• 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

How Do You Talk Your Best Friend Out of an Insane Idea?

by Chautona Havig · 16 Comments

He wasn’t supposed to be a major character. I pictured him sweet. Kind. The sidekick best guy friend who showed up to save the day now and then. Because everyone needs a sidekick best friend to save you from yourself, right?

But the first thing Joel Hudson did was kick off an inciting event in one of the subplots of The Vintage Wren before the book even opened.

I got tired of him hijacking my story, so I sat down with him the other day and tried to have a heart to heart. You know, because how can I expect him to behave the way I want if I don’t actually tell him? Duh!

I can be a little slow sometimes.

That’s all it took. I gave him the rundown. He listened—politely, even.

Then he told me his story.

Joel: I don’t mean to be difficult, but I’ve waited for her for most of my life. It feels weird to put it this way, but I really felt like God was saying, “Now.” So, I did.

If I’m being honest with myself, sometimes I wonder who I was listening to. But there are times…

Me: Evan was supposed to be her boyfriend until December 28. You ruined that.

Joel: Good. It’s just mean to keep them going for so long when they’re obviously not right for each other. Why put them both through that pain?

Me: Joel, you’re not an author. You can’t possibly understand. But my job is to torture my characters within an inch of their—and sometimes my—lives.

Joel: Well, thanks a lot. You succeed. Every week.

Me: *pumps fist?* maybe not…

I asked about the other guys.

Aaron. Kent. Maybe Derek in HearthLand. Joel just glared. And then he took over. Again. All he wanted to do was talk about Cassie’s “dare” and how he needed to be supportive while still trying to help keep her sane. Neither, of which, is an easy proposition with a gal like Cassie.

How Do You Talk Your Best Friend Out of an Insane Idea?

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

How Do You Talk Your Best Friend Out of an Insane Idea?

I asked that question.

Me: So, how do you talk her down from all the crazy ideas she gets?

Joel: I don’t. I try to help her figure out how to make them doable instead of insane.

Me: Which idea did you think was the nuttiest?

Joel: Paper I mean, of all the things out there, paper is the easiest to recycle, regrow—everything. And Cassie is happiest with a notebook and pen in hand. Okay, so maybe about five hundred pens in bag, but still…

Me: I get her on that one.

Joel: Sometimes, I get the feeling you two are more alike than you like to admit.

Me: We’re talking about her.

So, did you try to talk her out of the paper thing?

Joel: Not in so many words. It’s more like I tried to talk her into using the paper she has. But now that she’s on this, “Can’t buy it” kick, she’s hoarding it like no one will ever produce another Erin Condren style planner This link will give us both $10 off) or notebook again!

Me: Or Baron Fig  (This link will give us both $10 off)! I mean, I’ve been waiting for their next limited edition ever since the last one came out. A friend lost her home and all her limited editions from them in a fire. I thought it would be fun to start her new collection for her.

Joel: Oh, man. I can’t even imagine what Cassie would do if someone lost everything and she needed to help replace it. She’s weary of all the shopping needed to do this stuff.

Me:  I think I’m going to get her into subscription ideas.  Like the Dropps I bought. They just mail me my almost zero-waste packaged laundry soap when I run out.  Love it!  And I found these cool ToothBites thanks to a member of my launch team. You just take a tablet, pop it in your mouth, bite down, and brush. I mean, GENIUS!

Joel:  She needs those tooth things. I saw a tube in her bathroom.  She’s cut open the end and is literally scraping the bottom of the tube.

Me: I’ll send you the link.  Now, what have you actually talked her down from?

Joel: Saving the snow to water her plants.  You didn’t know about it, so you couldn’t write it, but not using the street stuff to water the plants wasn’t her first stop.  She went from there to saying she’d melt it and use it to flush her toilets.  Win-win.

Me: You’ve got to be kidding me.

Joel:  When she was thirteen, she saw how much fat most people eat in a year and went total vegan.

Me:  Okay, I have to ask. How long did it last?

Joel: Oh, man. We’re still traumatized from it. Those were the longest four hours of our lives.

Me: Can’t. Stop. Laughing. Can’t. Breathe.

Joel: You laugh now.  Now…

Me: So how do you talk her down?

Joel: It sounds so manipulative.  And it could be if you were really thinking of yourself more than her.

But I do it by pointing out how she’s making things harder for others—her mom.  Her boss.  Her friends.  I’ll take one for the team willingly. But if it’s going to mess up her relationship with her friends, then I play the “friend card.”

