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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

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 145: A Chat with Debut Women's Fiction Author, Sara Brunsvold
byChautona Havig

Debut Author, Sara Brunsvold, is bursting on the Christian Women’s fiction scene with an amazing book, The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. With characters who have captivated my heart from page one (and enough quirkiness to keep my attention to the last), Sara Brunsvold is sure to become a favorite author, and this book is already on my top five of the year before it’s even released!

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

This Novel Isn’t Even Available Yet, and It’s in My Top 5!

If you’d told me that I’d fall so in love with two chapters of a book that it would push that book into my top five of the year so far, well… I’d have laughed.

The joke’s on me because it happened with Sara Brunsvold’s The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. This debut women’s fiction novel has a bit of a split-time element and is set in Kansas City. Trust me when I say that meeting Clara was one of the most fun introductions to a character I’ve ever had. I just love this woman, and I’m drumming my fingers to get to read more about her.  Not surprising considering it won the ACFW Genesis’s award a couple of years back. 😀

Sara says her passion is intergenerational stories, and you definitely get this with Aidyn and her “assignment,” Mrs. Kipp.  But you also get inter-cultural and ideological influences in this book as well.

And then there’s that next book she has coming out.  You know, the one about a gal cooking her way through her grandma’s German cookbook?  Yeah.  The one we have to wait until early 2024 for?  Yeah. That one.  Sigh.

When Sara told us about her favorite authors, a lot of things made sense.  Just sayin’. Find out which of Katherine Reay’s books are her favorites and how she fangirled over Reay’s response to an email (and why you should email your favorite author!).

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she’s been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who’s just entered hospice care.

But there’s more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she’s not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it’s a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that’s just what Mrs. Kip will give her–but she’s going to have to work for it.

Debut author Sara Brunsvold delights with this emotional multigenerational story that shows that the very best life is made up of thousands of little deaths to self. You’ll want to be just like Mrs. Kip when you grow up!

This book is 40% off with free shipping from Baker Book House. That’s less than the Kindle version if you like paper!

You can learn more about Sara at her WEBSITE (and sign up for that newsletter so you can get Mrs.Kip’s 8 Rules to Live By). Oh, and if she does those videos of her cooking through that book, you’ll want to know when/where to find them.

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Episode 145: A Chat with Debut Women's Fiction Author, Sara Brunsvold
Episode 145: A Chat with Debut Women's Fiction Author, Sara Brunsvold
May 20, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 144: Chatting about Restored Grace with Kathleen J. Robison
May 17, 2022
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Episode 143: A Chat with Romantic Suspense Author, Mary Alford
May 13, 2022
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Episode 142: A Chat about A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma
May 10, 2022
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Episode 141: A Chat with Elizabeth Goddard about Critical Alliance
May 3, 2022
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Episode 140: A Chat about When the Meadow Blooms by Ann H. Gabhart
April 29, 2022
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Episode 139: A Chat with Middle-Grade Author, RM Ruiz
April 26, 2022
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Episode 138: A Gush about a Good (more like GREAT) Read & GoodReads
April 22, 2022
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Episode 137: A Chat with Contemporary Romance Author, Mandi Blake
April 19, 2022
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Episode 136: A Chat with Middle-Grade Historical Author, Marie Sontag
April 15, 2022
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Reposted from @beckylewis345 Life can be hard. Ent Reposted from @beckylewis345 Life can be hard. Enter cozies like A Sprinkle in Time by Dana Mentink. Clean, with a sweet romance, whose amateur sleuth runs a delectable shake shop. A dog, a child, precocious twins who work for the shake shop, and lovable Papa Luis. Plus, of course, plenty of suspects. “Murder, mayhem, and milkshakes. Who’d a thunk it?”

Trinidad Jones becomes someone I truly care about in this book. I am amazed at how she and Gabe’s two other former wives forgive each other and actually become friends. Not just friends, but family, as thick as blood. Now there is a small cluster of characters to follow and enjoy in this town of Upper Sprocket. Fun!

