• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • 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
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • 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

This Is Why I Love My 3 Worst Writing Habits

by Chautona Havig · 7 Comments

“You know, that’s a terrible habit of yours.”

Yeah. I knew.  Let’s face it, after over sixty books, if I don’t know my bad writing habits by now… All things considered, I’ve got bigger problems than the habits themselves!

What was it?  Overcommitment.

This Is Why I Love My 3 Worst Writing Habits- bad writing habits

Note: this post may have affiliate links that provide a small commission at no extra expense to you.

I’m terrible about over committing myself. 

“Can you help with this project?”  Sure!

“Do you want to join this collection?”  Absolutely!

“Can you move the publication date up six weeks (so you have 2 weeks to finish and edit—and you are only 20k words into the book)?”  Not a problem!

 And I mean it, you know.  It isn’t just that I’m overly optimistic.  I know I am.  That’s just an inescapable fact of life for me.  And I like it, frankly. Truth be told, even being realistic is a bit of a downer to me.  I like that feeling that says, “I know I can do more than I think and less than I want.  So I’m going to shoot for the moon.  At least that means I’ll leave the ground!”

 In my opinion, that’s not even my absolute worst writing habit.

 “Another series?  You have sixty started already.  This is a really bad habit of yours, Chautona.”

Yeah. It is. Sometimes it’s deliberate.  Others, not so much. For example, I wrote Princess Paisley as a gift to a friend’s daughter.  That was supposed to be it.  However, the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to write a “good” fairy tale—one with adventures and struggles to overcome—one with a hint of a happily-ever-after before it even began really.  Of course, I did one more.

Ahem. Yeah.  “One more.”  For the record, I now have half a dozen planned.

For example, take my  Bread and Butter Notes book.  See that singular thing right there?  Yeah.  By the time I finished plotting the first book, I had a trilogy planned.  And the same thing happened with Prairie—and so many more.

Consequently, I have no less than five series WAITING for me to start. 

For the record, those are the ones that came to me in an instant.  If I looked at my list, I’d probably find a dozen more.  One of my goals right now is to finish up several of these series so I have fewer “in the works.”  I’m down to just one more Sight Unseen book.  And I am SO thrilled.

But you know what?  Strangely enough, I don’t regret doing it.  Not really.  And that sense of relief won’t stop me.  Why?  Because I write in a lot of genres.  And that’s good for my readers just as much as it’s frustrating.

Why?  Well, one dear gal who keeps me entertained with her cool emails and fun quip in my groups on Facebook really doesn’t like mystery and suspense.  If that’s all I wrote—if I just concentrated on The Agency Files for a few years until I used up all my ideas, she might just forget about me by the time I got back to more Aggie-like books.

Not only that, I love the variety.  It makes me a better writer.  So, yeah, it’s a bad habit of mine, but it’s one I’m glad I have.

And even that isn’t my absolute worst writing habit.  I think this one is.

 I hear it ALL the time. “Wait.  In this book, you say that Christians cannot wear anything but red, but now this character says we can only wear purple.  Which is it?”

 Yep.  No doubt that’s my worst failing—and it’s the one I love the most.

In fact, people ask me all the time,

  • “Do you really think Christian women can only wear dresses?”
  • “Do you really think people who remarry after divorce are in sin?”
  • “Do you really think that people who wear ‘special clothing’ as part of their faith should be avoided (Catholics, Amish, Pentecostal—whatever)?”
  • “Do you really think the only version you can use is KJV?”
  • “Do you really think baptism is essential for Christians?”
  • “Do you really think it’s okay to baptize an infant?”
  • “Do you really think the earth was created in six days less than ten thousand years ago?”
  • “Do you really think a Baptist shouldn’t marry a Lutheran?”
  • “Do you really think it’s wrong to use denominational names?”
  • “Do you really think women are less important than men?”
  • “Do you really think it’s okay for a woman to be a pastor?”
  • “Do you really think  that some people who were part of the homosexual lifestyle were bullied into it?”
  • “Do you really think it’s wrong to know how much money you return to the Lord?”
  • “Do you really think it’s okay for women to work outside the home?”
  • “Do you really think it’s okay for a dad to be the primary parent home with the kids?”
  • “Do you really think Christians should drink alcohol?”

