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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

OCCWC: or what I did this weekend

by Chautona Havig ·

WHEW!

Well, I’m semi-coherent, so I thought I’d update you on the OCCWC (the conference I was at this weekend). It started early (well, for me) Thursday morning.  Had to get up at 7.  I survived.  This is a testament to the Lord’s goodness, and I am not being facetious. My friend, April, and I got on the road by 9 o’clock and down to Garden Grove by noon.  With three crock-pots in “hand,” we began the daunting task of trimming, cutting, and sorting 20 lbs. of chicken chests. The vice-president of our ACFW chapter was holding the faculty reception at her home, so we used those three crock-pots, plus one of hers, and started crock-pot chicken marsala.  Note: I adapted that recipe to include about 4x more garlic per pot than the recipe calls for, and I highly recommend adding about 2TBS onion powder. Oh! and fresh, sliced mushrooms instead of canned/jarred. Just sayin’.

Then April and I dashed off for lunch (Chipotle!) and a trip to the Daiso store where I bought cool stuff for my launch team. After check-in at the hotel and a nap, we changed clothes and rushed over to the house to finish the marsala.  Note:  I took the juice out of the pan, added a tiny bit of water to the corn starch, stirred it in, and then balanced it with a bit more cold water if it got too thick.  Monday’s trial run failed to thicken in the crock-pot as the recipe claimed it would.  By the time it was done, the OCCWC had officially kicked off.  The house was full of industry professionals, ACFWOC members, and well, they were all hungry.  The rest of the ACFWOC chapter provided salad, cookies, drinks, broccoli–let’s just say we had a yummy meal, shall we?

April woke me at 7:00 on Friday.  We had been expected to be at the conference BY 7, but alas and alack!  NOPE!  EIGHT!  I cheered.  After a few hiccoughs (not enough half and half for coffee or ice to chill the sodas and water bottles), the day began. People keep asking me what I learned, so I need to clarify something. I went to help. It was my main purpose in being there. Once I saw the volunteer list and how many places people were volunteering while still trying to take classes and make appointments, I decided not to try to “network” deliberately or take a class. I just was there to make sure people had food to eat and things to drink when they needed one or the other of those things.

Orange County Christian Writers' Conference OCCWC
Just before things got going… #OCCWC 2016

Kathy Ide (the director of OCCWC) did a PHENOMENAL job of organizing this thing. Seriously, the woman is amazing. She set up the program as a split between “mentoring tracks” (closer to a personalized teaching and working workshop rather than a series of lectures you bounce between) and a resource room full of industry professionals there to help you. GENIUS. I was in the resource room all day both days, so I got to watch how this went.  I saw people nervously sit down, try to begin, and move from nail-biting nervous to energized and excited as these encouraging professionals helped people take their dreams and find ways to make them realities.  They encouraged, gave gentle, critical advice, and sent the attendees out energized and ready to “do this thing!”  Seriously, if all conferences were like OCCWC, I’d go every year just to watch.  It was beautiful.

Antonio (the other head guru of OCCWC this year–can’t remember his title) was wonderful as well. Every time I said, “I need ice” or “we didn’t have enough tomatoes” he was on his way to get me what I needed. Always with a smile, no matter how much I know he probably wanted to bean me over the head.  He even grinned at me when I missed a pan of spaghetti noodles and people had to wait for them!  He didn’t bite my head off when I served the hummus crackers as “croutons” for the gluten-free folks.  OOPS!

All day, if you had any prayer needs, someone was in the back, ready to pray for you behind a private wall.  Just knowing people were back there praying for each other and the attendees, faculty, and volunteers at the OCCWC is what made this such a beautiful conference.  I’ve never seen anything quite like it and won’t forget it soon.

As for me?  I made friends.  We had a lovely young student from Azusa Pacific who was ready to jump in with a smile and ready to help at the blink of an eye.  I had to make the girl get off to her class before she missed too much. And when April and I wanted to duck out a bit early, she was ready to break down the coffee bar for us so we could go.  So sweet.  Loved talking with her.

