• 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

Why the Super Bowl Is Officially Evil

by Chautona Havig · 12 Comments

My husband has this thing about soccer.  He says, “It’s the ‘sport of the beast’.” Okay, under certain eschatological positions, he may have a point.  After all, it is a “one-world” sport, so to say.  Whereas, American “football” is pretty much ours.  I don’t know if anyone else in the world does it quite like us.  There’s “rugby” but… yeah.  Not the same.  My apologies… to rugby. And it might be partly why the Super Bowl is evil.

Well… I say, all sports are evil.  It starts with my opinion on baseball and goes from there.  And, because I’m a hypocrite, the Olympics are the exception.  Love. Olympics.  Just sayin’.

So, why am I whining about sports now?  Did “my team” lose the Super Bowl?  (and just an aside… WHEN DID I GET SO OLD THAT I AM SEEING SUPER BOWL 50 on the screen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Why the Super Bowl Is Officially Evil

The Super Bowl is evil, but not because “my team” lost.

showcase-aprilAnyway,, while the rest of the world dashed home from a sermon that ran over (and while they repented of their impatience at the minister’s lack of compassion for their need for the last “fix” of the season), I blithely rode over to a fellow writer’s house… with another fellow writer.  You’ll meet April someday.  Yes.  Yes, you will.  Can’t wait to share the mystery she’s writing with you. A.W.E.S.O.M.E.  Hint… Shakespearean artifacts and fountain pens appear in it.  HOW COOL IS THAT?

Back to the story.  So we drive up to C.R. Rowenson’s apartment and are shown inside.  His lovely wife was getting ready to go out–probably to one of those evil Super Bowl Parties–and the dogs let us know in no uncertain terms that they were glad to see us. Or, at least, that’s how I’m taking one’s half-raised muzzle and the other’s incessant (or seemingly-so) yapping.  He was fine after I petted him… for half an hour or so.  (hyperbole–thought you oughtta know).

We went over C.R.’s work in progress and really hammered out everything he wanted to address.  The guy is a workhorse and has AMAZING skills for seeing flaws and figuring out how to fix them. He is also phenomenal at figuring out what YOU are trying to get from the book.  If you’re not crazy about something or whatever, he’s good with that.

Then, it was my turn.

Still riding a high for finishing Madeline in record time, I pulled out the few things I wanted to address and started asking questions.  That’s all it took.  C.R. came alive.  He asked questions, listened to what I was wanting from the series, asked more questions, and then he said it. Just two short sentences.

“You need to split book one into two.  The electrical scheme should go in the second.”

I want it noted that when we left C.R.’s apartment, he was alive and well.  Need proof? I have a witness.

So, I left for his house at 1:00.  Got home between five and six.  Note: I hadn’t had anything but two large cups of water to drink and nothing to eat.  I ate a “little smokie” or two and zipped a FB message to my husband.  “What are we doing for dinner?”

He never responded.  I went to bed.

At ten o’clockish, I woke up, grabbed my stuff, and went to Denny’s.  By that point, I HAD no blood sugar.  So, I told the server to order for me.  She got me the sirloin with broccoli and smashed taters.  I ate almost every bite.  Yes. Yes, I did.

And as I did it, I chopped my pretty, all-done book.  Into two.  Then I sent Ashley a pouty, whiny, grossly immature email about how my done book now needed to be rewritten.

She asked if book 2 would be done in February as well.

Note.  She is alive and not buried in rubble or some other evidence of my internal explosion.  *whistles*

dennystallyFor the record, I also wrote–a lot. 

Not as much as a couple of times last week when I did 8700 and 7500 words respectively, but I’d say 5906 isn’t too shabby after spending HALF THE NIGHT CHOPPING MY BOOK IN HALF!

And, if you really want to commiserate with me, we can talk about the email I got today.  The one where she said she wants me to fix book 1 and finish book 2 in February and then finish Aggie in March.  Um… do you KNOW what that does to my beautiful plan?  I have it all written out.

It looks like this:

book list image
Stop laughing at the weekly wren!

