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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

“What’d I Do?”

by Chautona Havig · 3 Comments

My kids have been known to say this while I’m in the middle of writing.  Why, you ask?  I’ll tell you.  Because I write with expression.  Remember in elementary school when Mrs. Teachalots stood before the class, your reading book in her hand (but she had the super huge one that was the ominous-sounding, “Teacher’s Manual”) and eyes scanning the room for her next victim.  Bam!  The finger pointed to you.  You had to step forward and read aloud “with expression.”  I was good at it.  I liked it aside from the fact that a dozen other pairs of eyes were trained on me while I read.  That part was horrible.  There is a REASON I loved it when my dad moved me to A.C.E. schools with their wonderful independent PACES.  Oh, I did love those PACES.  No more classroom interaction for ME!  HA.

Well, apparently those expressive reading lessons translated into my writing.  As I sit here in my little corner of the couch, I pound out the words of my latest novels on my laptop, and as I do, my children wonder just what they’ve done now.  I frown, laugh, smile, drop my jaw, or any other reaction that my characters experience.  Sometimes, it scares me to think that someday they might hide a camera and record me.  Can you imagine the youtube comments?  EEEK.

Well, no one can say that I am not emotionally invested in my characters.  I am not a naturally emotional person, so it is a bit strange, I’m sure, to see so many flickering emotions across my face in a short amount of time.

So, I’m curious.  Now normal do you really think this is?  I’m kind of afraid to ask.  I have a feeling the answer is all too obvious.

*glances around to see if there are any hidden cameras*

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Previous Post: « Parody or Fan Fiction… That Is the Question
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Comments

  1. Rebekah says

    March 12, 2012 at 8:53 pm

    Heehee I do the same thing, only the question I get is usually “What’s wrong?” or “What’s so funny?”, from my sisters. :p

    That said, I think it’s normal… at least, for a writer. 😀

    To the KING be all the glory!
    Rebekah

    Reply
  2. Cathe says

    March 12, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    I think it’s just a natural extension of talking to yourself.

    Reply
  3. Dell T says

    March 12, 2012 at 10:40 am

    I tend to smile broadly when typing emails; especially openings or conclusions. I’d trained myself in smiling when answering and concluding conversations on the phone, and it carries over. My family’s always asking, “What’s so funny!” when I’m typing a greeting or salutation; or often just something in between….

    How normal do I think it is? No idea. But I do it; let that tell you what it may. 😉

    Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 545: A Chat with Gina Holder
byChautona Havig

Getting to chat with Gina Holder was a blessing because that meant I could finally read her books! Listen in as we chat about her newest release, The Escape Game.

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Spoiler alert: This series is definitely on my FAVORITE series this year list. You don’t want to miss it!

The Escape Game by Gina Holder

Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal. Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal tucked inside the walls of her family home, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined. Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal. Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests. They’re players. Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game based on a stolen puzzle design, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister—but also closer to a killer who has spent years perfecting a game no one survives. With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape. In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal. Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb? Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire.

Learn more on Gina’s WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads and BookBub.

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