I got to know author Cathleen Armstrong better as well. She’s a member of the ACFWOC group that I am a part of, and I had her as my “Secret Cupid” this year. I didn’t know her, so trying to be fun wasn’t easy but I think it worked out all right. Getting to know her better this weekend told me I didn’t totally botch it.  That woman spent hours working with us. And as she did, I got to learn about her books.  Can’t wait to read the first one which is FREE on Kindle.  Welcome to Second Chance.

Additionally, I met Carla–last name escapes me–who is passionate about history and has written curriculum.  I can’t wait to find out what novel is lurking in all that knowledge.  Can you imagine?  EEEP!

Susan Beatty, a hero of mine for decades (she’s been the head of CHEA for as long as I can remember), and I chatted about a book idea which, much to our mutual dismay, will necessitate a trip to England.  Mourn with us. Susan is ALSO a huge part of why this conference was such a success.  Just sayin’.

Lori Freeman has stories in several of Kathy Ide’s “21 Days” books, and we chatted for a while.  This woman is seriously funny.  She was open, welcoming, and really encouraged April on her book.  Of course, now I”m pulling out those books to check out what she’s writing.

Kathi Macias was there as well, and sent home a big surprise for my Challice.  I can’t wait to tell her.  (Challice, that is). I bought People of the Book for myself because I wanted it last time I  met her, but they were all gone.  🙁  Watch for my review!

Do you see how amazing the OCCWC WAS?  I mean, c’mon.  I talked to a young woman, Larae, who just got out of an abusive marriage and is eager to write an encouraging nonfiction book about OVERCOMING in Jesus.  Now THAT is something that makes me want to shout!  Not just, “coping” but OVERCOMING!  WOOT!

I’m forgetting people.  It’s all just a jumble in my head.  I talked to so many people, RAN more than I’ve run in the last six months combined, carried so many heavy things that my arm muscles are seriously perturbed with me for typing, and my feet look like I’m nine-and-a-half-months pregnant in July.

But you know what?  I did it.  I went to my first conference.  I talked to a TON of strangers.  Sure.  I made a fool of myself with my mouth running non-stop.  I do that.  But that’s okay.  It’s who I am.  April is still speaking to me after being stuck with me for three very long days, so I consider it a success.  I went into this conference determined to tell Kathy, “I’ll do anything you want me to do next year, but I don’t want to have anything to do with meals.”  Now?  Now I WANT that job.  I know what we need.  I know what’ll work.  What didn’t.  How we can improve and make it the best thing ever.

So, as soon as my feet quit squishing when I walk, I’m off to learn how to make gluten-free, dairy-free, out of this world custard or something like that for the 2017 OCCWC conference.  Of course, then I have to talk a caterer ito making it.  Baby steps. Baby steps. We’re going to ROCK THIS!

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The Because Fiction Podcast

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Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
byChautona Havig

Fans of Lisa Phillips’ Last Chance County series are doing happy dances following the release of an exciting new spin-off series, Last Chance Fire and Rescue. Expired Return brings back a few favorite characters and kicks off another of Sunrise Publishing’s author/mentor led fiction seasons! Listen in to find out what happens when an author brings back a guy she dropped a building on a couple of books back…

 

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When Fans Want More Exciting Stories, Smart Authors Listen and Deliver!

Let’s face it. Authors might SOMETIMES be “done” with a series, but readers often want more… indefinitely. Well, with the brilliance of Sunrise Publishing’s mentor model, authors get to collaborate with authors they trust to do their “worlds” proud while still having time to write new, exciting things as well. And some of the Sunrise lead authors even write in the spin-off series–like Lisa Phillips and Trisha Goyer!

This new Last Chance County series promises everything we love about Lisa Phillips’ world–danger, intrigue, heart-stopping suspense, drama… you know… all the feels. But in addition to her own release, Expired Return, this series also introduces us to new authors who have been carefully vetted and selected to ensure they do justice to Lisa’s Last Chance characters. I, for one, can’t wait to check it all out.

Lisa and I chatted about what she plans for the series,Lisa hinted about a possible super-secret reveal coming soon, and I even poked her with the idea of a Last Chance Christmas.

Help me convince them on that, will ya?

But this new book… Whoa…

Expired Return by Lisa Phillips

Pepper stood up. “How dare you.” She could spit fire at him right now. She’d loved and supported Victory since the day she was born. “You know nothing about me.”

