse insert that I got from  Amazon a few years ago.  I think I paid 5.00 back then, and it looks as good as the day I bought it.  Now you get two in a pack for 7.90 in the color I chose.  Great deal, and it organizes everything so nicely!

Back to the story.  Writerly people sometimes call those little asides, “Plot Bunnies”.  That’s a literary term for, “SQUIRREL!”  (as an aside, another “squirrel” moment: I got my purse insert cleaned out because  I mentioned it here.  So thanks.)

Now this is where everything got interesting last night.  First, I plugged in the earbuds and called up my music playlist.  I believe my first choice last night was The Soul of Erin (The cover is mislabeled as “Sound of Erin”  Hmph.  This is not correct.  I have the album–the VINYL album. I know this stuff.)

I opened The Vintage Wren and started to write.  That lasted… fifteen seconds? You know, long enough for me to figure out I had NO more of my audio notes transcribed?  *insert whimper here* Off goes “Mother Machree” and in comes “Chautona chatter plus road noise.”

Spent an hour transcribing notes.

**SQUIRREL MOMENT**  I switched to “MY” table as soon as the lovely ladies who held it hostage from me released it without ransom.  I’ve got mad negotiation skills.  Or maybe just an evil eye.  Or patience. It could be patience.

Yes, by this point it’s midnight.  It took me until one-thirty to write the day’s chapter in The Vintage Wren.  That includes making two quote memes for today’s sharing.  Just sayin’.  In the interest of full disclosure and all that jazz.  Here’s proof.

391

I ordered “my” custom burger.  For the record, it’s a “Build your own burger” in case you ever want to try it.  I choose the burger patty, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, mushrooms, and bourbon sauce.  With broccoli instead of fries.  No bun–nothing else.  YUM.

While I ate, I searched for my Madeline notes. Um… gone.  Seriously.  The things are GONE.  But, my audio notes are there.  So, I started listening.  (can you stand the excitement here?  I mean, this is intense stuff.  *rolls eyes at self*)

The ideas–things I’d forgotten I wanted to do–flowed through the wires, into the earbuds, and into my brain.  I typed.  Yep.  More transcription.  Um, this is supposed to be PRODUCTIVE time.  Ahem.  *whimpers again*

Just as I thought I was about done, I hear something at the end.  A tiny little detail I wanted to add to The BIG CLIMAX scene.  And I’d forgotten ALL ABOUT IT.

Something in the scene referenced something else I’d forgotten–a HUGE CLUE.  Um, folks.  Let me just remind you (because I think I need to beat it into my head again).  THIS IS A MYSTERY!!!  (not a murder mystery, but a mystery nonetheless) Um, you can’t leave out vital clues in a mystery and expect it to make any sense.  I don’t know about you, but I hate mysteries where you get to the end and a huge chunk of the how and why just happens to appear with zero foreshadowing.  Um, the fun stuff about mysteries is trying to figure it out YOURSELF.

*thud*

Guess who has to do some adding and rewriting now?

So what’s that 20k reasons and prevailing nonsense in the title of this thing?  Let me tell you.  That’s how many words I have until the book is done. Every word needs to count.  And I’m DETERMINED not to add another 10K words just because I have to add a few scenes.  I can cut if I have to  I can.  But I WILL NOT INCREASE WORDCOUNT.

Madeline…  Will I have any sanity left when I’m done with book one?

Murphy… that guy tries to interject his “law” into everything.  He got me this time, but I WILL prevail.  I WILL.

One word at a time.

One clue at a time.

One book at a time.

Until next time…

Share102
Pin
Post
Email
102Shares
Share
Pin
Post
Email
102Shares

Filed Under: Writing

Previous Post: « 3 Things I Love about Carlie (and an interview)
Next Post: Why the Super Bowl Is Officially Evil »

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. Sharon Quillman says

    February 4, 2016 at 8:05 am

    Hahaha I’m so thankful I am not the only one that things “disappear” on! I love listening to your process. I’m with Courtney, if you ever need help transcribing you got plenty of us who would do it no problem. There is actually a software out called Dragon NaturallySpeaking (purposefully did not space that btw) that is typically used for medical transcription, but it would work great for you. You speak and it types your notes for you. Unless of course that part of the process helps in your writing process then forget it, we don’t want to change how you write! 🙂

    Love “watching” from afar.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      February 4, 2016 at 1:38 pm

      I have dragon, but I didn’t know if it would be able to handle the road noise. All of my audio things happen in the car. If I’m going to be driving for six hours, I’m going to be working!!!