 And those aren’t even half the questions I’ve gotten.  Some of them I’d answer with a resounding yes!  Others—a definite no.  Many would be best described as, “I don’t know, but I keep studying the Word. I keep looking to Jesus.  I keep praying for insight.”  And still others, I’d say, “Does it matter?”

Consequently, there’s a reason I show my characters believing things that I don’t. 

It’s because I know I haven’t cornered the market on Biblical understanding.  Incidentally, even if I had, other people who love Jesus and serve Him daily have a different understanding.

In fact, my goal in writing isn’t to straighten out folks’ theology.  It’s to show how Christians—yes, even those who I think are wrong—live out their faith.  Period.  I show fictional Christians, give them a blessing or a burden, and let them loose, showing what happens when they miss an opportunity, when they fail to live up to their faith, when they triumph over self and sin.

Ultimately,  when they fall flat before Jesus and say, “Fix me.”

In fact, that’s why I write.  Yes, it does make me seem rather wishy-washy.  Yes, it does make me appear to believe things I don’t.  People just assume that if you write it, you believe it.

Well, I do believe it—I believe that people who love Jesus believe this thing.  And I want to learn from them.  Because if I had to try to count all the times I’d discovered that I was wrong about my understanding of Scripture, I’d be counting for a VERY long time.

I wrote more about it in this post: Why Do Your Characters Do What They Do?

 Yep, I have three bad writing habits. 

I over-commit myself.  But man, I get a lot done because of it. I have a rich life because of it, and I get to help a lot of people—because I try.

Yes, I have too many series going on at once.  It’s not wise.  It’s rather annoying, actually, but I crave that variety, and I want to bless ALL of my readers  That means making sure that I write more than just one genre at a time.

And, yeah.  I tend to write like a schizophrenic Christian—tossed by every wave of doctrine.  I’m not, really. In fact, I am rather obnoxious about my confidence in what I believe.  But I am teachable, and I do want to understand why others believe what they do.  And then I want to share it.  Because I’m weird like that.

Share332
Pin
Tweet
Email
335Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
335Shares

Related

Filed Under: Writing

Previous Post: « When Horrendous Traffic Kills Your Chance to Meet Someone
Next Post: What Super Hero Saves the Blogging Day? Mommynificent! »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Comments

  1. Angela Martin says

    August 29, 2017 at 7:48 am

    I like this. I just do. It reminds me of me and you make me smile.
    If you’re ever in Verona, Virginia, look me up and we’ll have coffee. We can’t have it in Verona because there aren’t any coffee shops here (there’s not a lot of a lot here) but I know where to find some. 🙂

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      August 29, 2017 at 7:20 pm

      We don’t need coffee. Just show me the way to the cans of Coke. CANS. That’s all I need!

      Reply
  2. Chrys says

    August 28, 2017 at 9:03 pm

    First, I have to say that there are several series I am impatiently waiting to get my greed little hands. That being said, your stories are always worth the wait. Secondly, the ‘schizophrenic Christianity’ helps me to think thru those views. A great writer makes you think. And for that I thank you!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:16 pm

      Aw… thanks. So tell me, what series are you most waiting on?

      Reply
  3. coriakin22 says

    August 28, 2017 at 7:48 am

    I love that you write in so many genres! But since you want to finish up the Sight Unseen trilogy to make way for other series, maybe we won’t have to wait four years for the next book? 😉 Glad book two is coming out tomorrow!
    Looking forward to what you’re going to do with Bentley too.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      August 28, 2017 at 1:18 pm

      YES! I have a plan for by June of 2018 but hopefully a bit sooner. So excited to do it!