Yeah.  March is SUPPOSED to be Webster’s.  I’m thinking I should sic my friend Adrienne on her.  Yeah…

What are the odds I can finish Aggie, AND rewrite Madeline in what’s left of February… oh, and with us being gone from Thursday-Sunday for my niece’s wedding? *blush*

So… will I obey Ashley er… MEGAMIND or will I be bold? Daring?  Rebellious? Will I write whatever tickles my literary fancy?

Time will tell, folks. Time. Will. Tell.

And for those of you who don’t get what this has to do with sports and evilness?  C’mon.  What day did it happen?  What day?  It’s all the fault of the ball.  I’m tellin’ you! It can’t be C.R.’s fault.  He just made a good series better.

That leaves football.  Just sayin’. 

That’s my “logic” and I’m stickin’ to it.

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

Related

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: Meddlin' Madeline

Previous Post: « Murphy’s Mystery Law (and 20K reasons I’ll prevail)
Next Post: If You Give an Author a Character… »

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. Andrea Rossignol says

    February 13, 2016 at 10:55 am

    THANK YOU for showing us your list!!!!!!! I’ve actually been wanting to ask you for it for some time… 🙂 I’m super excited for July and August!!!!!

    Wait – that was the ‘write’ column. Why is the ‘publish’ column empty?????????

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      February 13, 2016 at 11:59 am

      That would be because I don’t know publication month for any but Christmas Embers. I suspect Madeline will go in the April slot. 😀

      Reply
  2. Lucinda Culp says

    February 11, 2016 at 10:02 am

    Feel your pain. Thinking there aren’t too many people like me, who can read a book in a single sitting, and I don’t mean an all day sitting, either, who has devoured your every offering. Again, often in a single sitting. As much as I NEED to read your work, and looooove your work, I love you more, my friend. Truly, if you need to rework your schedule, do it. If you need to cover over that lovely timetable in your planner, do it….or grab an exacto and excise it! Take time to think about what YOU want from life. Does it fall in line with where God is taking you? (keeping the old axiom “Man plans, God laughs” in mind) Does this schedule promote it? Does it even allow it? Only you can answer those questions, though your kids and hubby likely have formed opinions on these questions as well….please note I didn’t use a single sports related comment in this post. You’re welcome.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      February 11, 2016 at 12:09 pm

      This schedule is what I planned for myself. It’s a challenge. Can I do it? We’ll see. I love the challenge.

      This post wasn’t about me whining about my schedule. I’m so sorry it came off that way. I was making fun of myself for being so pumped for catching up to my plan and having my friend knock it down with a different one that is BETTER. And then Ashley coming along and STOMPING on it completely.

      And, it was to show that I’m a rebellious little twit. I may not obey. *whistles*

      Reply
  3. Julie says

    February 11, 2016 at 5:11 am

    Why? Why push yourself so hard. Traditional authors come out with one book a year. Ebook authors maybe 3-4 per year if they are prodigious. It seems like your blogs, newsletters, emails show you stressed to the max. This frenetic pace cannot be good for you. Slow down, relax, take time to enjoy life. We will all still be here waiting for the next and the next and the next. I have gotten where I can’t keep it all straight anymore. Start one series, bounce to three different series, start a book that hasn’t ended…seriously, it’s not worth the stress. We all love you, but we can wait. Enjoy the family, watch, well, not a football game, lol. Go look at the stars. Breathe!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      February 11, 2016 at 12:22 pm

      Aw… I’ve left a terribly false impression if my busyness shows me that stressed out. I really am not. I’m one of the least stressed people I know. I have stressed MOMENTS… like just before release when something goes wrong or if I am crazy behind on something and I forget that it’ll get done when it gets done. I must write about it then and forget to let you laugh with me at myself when I snap out of it a few hours later. I’ll remember that.

      My goal to WRITE those books is just a personal thing I want for myself. Ashley doesn’t expect it. I don’t EXPECT it. I just want to see if I can write them–not publish, write. And most authors I know (traditional or not) write a lot more than they publish in a year. Writing and publishing are two completely different animals.