      Reply
  2. Lonzine Lee says

    February 4, 2016 at 2:11 am

    Hi Chautona,

    I’m learning so much from you. Thanks so much for the transparency. BTW, I read about half of Corner Booth last night. I love it…for so many reasons. Thanks again.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      February 4, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      I do love that book. Aaah… Dean. I so relate.

      Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    February 3, 2016 at 11:16 pm

    “when I’m done with book one”

    Oh, how I love this phrase from you! You just can’t have a 1 without a 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6, can you?! 😉

    Reply
  4. Courtney says

    February 3, 2016 at 9:29 pm

    Girl! Send me your audio files and I’ll transcribe them–free! I promise not to give away any plot secrets. 😉

    Reply
  5. Alicia says

    February 3, 2016 at 3:38 pm

    I absolutely love this post!! So you!! And I love the way you wrote it…with humor and fun and a short story all in itself. :).

    Sounds like it was still an adventurous and productive night all in all.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      February 3, 2016 at 6:37 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Should I be glad or scared that you liked how its worded. It’s SO ME. It’s what you get if you’re talking to me. LOL

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 480: A Chat with Tracie Peterson
byChautona Havig

 A chat with Tracie Peterson is always a treat, and this was no exception. Listen in as we talk about A Moment to Love, the last in the Hope of Cheyenne series. 

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

I’ve been loving what Tracie is doing in this Cheyene series, but something about this book really hit home. I think the themes of revenge for heinous crimes and the indignity of our work being stolen are things we relate to whether it’s the 19th or the 21st century.

Also, don’t miss out on her Christmas novella collection with Karen Witemeyer and Misty M. Beller, On a Midnight Clear. 

A Moment to Love  by Tracie Peterson

A shared heart for justice pulls them together, but is their love strong enough to survive their trials? Dr. Carrie Vogel’s heart is shattered when her groundbreaking medical research is stolen and falsely credited to her ex-fiancé. With years of diligent work lost, she grapples with the disastrous turn of her career and leans on her faith for strength. When she learns that her Pinkerton friend Spencer Duval is on a justice-driven mission to her hometown of Cheyenne, she agrees to an arranged marriage to provide him with a cover story. But merely pretending to be in love with Spencer becomes increasingly difficult the more time she spends with him. Spencer is determined to apprehend the ruthless murderer who killed his father years ago, but his quest ignites unexpected emotions–both for Carrie and about the desire for revenge that has dominated his life. As the web of suspects tightens, their futures hang in the balance, and they must learn to trust God’s plan as unexpected love takes flight. Return to Cheyenne, Wyoming, with bestselling author Tracie Peterson for a journey of healing and forgiveness in this exquisite western frontier romance that will appeal to readers of faith-filled stories and When Calls the Heart.

Don’t forget that you can get this and her other books at 30-40% off with FREE US shipping from Bakerbookhouse.com

Learn more about Tracie Peterson on her WEBSITE. Follow her on BookBub and GoodReads.

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

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 480: A Chat with Tracie Peterson
Episode 480: A Chat with Tracie Peterson
October 20, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 479: A Chat with Connilyn Cossette
October 18, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 478: A Chat with Julie Klassen
October 17, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 477: A Chat with Kate Angelo
October 13, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 476: A Chat with Katie M. Reid
October 11, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 475: A Chat with D. T. Powell
October 6, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 474: A Chat with Ann Swindell
October 4, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 473: A Chat with Jennifer Willcock
October 3, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 472: A Chat with Shelley Shepard Gray
September 29, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 471: A Chat with Heather Wood
September 27, 2025
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Featured Books

Be My Inspiration

Be My Inspiration

Pointed Suspicion

Pointed Suspicion
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Pointed Suspicion
Buy now!