      Reply
  4. Paula says

    August 28, 2017 at 6:48 am

    Boy! Sounds like you have to have a lot of energy just to keep up with all you do! Thanks for the insight and keep on keeping on! I enjoy your posts.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 162: A Chat with Author, Nancy Naigle
byChautona Havig

Hey, we’re back after a couple of weeks of vacation, and boy did I need it. And, have I got a fabulous interview for you. Nancy Naigle and I talked about her books, her most recent release, What Remains True as well as her Christmas books and the one I’m most anxious to read, The Shell Collector. Listen in and learn about what Nancy says about this bet she has going on in What Remains True. Great stuff!

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

Need a Great Romantic Read to Wind Up Your Summer Reads?

As I said in the podcast, a while back, someone told me I’d LOVE The Shell Collector–one of those people who recommends books you HAVE to read if they say you do.  So I bought it and it’s been sitting on my shelf ever since. Well, now it’s on my GoodReads shelf, and I’m about to start it (and I optimistically thought I’d be done with it by the time this episode released. Oh, me of too much faith in myself and my time management!)

Author of over thirty books, not to mention a bestselling author who also has movies made of her novels (And The Shell Collector has been optioned! EEEP!), Nancy loves to write Christmas books and small-town stories. Seriously, as we talked, I felt like she was talking about me half the time. We’re so very alike in so many ways. It was fun.

Nancy also pointed out that her first books (if you go WAY back) are not Christian fiction and are a bit spicier than she prefers to write and definitely more than she writes today. So be warned there, but she did assure us that they are all closed-door books.

What Remains True by Nancy Naigle

One woman wants to win a bet. One man wants to become a rodeo champion. One little girl may give them both something even better—from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle.

“A commitment-phobic rodeo star and a divorcée with secrets find love in this wholesome romance. . . . As uplifting as it is sweet.”—Publishers Weekly

Working at a little shop on Main Street in a small town is exactly the break that executive Merry Anna Foster needs following her divorce. She’s made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on the amount of money she’s giving him in alimony. If she can do it, then Kevin will have to stop complaining and leave her alone. But after three months of this new life, will she even want to leave Antler Creek?

Adam Locklear, bull rider and owner of the local feedstore, is having the best year of his rodeo career. He’s also a bit distracted by the pretty new neighbor living in his old bunkhouse. But Adam has no time for matters of the heart. He’s got his future all mapped out, and that future doesn’t involve a woman just yet. It doesn’t involve parenting a little girl either. However, Carly Fowler still suddenly leaves five-year-old Zan—the daughter Adam didn’t know he had—in his care.

Is it possible that the future holds a life even better than what Merry Anna and Adam had each dreamed of? One that includes both tenderness and even love—not just for each other but for Zan too?

You can learn more about Nancy’s books and movies on her WEBSITE.

Oh, and PSST… I’m loving the audiobook of this one!

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 162: A Chat with Author, Nancy Naigle
Episode 162: A Chat with Author, Nancy Naigle
August 9, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 161: A Chat with Christian Women's Fiction Robin W. Pearson
July 26, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 160: A Chat with Liz Johnson about The Last Way Home
July 22, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 159: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Mesu Andrews
July 19, 2022
Chautona Havig
A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Stephanie Landsem
July 12, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 157: A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Lynn Austin
July 8, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 156: The Fragrance of Violets by Susan K. Beatty
July 5, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
July 1, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 154: A Chat with Romantic Suspense Author, Sami A. Abrams
June 28, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 153: A Chat with Historical Author, Tracie Peterson
June 21, 2022
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Join a Reading Challenge

2022 Write Reading Challenge

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

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Penelope’s Pursuit

Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Purchase with Paypal
Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy now!

The Last Gasp

The Last Gasp
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Audible.com
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
The Last Gasp
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Need a Great Romantic Read to Wind Up Your Summer Reads?
  • Take a Guess: Did We Skip Our Wedding to Avoid Complete Disaster?
  • What’s Better Than a Great Women’s Fiction Novel on a Summer’s Day?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule

Footer

What Am I Working On?

Book, Chapter & Vows
Book, Chapter, & Vows
Phase:Week 3
100%
Get Book Updates

Featured

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Dial W for Wrangler

Dial W for Wrangler

Disclosure:

Disclosure: Links on this website may or may not be affiliate links and as such, I may receive compensation from the retailer indicated for linking to their product. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Note: I DO NOT link to products that I do not recommend.