Me:  Makes sense.  I think I know just how to manipulate that, too.

Joel:  I hate you.

Me: It’s okay.  I get that a lot.

There you have it. The super-secret way of saving Cassie from herself.  Play the friend card.

Share898
Pin
Tweet
Email
902Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
902Shares

Related

Filed Under: Characters

Previous Post: « How a Dear Friend Inspired an Interesting Minor Character
Next Post: What Happens When North Korea Puts You in Time Out? »

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. Jen Jaquay says

    August 19, 2018 at 5:18 am

    Hi! I’m having trouble with the Amazon link-it keeps asking me to open the app rather than letting me buy the book. Also, I’m not getting Cassie in my inbox anymore!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      August 19, 2018 at 5:40 pm

      Sending helpful emails right now! 😀

      Reply
  2. Alicia Grab says

    August 18, 2018 at 7:05 pm

    🙂 #TeamJoel 🙂

    Reply
  3. Alicia Grab says

    August 18, 2018 at 7:02 pm

    I LOVE reading Cassie just because of the Joel relationship! That he hasn’t gotten her…Yet… 😉 Its nothing like all the other “love” stories out there. It’s Fresh, fun, sweet and actually unpredictable! Sure I want Cassie and Joel to be together but you just don’t know yet as a reader. You figure that it’s bound to happen but ya just don’t know, Love that.
    Love Love Cassie’s story. It gives me a good wholesome love story to read about while hoping and praying for my own story. 🙂
    I want to one day own the full book in hard copy form. 🙂
    Fun interview and I’m glad he’s “pushy”. 🙂 He’s a great guy. 😉

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      August 18, 2018 at 11:40 pm

      One small problem with owning it in paperback. So far, there are two full-length paperbacks. The third is almost done. By the time this ends, we’ll have twelve of those suckers. OUCH!

      Reply
  4. NZ Filbruns says

    August 18, 2018 at 3:01 pm

    Hmm. I said, “I love it!” and tried to post just that. I got the message that what I wrote was too short and I should go back and try to say something useful! Well, I love this interview with Joel. And now I’ve spent a couple of minutes extra typing a short comment when people are arriving here for church any minute now. Thank you for the great story–I’m loving The Vintage Wren.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      August 18, 2018 at 3:12 pm

      Aw! How weird. I wonder why they do that?

      Reply
      • NZ Filbruns says

        August 19, 2018 at 8:31 pm

        No clue. I see a comment from someone else that’s even shorter. I think the internet was just picking on me at that moment!

        Reply
  5. Sarah Anderson says

    August 18, 2018 at 8:29 am

    I love the interview you gave with Joel! I had to chuckle when I got to the part about Cassie cutting the end off her toothpaste tube and scraping it out…we do that in my household! We can get about 4-6 more brushings out of it and with 6 of us I attempt to stretch things!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      August 18, 2018 at 11:11 am

      Yep. Tooth Bites. that’s all I’m sayin’.

      Reply
  6. Brenda says

    August 18, 2018 at 7:11 am

    Yay Joel! We will try to influence Chautana on her facebook page. We are your biggest fan.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      August 18, 2018 at 11:11 am

      hee hee

      Reply
  7. Lucinda says

    August 18, 2018 at 6:04 am

    I love this blog. Of course I am Joel’s biggest fan, and I love the adventures of Cassie. Looking forward to the next big adventure in Vintage Wren.

    Reply
    • Colleen McGarry says

      August 18, 2018 at 9:56 am

      Love this conversation. Love that he has taken over and that there is a deep truth to the story that even you can’t control. And I ?? Joel. #teamjoel

      Reply
      • Chautona Havig says

        August 18, 2018 at 11:10 am

        I like him, too. I just think everyone’s gonna hate me real soon.

        Reply

Trackbacks

  1. How to Find Great Affiliate Programs for Authors » The Cafe Scholar says:
    October 17, 2019 at 5:01 am

    […] Chautona should be an affiliate for Dropps, because I definitely signed up with her link after reading a blog post about one of her characters. (Actually, I didn’t see a regular affiliate program for Dropps, but they do have a referral […]

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
byChautona Havig

I had a chat with actor and author Henry O. Arnold a while back, and boy did we have a lot of fun. His Song of Prophets and Kings series features the advent of Israel’s kings from Samuel’s birth through David hiding from Saul (so far) and onward. Listen in as we chat about his most recent release, The Singer of Israel.