Courting Miss Darling

Courting Miss Darling

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • So, There Was That Time I Forgot What I Knew…
  • “Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say” Ain’t No Lie
  • Why Romance Is a Hairy Proposition (or is that proposal?)

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Part of the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Brid Part of the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Brides series, Penelope's Pursuit is on sale for $0.99 to celebrate six years of mail-order bride novels and novellas. Penelope is a bit different from most stories. It shows the potentially dangerous side without being too heavy. Check out the Facebook group for more books on sale by the series' authors!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0921KHWBV
#ChristianHistoricalFiction
#ChristFic
#Kindle99
#KindleUnlimited
Sometimes, I fall in love with a character in my b Sometimes, I fall in love with a character in my books. Someone like Lewis in The Lights of New Cheltenham or Rory in Not a Word. But... in Twice Sold Tales, I fell in love with a cast of characters.  Harper the store owner, Noah the single-dad just learning how to be one, Bennie, the adorable ballet-loving little boy... and Mrs. Klair. Oh, how I loved Mrs. Klair.
I also love the town of Red Wing, Minnesota.  I infused as much of it as I could into the book--places to eat and explore, people I love dearly (family!), and the feel of a small town inside a modest city along Lake Pepin (of Laura Ingalls fame). I also learned that there is actually a lake monster there!  Pepi!  You wont want to miss him!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLKCDYKR
#BookishBooks
#Bookstrings
#ChristFic
#KindleUnlimited
On the reading shelf... Working on @suzannewoodsfi On the reading shelf...
Working on @suzannewoodsfisher 's flower novella collection. Four interconnected novellas featuring florists and their troubles. So cool. Loving it.
The I finished the first Reen and Joanie mysyery by @kdibianca . So much fun. I loved that she showed how things kids might think they'd never need can be useful... even to kids. So much fun.
Gotts get my review up on GoodReads.
#AmReading 
#ChristFic
#ChristianRomance 
#ChristianMiddleGrade
That moment a reader (thanks @mommynificent ) asks That moment a reader (thanks @mommynificent ) asks if a book will be in Kindle Unlimited (you know, the only one in the series that isn't right now) and you realize that it never got the important little box checked. Oops. Well, it is now!
If you liked Aggie and crew, The Trees of New Cheltenham is the book for you!
#AuthorWoes
#KindleUnlimited 
#ChristmasInNewCheltenham
Part of the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Brid Part of the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Brides series, Penelope's Pursuit is on sale for $0.99 to celebrate six years of mail-order bride novels and novellas. Penelope is a bit different from most stories. It shows the potentially dangerous side without being too heavy. Check out the Facebook group for more books on sale by the series' authors!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0921KHWBV
#ChristianHistoricalFiction
#ChristFic
#Kindle99
#KindleUnlimited
Sometimes, I fall in love with a character in my b Sometimes, I fall in love with a character in my books. Someone like Lewis in The Lights of New Cheltenham or Rory in Not a Word. But... in Twice Sold Tales, I fell in love with a cast of characters.  Harper the store owner, Noah the single-dad just learning how to be one, Bennie, the adorable ballet-loving little boy... and Mrs. Klair. Oh, how I loved Mrs. Klair.
I also love the town of Red Wing, Minnesota.  I infused as much of it as I could into the book--places to eat and explore, people I love dearly (family!), and the feel of a small town inside a modest city along Lake Pepin (of Laura Ingalls fame). I also learned that there is actually a lake monster there!  Pepi!  You wont want to miss him!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLKCDYKR
#BookishBooks
#Bookstrings
#ChristFic
#KindleUnlimited
Part of the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Brid Part of the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Brides series, Penelope's Pursuit is on sale for $0.99 to celebrate six years of mail-order bride novels and novellas. Penelope is a bit different from most stories. It shows the potentially dangerous side without being too heavy. Check out the Facebook group for more books on sale by the series' authors!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0921KHWBV
#ChristianHistoricalFiction
#ChristFic
#Kindle99
#KindleUnlimited
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

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