Privacy & Cookies. This website uses cookies (not the delicious kinds that make life grand) to do stuff it needs to do. By staying on the site, you agree to this evil substitution of yummy cookies for internet calorie-free substitutes. For more info, click here and read the boring stuff. Cookie Policy
Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Win 40+ books or a Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Win 40+ books or a $500 Amazon card to buy a ton of books yourself in Celebrate Lit's Summer Book Lovers Giveaway.

Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/1f449/summer-book-lover-s-multi-author

The event and giveaway is going on now through August 13.

#celebratelit #summerreads #christianromanticsuspense #christianfiction #sweetromance #sweetromancereads  #lisaphillipsbook
Mom got me a storm door for my birthday. It's goi Mom got me a storm door for my birthday.  It's going up today.  Eeep!!!
#TheShediffice
Reposted from @karitrumbo Repost from @maciestjame Reposted from @karitrumbo Repost from @maciestjames
•
It's a new month, which means there's a new Bingo card in the @sweetandswoonyromance promo? Just read eight books and comment on the below post to be eligible to win a $25 gift card. All eight books are FREE!!! Go check them out.

https://www.facebook.com/sweetandswoonyromance/posts/pfbid0uoZyfQCL5qzyMDsaJWnA8zLzfE8eJ2A8uEuLee6yqMmG1g48x1RZzUBEiBVU2yK3l

#newbooks #newbook #bookstagram #22Cowboys #22Cowboysfor1 #booklove #Christmasbooks #CowboyChristmas #CowboyforChristmas #ChristmasCollection #ChristmasCowboys #CowboyKisses #CowboyLove #ChristmasLoveStory #ChristmasRelease #Christmasromance #ChristmasWishes #ChristmasWishesCowboyKisses #holidayromance #MistletoeCowboy #MustLoveCowboys #Mustread #romancereader
Reposted from @tabithabouldin Reposted from @stacy Reposted from @tabithabouldin Reposted from @stacy.t.simmons Looking to "chill out" during our hot summer?

Here's a solution reading friends!

Keeping Christmas Volumes 1 & 2, captivating Christmas Christian fiction romance novellas set in dream worthy castles.

To pre order an e-book is 99 cents. 
Prefer a paperback? It's only 19.99 with 30% off and free shipping for pre-order.

Vol 1 page: http://www.celebratelitpublishing.com/.../keeping.../

Vol 2 Page: (My novella- Christmas in the Cotswolds is in this volume). http://www.celebratelitpublishing.com/.../keeping.../

I am excited and honored to be amongst these wonderful authors, thank you, Celebrate Lit!

#StacyTSimmons #TabithaBouldin #MelissaWardwell #ChautonaHavig #JenniferSienes #CatheSwanson #SusanKBeatty #DeniseLBarela #NaomiCraig #KathleenJRobison #MargueriteMartinGray #OliviaTalbott #KeepingChristmasVolume1 #KeepingChristmasVolume2 #CelebrateLit #Booksbooksbooks #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #Christianfiction #Bookclubs #christmasiscoming #Castles #travel #Readingcommunity
Reposted from @celebratelit Celebrate Lit is now o Reposted from @celebratelit Celebrate Lit is now offering paperback preorders! Preorder any books on our preorder page to get 30% off plus free shipping! ⁠
⁠
http://www.celebratelitpublishing.com/save-up-to-30/
Reposted from @karitrumbo Repost from @carolynmill Reposted from @karitrumbo Repost from @carolynmillerauthor
•
It’s the last days to enter this #giveaway ! If you enjoy #bookish heroines and #strong #heroes then check out Rebuilding Hearts ♥️ #giveawaytime #giveawayalert https://promosimple.com/ps/1f7fa/rebuilding-hearts-celebration-tour-giveaway
When your husband gets a tooth pulled so you eat When your husband gets a tooth pulled  so you eat ice cream with him in an act of commiseration. 
@baskinrobbins 
#icecream
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!