• 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

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
Tweet
Email
102Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
102Shares

Related

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 217: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Terry Garner
byChautona Havig

Terry Garner joined me tonight to chat about his fascinating Biblical Fiction series, Magi Journey. Starting way back in Assyria, through Babylon, and into Persia, the series chronicles two timelines–first that of the Israelite kings, and then of a fascinating family back in Persia… Listen in to see the hope this Magi family found in Scripture and how it led them to Bethlehem. 

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

This isn’t just another “traveling to Bethlehem with gold” story of the Magi. No, Terry Garner links the Israelite kings from Ahaz through the destruction of the temple and into captivity with a family who discovers that God has promised redemption for those outside Israel as well. Follow a physical and a faith journey across the ages all the way to the hope of an age.

With extensive and meticulous research, Terry Garner looks at Scripture and compares it with historical secular accounts. Even more exciting, however, are the things he discovered along the way. He talks about Jewish historians discounting Scriptural accounts of historical events to explain away the supernatural as if God Almighty… isn’t!

And then, Terry explains how he’s also writing a nonfiction book to help readers pull all the pieces from Scripture and see what God has promised us… so that we may know His plans. I’m excited about that book, but I confess, learning he’s working on a spinoff of the Magi series excited me even more. EEEP!

Terry Garner has all his books on sale right now!

The paperbacks are on sale for 9.95 and the box set (also available on Kindle Unlimited) is on sale for 4.99!

Magi Journey by Terry Garner

A sweeping historical saga from the courts of Tiglath-Piliser III in Assyria to the sleepy town of Bethlehem. History is seen through the eyes of the Magi as they journey from 734 BC to -0- AD.

Explore with the Magi the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel. Witness God’s judgment on Israel, Assyria, and Babylon. And rejoice in the redemption of Israel and the coming of the Messiah.

Join the Magi as they answer the question that is critical to every man and woman, “Who Is This Messiah?”

Learn more about Terry on his WEBSITE.

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 217: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Terry Garner
Episode 217: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Terry Garner
March 31, 2023
Chautona Havig
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
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

  • Are You Ready for an Epic Journey through Time to Faith?
  • 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!

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
April is here! I almost did a prank video where I April is here! I almost did a prank video where I packed up all the books for @chantelreadsallday 's #ReadYourBookshelfChallenge2023 and shoved them in the back of the car to be hauled off, but I didn't think anyone would believe it. 
For "a different genre" we have historical (March was suspense). Evening by Nicholas Gage. I peeked inside and do remember some, but I can't remember the story,  and I didn't log it on Goodreads,  so I'm reading/rereading it this month. 
For my #YearOfGoudge , I've got The Dean's Watch. 
#AmReading 
#AprilTBR
Today's TBR is all new (and tomorrow brings two mo Today's TBR is all new (and tomorrow brings two more new ones!). 
First up, The Letter Carrier by @lclewis
Followed by Spy X Family 7
and finally, Burn the Dawn by @lisaphillipsbks 
What are you reading?
#christiansuspense 
#ChristFic 
#manga 
#AmReading
Reposted from @celebratelit A FEW MORE DAYS! A fe Reposted from @celebratelit A FEW MORE DAYS!

A few more days until the release of Persuade Me Not by Joanne Markey! You can preorder now to get the paperback copy for…
Reposted from @heatherdaygilbert Meet introverted, Reposted from @heatherdaygilbert Meet introverted, video-gaming, exotic pet-sitting sleuth #BelindaBlake. You can pick up Book 1 in the #ExoticPetSitter #cozymystery series…
Reposted from @stephanielandsem Want to know more Reposted from @stephanielandsem Want to know more about the primary and secondary historical sources I discovered while researching Code Name Edelweiss? Ask me anything…
Reposted from @lianaygeorge It’s FREEBIE FRIDAY! Reposted from @lianaygeorge It’s FREEBIE FRIDAY!!! My publisher @‌ScriveningsPress is offering the first book in the Hopeful Heart series, Perfectly Arranged, for FREE…
Reposted from @thechosenkidssaga ✨Last day of Mi Reposted from @thechosenkidssaga ✨Last day of Middle Grade March! ✨
📚
Wow, it seriously flew by! Except for last week (but we won’t talk about that).
📚
Here’s one last…
  • 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!