• 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

What Characters Do I Love to Write Most & Why?

by Chautona Havig · 4 Comments

The question didn’t surprise me. People ask all kinds of things.  Where you get your ideas, what your favorite genre to write is, what your favorite genre to read is… So asking what kind of character is my favorite to write seemed reasonable enough.

“Kids, I think.”

That earned me a blank look and a fly-trap jaw.  “I thought you don’t like kids.”

“I don’t.  Generally speaking, anyway.”

“But you like yours, right?”

I can’t tell you how often I get that one, too.  Look, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a million times more, I’m sure.  No, I don’t like kids. No, I never wanted to have any.  Yes, I have nine children. Yes, I’m thrilled that I had every single one of them.

I was wrong, okay?  I am so grateful that I was wrong about not having kids. My kids were and are the delight of my life.  Now, I didn’t always show it well. When you don’t know how, you don’t. But I didn’t just love my kids.  I liked them.  And I like them more every year.

What Characters Do I Love to Write Most & Why?

Note: links are likely affiliate links that provide me with a tiny commission at no extra expense for you.

What Characters Do I Love to Write Most & Why?

Definitely kids. There’s just something magical about showing the very things that can annoy me in person on the page, and suddenly it’s hilarious instead of obnoxious.  Well, for me.

Honestly, I think writing children as characters actually taught me to appreciate children better in real life. I find I smile naturally at other peoples’ children when I’m out and about now.  Once upon a not-so-long-ago, I worked at not scowling when a child started yammering at me about something I didn’t really care about.

Just being transparent here.  I’m not proud of it.  But when my children got old enough to understand that they were loved and valued and appreciated—that they were and are wanted… Oh, so very wanted.  When that happened, I started being vocal about my personal weaknesses.

Because you see, I’d met other people who felt guilty for not naturally loving and adoring all children, all the time, no matter what.  And I thought it was time they saw that your kids are different from “kids” in general, and the more you spend time with the little darlings, the more you learn to appreciate them.

For me, that appreciation exponentialized (yes, I made it up. It should be a word) when I began writing Aggie. In those Stuart kids, I put all the delight that I’d enjoyed from my own children… from the times I’d been able to tear off my selfish blinders and really see into the hearts and souls of other peoples’ children.

But even that didn’t do it—not really.

While a bratty boy who kidnapped Santa Claus did teach me much about understanding children, even Andy didn’t do it for me.

No, a precocious little boy from Not a Word, with red glasses and a flair for comedy reminded me of something my mother had taught me and my children proved every day of my mothering.

Children are not imbeciles.

Shocker, right?  All the books dumbed down to “their level,” and all the presumption about what they can and can’t understand irritated me.  And yet, I was just as bad.

See, in our house, it kind of naturally worked out like this:  From zero to elevenish… the kids were my husband’s domain.  He’s fabulous with little kids.  He likes to play and be silly and go do things.  Swim, walk, park, ride a bike… read a book.

Kevin is phenomenal with stuff like that.  Me… not so much.

But once they start questioning the world around them… once they start thinking beyond the next fun thing and start pondering life… that’s when I can really understand and connect in ways I’d try before.  And fail.

Oh, I failed so much.

Writing Rory reminded me that seven-year-olds can have some pretty profound thoughts.  They can hold intelligent conversations.  Yes, they get silly and annoying.  But seriously?  So do I!!!

Rory Forrester Mackenzie isn’t my favorite character that I’ve ever written, but he is one of my favorite characters to write.

And part of that is just because he’s the little guy who taught me how enjoyable little guys can be.

Speaking of Rory, Mac, and Savannah… here’s a bit about Not a Word.

Not a Word

It’s bad enough when your reputation means everyone assumes the worst of you when you’ve earned that. But when you spend your post-high school years fighting to redeem that reputation, and the girl you’ve secretly loved all that time accuses you of the unthinkable…

Maybe there is hell on earth.

All Todd “Mac” Mackenzie has ever wanted was a chance to love her—Savannah Forrester. And when he gets it, nothing could be sweeter.

Right up to the moment she turns on him and flees town.

He’s stuck now—stuck in a place where everyone hates him. Stuck in a dead-end life and without the girl he can’t help but loving or understanding why.