“What’s this?”

Pepper whirled around at that voice. Heart. Breaking. She loved that gruff, commanding voice more than anything else in the world.

He wore a look a lot like Aiden’s. Blank, which she knew—or hoped—had to do with protecting his heart because he still cared for her. Except he probably hated her.

Donaldson sat back in his chair. “Allen.”

Former police officer Allen Frees had both hands on the wheels of his chair. He wore a fire department uniform of slacks and a white shirt. Emblems. A badge. His life of service hadn’t ended when he landed in that chair after a building blew up over his head.

As far as she’d been able to tell, it barely slowed him down.

She’ll give everything to protect her family.

He always knew she was the one.

Veterinary tech Pepper Miller lives a quiet life in Last Chance County. She’s watching her niece until her sister shows up…if she ever does. When Victory’s father demands he take over her care, Pepper knows something has gone wrong. With a new drug in town, and her sister embroiled in a dangerous bargain, it’s up to Pepper to protect the people she loves.

Even if it costs every secret she’s ever kept.

Fire Department liaison Allen Frees lives with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong. He’s put his life back together but getting the truck crew and engine squad to succeed might be his toughest assignment yet. When Victory is nearly kidnapped at a community event, Allen steps in to help Pepper keep her niece safe. The one thing he couldn’t fix was the love he lost, but he isn’t going to let Pepper walk away this time.

No matter what walls he has to break down.

Last Chance County returns in this blazing new series from Sunrise Publishing.

Last Chance Fire and Rescue

  • Book 1: Expired Return
  • Book 2: Expired Hope (coming soon)
  • Book 3: Expired Promise (coming soon)
  • Book 4: Expired Vows (coming soon)

Last Chance County

  • Book 1: Expired Refuge
  • Book 2: Expired Secrets
  • Book 3: Expired Cache
  • Book 4: Expired Hero
  • Book 5: Expired Game
  • Book 6: Expired Plot
  • Book 7: Expired Getaway
  • Book 8: Expired Betrayal
  • Book 9: Expired Flight
  • Book 10: Expired End

Learn more about Lisa and her books on her WEBSITE.

Learn more about the different seasons (series) offered by Sunrise Publishing or how to audition with them on the Sunrise Publishing WEBSITE.

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Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
February 7, 2023
Chautona Havig
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Episode 201: A Closer Look at This YA Dystopian Series
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A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance.
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My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.

Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.

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Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first da Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first dates... no second dates. With his propensity to spout random (and often bizarre) animal facts while nervous (he's always nervous around women) it's no wonder. 
His sister has a solution--lots of dates. Great, heaping gobs of them. Go ahead. Be awkward. Get used to it. Then... then try with someone you really want to get to know. He's not so confident, but when a man gives his word... (Note to self: no more agreeing to Selby's plans without knowing what they are!)
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Reposted from @katherinereay My next novel A SHADO Reposted from @katherinereay My next novel A SHADOW IN MOSCOW will be available on June 13, 2023!! I can’t wait for you to meet Cold War spies, Anya Kadinova and Ingrid Bauer. You can pre-order your copy today!!
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Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first da Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first dates... no second dates. With his propensity to spout random (and often bizarre) animal facts while nervous (he's always nervous around women) it's no wonder. 
His sister has a solution--lots of dates. Great, heaping gobs of them. Go ahead. Be awkward. Get used to it. Then... then try with someone you really want to get to know. He's not so confident, but when a man gives his word... (Note to self: no more agreeing to Selby's plans without knowing what they are!)
Find out what happens in Random Acts (or is it Facts?) of Shyness.

This book just got a fresh makeover, thanks to the genius of @PlethoraCreative & @PerryElizabeth.
There's a link to how to find it in my bio.
#ChristFic
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Reposted from @sarahsundinauthor The Sound of Ligh Reposted from @sarahsundinauthor The Sound of Light is now available from @revellfiction , and it received a starred review from Booklist!

In WWII Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt assumes the identity of a common shipyard worker, rowing messages to Sweden for the Resistance. His life depends on keeping his secret hidden--a task that proves challenging when he meets Else Jensen, an American physicist who seems to see right through him.

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