      We do absolutely enjoy ourselves as a family, and I love my trips that take me to see lovely people all over the country. I love being home. I love travel, and I live in the desert where we can see the stars like most people can only dream of. 😉

      Meanwhile, I think I need to be sure I don’t leave a false impression. For example, in this post, I’m not stressed. I’m making fun of myself and teasing Ashley because I got all done with a book, looked like I was going to stay on track for this goal, and then C.R. messed me up with his VERY right “you need to split this.” And then Ashley comes along and my pretty little list up there got tossed aside with, “I want you to finish Aggie and both of those instead of Webster.” So, I was taunting her and mocking me. Because probability is high that I’ll do what she says… but it’s not set in stone. I may be rebellious and do my own thing. *whistles*

      But I feel like I should apologize. I never want people to see my life as frenetic! Those who know me know that’s almost opposite. A frenetic quarter of a day? Sure! Otherwise… not so much.

      Reply
  4. Alicia says

    February 9, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    I always love your blog posts. And they always leave me smiling, and often laughing. Your wit is awesome as is your ability to write. Can you do it?? Sure. A little less sleep and a lot more time at Denny’s. LOL

    Reply
  5. Lorraine says

    February 9, 2016 at 7:53 am

    Well, we were in a third world country, we were watching TV. There was Rugby. This teenage girl was watching with me. Her comment was -how can they play like that ? That one guy is supposed to be a Christian. Look what they do to each other! How can they?

    I like the look of A blind child’s prayer.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      February 9, 2016 at 12:43 pm

      That one was HARD to figure out–to decide exactly what to do to make it a good book that sticks to the song but not have my readers hate me. Then I figured it out. 😀

      Reply
  6. Ryoko says

    February 9, 2016 at 5:01 am

    I’m with you in this

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Review and Giveaway for Byrd’s-Eye View – Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy says:
    March 20, 2020 at 8:06 am

    […] know, the guy who made me split the first book into two separate books (you can read about that HERE), and the guy who tried to make things get really gruesome in book four (you can read about […]

    Reply
  2. Byrd’s Eye View - For Him and My Family says:
    March 20, 2020 at 7:07 am

    […] know, the guy who made me split the first book into two separate books (you can read about that HERE), and the guy who tried to make things get really gruesome in book four (you can read about that […]

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
byChautona Havig

Shannon Sue Dunlap isn’t new to rom-coms, and her first book in the Sweetheart Series promises to be a literary riot, and it lives up to that promise. I’m only halfway through it and am thinking mean, ugly thoughts of everything keeping me from being able to escape into the crazy small-town politics and quirky characters. So far the com far outweighs the rom, which makes me thrilled to bits. Listen in to discover what makes Lone Star Sweetheart so much fun.

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

Why Did This Author Write a Rom-Com about a Loveable Shrew?

Well, I think we can safely blame Shakespeare for that. Shannon Sue Dunlap has taken inspiration from Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew in her Katherine, but unlike Katerina, Dunlap’s character is actually trying to learn to tame the tongue. Maybe someone should send her over to the book of James. There’s that whole bit about not being able to tame it, being an “unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

Kate’s isn’t that bad, but not for lack of trying. Or something.

Shannon Sue Dunlap isn’t joking when she says that her Katherine is a “loveable” shrew. Seriously, I love this character. She’s forthright, no-nonsense, and “what you see is what you get” in her approach to life. I respect that. Add to that her boss who has shaken up the town of Sweetheart, Texas, and you’ve got the makings of a great story. I’m loving Lone Star Sweetheart.

But this isn’t all Dunlap has written.

Under the pseudonym, Shannon Kent, you can find her sweet and clean romances (including one Christian romance) inspired by Korean dramas. If you said I’d be not only chomping to read a sweet and clean romance about Korean tour guides and all that entails but also ready to watch a Korean drama on Netflix… Okay, I might not have laughed in your face, but I’d’ve been laughing on the inside.

Best part… one of them ties into her Sweetheart Series

Lone Star Sweetheart by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Katherine Bruno’s passionate, unfiltered temper makes her the shrew of small-town Sweetheart, Texas. When she’s drafted to help the mayor’s wife run against her own husband, Katherine meets opposing big city political consultant Ryan Park. The good-looking, flirtatious campaign manager gets under her skin, but fraternizing with the enemy is off-limits.