Why did she pretend to care?

Why did she shred what little reputation he had?

Why did she leave without a word?

Why can’t he defend himself?

Why does he keep on, year after year, enduring the censure?

He’s not said one word against her or in his defense.

Not a word.

But when Savannah returns to Brant’s Corners with a boy, Mac has only one question.

Why does the kid look like his first-grade picture?

*Note: this is one of the few books that I have that I absolutely would caution parents on.  The subject matter is deep and hard. I kept the writing clean, but again, subject matter.  It’s important, I think, but I don’t think it’s appropriate for all ages.

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

Related

Filed Under: Personal, Writing

Previous Post: « Wanted: Readers Who Love the Agency Files & Will Help Me!
Next Post: What I Loved about Running and What I Hated »

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. Joy @ Real World Bible Study says

    July 24, 2018 at 6:52 pm

    Too funny…I’m a kid magnet! And yet, I’ve never dreamed of having my own, although if I do I’d want to adopt!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      July 26, 2018 at 4:35 pm

      Right? So much fun all the way around.

      Reply
  2. Linda Sue says

    July 23, 2018 at 5:00 am

    I also loved the Rory character and his development in the book – a vital beauty from ashes component. Yeah well I always wanted kids – wasn’t meant to be in my body. So I’ve been blessed with exceptional children of the heart – friends and family children who are so dear to me. I generally like kids but oh my goodness there are a lot of entitled bratty ones out in the world today. So no shame in not liking kids – great praise for realizing what you love and like about your kids. Another example of God’s hand in our lives – your Kevin is great with littles and you not so much – so you have lots of children and get to affirm one another repeatedly.
    Not a Word is an excellent book and good caution – not exactly the right book for younger minds to dwell on.
    OH and I like Aiden Cox – a clever boy who learns from his mistakes and keeps life interesting for the cops of Fairbury.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      July 23, 2018 at 8:19 am

      I love how you put that… “Interesting for the cops of Fairbury.” Hee hee.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 263: A Chat about The Love Script w/ Toni Shiloh
byChautona Havig

I had another lovely conversation with Toni Shiloh last month. Her latest book, The Love Script released and boy does it promise to be another #BookTouchdown!  Listen in to what you’ll find in this Love in the Spotlight series and especially in The Love Script.

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

How Many Lies Does It Take to Expose the Truth That Love Brings?

Authors tell me over and over that they experience the same things I do when I’m writing. You start helping your characters work through their problems, and as you do, the Lord starts exposing your own.  He helps you understand where you need growth and helps pull weeds that try to choke out that growth.

The Love Script has a great twist of someone trying to use a lie to smooth over the gossipy ripples of false reporting (genius way to handle it, eh?) and oh the fall out.

Toni promises we’ll see some great wisdom from Lamont’s mother and some deep truths that Neveah discovers.

The Love Truth by Toni Shiloh

A Hollywood hair stylist.

Nevaeh Richards loves making those in the spotlight shine but prefers the anonymity of staying behind her stylist chair, where no one notices her. But when a photo of Nevaeh and Hollywood A-lister Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.

The silver screen’s latest heartthrob.

Lamont Booker’s bold faith has gained him a platform, and the authenticity of his faith is well known . . . until the tabloids cause the world to question everything he claims to be. With his reputation on the line, he finds himself hearing out his agent’s push for a fake relationship–something he never thought he’d consider in a million years.

A love that goes off script.

With their careers at risk, Nevaeh and Lamont have to convince the world that their scripted romance is more than just an act. But when fake seems to turn into something real, can Nevaeh trust her heart in a world where nothing is ever as it seems?

You can find out more about Toni on her WEBSITE.  Follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

And don’t forget that you can get 30% off the book with free shipping at BakerBookHouse.com. And you can get You Make It Feel Like Christmas, too!