I enjoy the inclusion of dogs, children, and special-needs people, and Dana Mentink brings them all to our Shimmy and Shake Shop story. Noodles is old, but what a loyal companion, and, wow, does he have an amazing ability or two! Little  Felice adds warmth and vulnerability to the tale. Doug, the special-needs brother of Trinity’s love interest, Quinn, adds reality and complexity to the novel. 

Mentink has a good sense of humor and I laughed out loud several times. Just what I want out of a cozy. Mystery, romance, great characters, laughter. A fun occupation that the sleuth actually works at. I am happy to report I made it through the book without indulging in ice cream! But, can you?

I am looking forward to more murder and mayhem in Upper Sprocket! Plus more Freakshakes! 

———————————————————————
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. (I also bought my own copy.) No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
———————————————————————
Notable Quotables:
“He was merely a friend the way a Ming vase was just an old pot.”

“There’s your plan and God’s plan, and your plan…” “Doesn’t count,”

“Maybe it’s one of those weird small-town happenings.” “A body in your trunk isn’t a happening, it’s a horror movie,”

“It wasn’t an easy thing to command the heart to feel what the brain ordered.”

“Rumors carry so much more weight than the truth, sometimes.”
Giveaway on blog in bio.
#celebratelit
#danamentink
#frozendesserts
#justdeserts 
#justiceforsprockett
#amreadingcozies
Reposted from @celebratelit Did you know that When Reposted from @celebratelit Did you know that When the Pilot Falls by April Hayman from the Ever After Mystery series is 25% off with the Celebrate Lit Summer Sale? 

More about the book: 
In 1923, there aren’t many pilots, but Willie Labeau didn’t let that stop… her.

A bear of a man, Hugh Taylor, needs a stunt plane pilot, and despite their rocky introduction, Willie sets off for golden California and a new life as his pilot. There’s just one little thing she has to do in addition to flying.

Leave his past alone. Period.

When the flame of her own curiosity becomes fanned by encouragement from Willie’s sister, the feisty pilot can’t help but do just a little investigating.

And Hugh vanishes.

Friends rally around her, and with all the information she can find in hand, Willie sets off to rescue Hugh and battle the evil family holding him hostage.

A fierce air race, a sincere act of humility—are they enough to free Hugh and give Willie a chance to be with him… forever?

Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. When the Pilot Falls offers a retelling of “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch hearts soar and daring dos.

Link in bio! 

#aprilhayman #whenthepilotfalls #everaftermysteries #celebratelit #christianfiction #historicalfiction #bookstagram #bookloversofinstagram #readersofinstagram
Dial W for Wrangler: Vi's just trying to sell used Dial W for Wrangler: Vi's just trying to sell used recliners and old, broken wagon wheels.  She can't help it if folks keep asking for help with their love lives... can she?
See the lengths Wade goes to in his quest to behave like a rational guy.
Releases Tuesday, May 24. Available on 
#Kindle
#KindleUnlimited
#PaperbackBooks

#ChristFic
#YouAreOnTheAir
#ContemporaryChristianSweetRomance

Leave a comment request and I'll send you a link. :D
Ready for giveaways and fun? I sure hope so, beca Ready for giveaways and fun?  I sure hope so, because I'm planning on loads!
Win books (mine and others'), fun swag (Do you see those cute pins and reading list bookmarks?), and more!
Starts off Tuesday morning! (or maybe tomorrow... or this evening... depends on how much willpower I actually have!) Join us in the You Are on the Air Reader group!
#booklaunch
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#Giveaways
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Link to group is in my bio!
And tomorrow the GoodReads Giveaway begins!
How does this author celebrate a finished book? By How does this author celebrate a finished book? By reading someone else's finished book. 😀 
#amending
#needicecream 
#onthemenu
#freakshakes
"Murder, mayhem, and milkshakes. Who'd a thunk "Murder,  mayhem,  and milkshakes.  Who'd a thunk it?"
@dana_mentink 
#shimmyandshakeshop
#cozymystery 
#needicecream
Love it when publishers use plays on words. #amend Love it when publishers use plays on words.
#amending
#cozymysterybooks 
@dana_mentink
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