Katherine must battle her lack of experience, campaign sabotage, and her growing feelings for Ryan as she strives to succeed. His unprejudiced acceptance of her strong-willed character beckons her heart, but his jaded rejection of God is an insurmountable barrier. Will Ryan return to his faith and stay with her in Sweetheart or leave when the election ends?

You can find out more about Shannon Sue Dunlap AND get that first novella in the Korean Crush series free on her 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 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
May 26, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 230: A Chat with Bryan Timothy Mitchell
May 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 229: A Chat about Murmur in the Mud Caves with Kathleen Denly
May 12, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 228: A Chat with Author Emilie Haney
May 9, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 227: A Chat about the New Jewels of Kalispell Series
May 5, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 226: A Chat with Archaeological Thriller Author, Doug Powell
May 2, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 225: A Chat with Dani Pettrey
April 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 224: A Chat with Author Megan Besing
April 25, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 223: A Chat with Tosca Lee about A Long March Home
April 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 222: A Chat with Regina Rudd Merrick
April 18, 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 Did This Author Write a Rom-Com about a Loveable Shrew?
  • What Made This Author Use Hell as Inspiration for His Novel?
  • Rumor Has It, Murmur in the Mud Caves Promises to Be Excellent!

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
This book by @chantelreadsallday 's daughter is de This book by @chantelreadsallday 's daughter is delightful. The writing style is both whimsical and mature,  direct and nuanced. Probably the easiest 5-star rating I've ever given ( to be fair,  it's a really short book). Oh! That was another great thing.  The TEEN author also tells a complete story in few words and with subtle (and not-so-subtle) sarcasm. Laughed aloud. 
I'll add a link on my bio link.
#MiddleGradeBooks
#YoungAuthors
#AmReading
Reposted from @lianaygeorge Authors love getting r Reposted from @lianaygeorge Authors love getting reviews! This one particularly warmed my heart because Erin emailed directly and had such lovely things to say.…
Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Bakery, Mandy's Cafe, the Uffda Shop, and Pepie the Lake Monster (who knew?)

Oh, and home to Twice Sold Tales, a charming bookstore in a charming town--but not for long.  Unless Milton arrives with his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch!), this local gem of a store may soon be out of print--so to speak.

Some might blame owner Harper Brevig. Let's face it. Her "bookside manner" isn't much to write home about (although I did write a book about it...). But no, she's making enough money, and she's not spending too much money (much to her disgust), so where's it going?

Find out in Twice Sold Tales while I write and send Atticus and Milton down to Berne, Indiana to help Cezanne with he new and dying bookstore. 

Links to more info in my bio!

#TheMosaicCollection
#Bookstrings
#TwiceSoldTales
#ChristFic
#BookishBooks
My next book in the Suamalie Islands series is on My next book in the Suamalie Islands series is on tour with @celebratelit .

Ezra has started her business, is elbow-deep in wedding prep for her father, and gets roped into helping an old friend fight off the eligible females of Lafoina. 
And frankly, she's tired of it all--except the fighting off females thing. The women can just back off. Henri is hers... not that she'd admit that. Yet.
A combination second-chance romance and fake relationship (but not) surrounded with tropical breezes, sandy beaches, and ocean waves lapping against the side of a floating bookstore--perfect for this summer's TBR!
Just check out the link in my bio for a list of blogs and my panic momentwith how the romance wouldactuallywork!
Available on KindleUnlimited
#SuamalieIslands
#ChristianRomance
#ChristFic
#PreorderSpecial
Guys, this book!!! Loving! Reposted from @shannon Guys, this book!!! Loving!

Reposted from @shannonsuedunlap I had a blast with Chautona on the Because Fiction podcast. (Link to the episode in the bio.)
Reposted from @thechosenkidssaga <title>“The Kin Reposted from @thechosenkidssaga <title>“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’… | Instagram</title>
Reposted from @shannonsuedunlap Lone Star Sweethea Reposted from @shannonsuedunlap Lone Star Sweetheart has launched! (Link in bio.)
#happybookbirthday #cfauthors #romcom #launchparty
  • 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!