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 263: A Chat about The Love Script w/ Toni Shiloh
Episode 263: A Chat about The Love Script w/ Toni Shiloh
September 23, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 262: Chatting about The Legacy of Longdale Manor with Carrie Turansky
September 19, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 261: Chatting with Christian Youth Fiction Author, Candice Yamnitz
September 15, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 260: A Chat with Rachel Hauck
September 12, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 259: A Chat with Debut Author, Laura Conaway
September 8, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 258: A Louisiana Christmas to Remember
September 2, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 257: A Chat with Fantasy Author, N. Ford
September 1, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 256: A Chat about Summer in the Spotlight w/ Liz Johnson
August 29, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 255: A Chat about He Should Have Told the Bees
August 25, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 254: A Chat about Where the Wings rise with Ashlyn McKayla Ohm
August 22, 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
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

  • How Many Lies Does It Take to Expose the Truth That Love Brings?
  • What Heart Issues Connect These Two Troubled Women Together?
  • Looking for Exciting Books for Your Younger Readers?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
What are you reading tonight? #AmReading #MiddleG What are you reading tonight?
#AmReading 
#MiddleGradeFiction 
@julieandrews
Squeee! The Chosen Kids Saga. Book 3 is coming, bu Squeee! The Chosen Kids Saga. Book 3 is coming, but for now, these two will be part of the next #Bookstrings book.
Oh, and, "Me and my cousins "? I wouldn't have said that as a kid, much less now. Maybe it's time for bed! Snort!
@thechosenkidssaga 
#ChristFic
#MiddleGradeFiction
When a long-anticipated book arrives and you are o When a long-anticipated book arrives and you are on a tight deadline.
Aaaaakkkk
#AmWriting
#HistoricalChristianFiction
#AprilsPromise
Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE WEEK! ⁠ ⁠ Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE WEEK! ⁠
⁠
Just ONE MORE WEEK until the release of Tropical Target by Jennifer Pierce! Preorder now to get 30% off the paperback plus free shipping or the ebook for only $2.99. Don't wait, you only have one more week!⁠
⁠
Click on the publishing page in the linktree in our bio then the 30% off page in the menu! ⁠
⁠
⁠
#suamalieislands #celebratelit #christianfiction #contemporaryfiction #romance #christianromance #contemporaryromance #fiction #bookstagram #booklovers #bookloversofinstagram #readers #readersofinstagram #jenniferpierce #tropicaltarget
Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks As summer is coming Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks As summer is coming to a close, what better way to celebrate the changing of the seasons than with the Summer Heat: Christian Romantic Suspense Anthology?! 🍁 All 3 volumes are OUT NOW for a LIMITED TIME ⏰ Don't miss this unique collection of 12 novels by 12 authors! Because when these volumes are gone, they won't be coming back 😭 Check out my link in bio to find out more today!

🧡📖📱Stay With Me - Volume 1: Liz Bradford, Sara Blackard, Jennifer Pierce, Kari Trumbo
💙📖📱Through Every Danger - Volume 2: Lisa Phillips, Lynn Shannon, Michelle Aleckson, Rebecca Hemlock
💜📖📱Come What May - Volume 3: Emilie Haney, Cara Putman, Chautona Havig, Katy Lee

#staywithme #througheverydanger #comewhatmay #SummerReading2023 #summerreading #summerheatseries #avidreadersofchristianfiction #amazing #Amazing #deals #shopping #bookseries #bookshelf #christianauthorsofinstagram #firstresponderromance #newreleases #authorlisaphillips #ebooks #newbooks2023 #newbookalert #readerlove #christianromanticsuspense #christianfiction #romanticsuspenseseries
I love this book so much. And it wouldn't be an "A I love this book so much. And it wouldn't be an "Anne" story without Gilbert and Diana... meet Gage. He's not quite Gilbert, but he's got everything a Gilbert should have--including the ability to completely annoy Anne when he doesn't mean to. She's speaking to him here... barely.
Coming October 3 (I hope!)
#Bookstrings
#ClockTowerBound
#BerneIndiana
#BookishBooks
#ChristFic
#AmWriting
I love this book so much. And it wouldn't be an "A I love this book so much. And it wouldn't be an "Anne" story without Gilbert and Diana... meet Gage. He's not quite Gilbert, but he's got everything a Gilbert should have--including the ability to completely annoy Anne when he doesn't mean to. She's speaking to him here... barely.
Coming October 3 (I hope!)
#Bookstrings
#ClockTowerBound
#BerneIndiana
#BookishBooks
#ChristFic
#AmWriting20h
  • 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!