 

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

What Made David Such a Man after God’s Heart?

I think this series will show us. I love that Henry O. Arnold started back at Samuel’s story to prepare us for the story of arguably the most influential king of Israel. Yes, Solomon was the wisest and richest, but David offered something that Solomon didn’t have. He was an average guy—a shepherd, no less—chosen by God to lead his country.

In a sense, it’s kind of the ancient Jewish version of a poor, everyday guy growing up to become President of the United States. If you know what I mean.

This five-book series is available as an eBook, in print, and as an audiobook, too! Henry read a snippet of it to us, and boy you get a feel for his love of Scripture and God’s people as he reads.

And if that wasn’t enough, he even gave us a hint of his upcoming Christian suspense/thriller “series. He says he has two books planned for sure, so… at least a duology, but maybe we can talk him into a trilogy at least? Get those odd numbers and everything?

The Singer of Israel by Henry O. Arnold

A singer’s voice inspires a troubled nation…A shepherd’s courage vanquishes a giant

The last official act of the prophet of Yahweh was to secretly anoint a replacement for the king of Israel who has been brought low by an unbalanced mind. The great prophet of Israel lives in fear of the wrath of the king. Then out of the hills of Bethlehem emerges the last-born son of a family of shepherds to become the unforeseen hero of Israel.

When David sings of the glory of Yahweh, this shepherd wins the hearts of the royal family and restores King Saul’s troubled mind. But when the singer/shepherd defeats the champion of the Philistines in single combat, David becomes forever known as “the giant slayer.” Saul quickly sees that David is now a threat to his kingdom and secretly plots to have him killed.

David may be the champion of the people of Israel, but he must live under the constant threat of Saul’s wrath until he is finally forced to flee for his life.

The Singer of Israel is a tale of triumph and tribulation, deepest love, and burning rivalries; the new epoch is given a voice…and it is The Song of Prophets and Kings.

You can learn more about Henry on this 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 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
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
Episode 207: A Chat with Daniella Rushton about Portal Fantasy
February 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
February 7, 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

  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!
  • What Kinds of Lessons Can We Learn from the First People?
  • Why Would Anyone Send Beautiful, Thorny Roses with Strange Messages?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Reposted from @sunrisemediagroup Incoming! Expired Reposted from @sunrisemediagroup Incoming! Expired Hope will be released next month—be sure to pre-order it at the discounted price of $3.99 before release day!⁠
⁠
@LisaPhillipsBks ⁠
@MeganBesing⁠
⁠
#LastChanceCountyCollection #LisaPhillips #suspense #romanticsuspense #christianfiction #christiansuspense #cfauthor
It's here!!! Eeeep! Have you read @author_jocelyn_ It's here!!! Eeeep!
Have you read @author_jocelyn_green 's newest release?
#AmReading 
#ChristFic 
#historicalChristianFiction
Found this book at our local bookstore, Red Rock Found this book at our local bookstore,  Red Rock Books. It changed one direction of my next Bookstrings novel. I think we need more emphasis on picture books. So... this will sit around to inspire. 
#Bookstrings 
#bookishbooks
Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Annnnnnnd here th Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Annnnnnnd here they are!!! I’ve been anxiously waiting to see how they turn out, and they’re AMAZING!!! Gahh I love these post cards! 
If you love them too, you can check out the link in my bio!!

#digitalart #redbubbleartist #iloveart
When @kathleendenly offers to send an ARC, you squ When @kathleendenly offers to send an ARC, you squeal and accept before she changes her mind d. Eeep! I love her Chaparral Hearts series!
#AmReading 
#historicalromance 
#ChristFic
My first Goudge this month was a DNF. However, I My first Goudge this month was a DNF. However,  I found this while sorting my books in our home library and decided to read it now. Delightful. 
#yearofgoudge
#ChristianFantasy
Reposted from @susankbeattyauthor Take a trip to t Reposted from @susankbeattyauthor Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart with Book 2 in the series, Wheelers Design.

Clay is messy and so is Sabrina’s life sometimes, but will God mold it into a work of art?
	
Wheelers Design releases March 28, but you can pre-order now: 

Pre-order the ebook copy now to get a special pre-order price of $2.99 https://buff.ly/3TPO7NT

Preorder the paperback copy to get 30% off plus free shipping. Just fill out the form https://buff.ly/40aLI2s 

#preorder #newrelease #cleanreads #contemporaryfiction
  • 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!