Writer's Life: Becky Wade

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a romance writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

Stalker Alert!!

Today we have the object of my author infatuation--the one I overly hugged two years ago, the one I gush about her books again and again--yes, I'm Becky Wade's super fan!! Can I tell you how much I love, love, love Becky's books? She writes contemporary romance novels for the Christian market, and I'm blown away--BLOWN AWAY--every time I pick up a new story of hers!

Meant to be Mine is her best yet. And, here's the thing, I thought her other two books were mocha frosting on a chocolate cupcake. She's outdone herself! You can read  my review later in this post.

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

Dreaming up ideas!  If I had to put my finger on what I love most about writing -- it truly is the imagining.  It's so much fun to build my very own characters, places, and romances.  I fall asleep every night thinking about my story people.

2. What is the biggest hurdle you're facing right now as a writer?

Procrastination.  I can easily waste two full hours messing around with household chores, browsing social media, or dredging chocolate out of my pantry when I should be working.

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

Movies, TV shows, books, and writer's meetings all help me fill my well.  As do occasional vacations from writing.  But my very best well-filler happens every Sunday morning. 

Several years ago, my husband convinced me to attend the contemporary service at our church.  At the start, I didn't much like the rocking praise music.  But over time, I've become a huge fan of it. Huge! I listen to worship music in my car and at home now.

God meets me every single Sunday in that contemporary service.  He renews my inspiration to write for Him.  And He also fills me with fresh ideas.  Sometimes, I have to jot down notes, just to keep up with all the writing-related thoughts that occur to me during the songs and the sermon.

4. What are you working on next?

Undeniably Yours and Meant to Be Mine are the first two books of my contemporary, Texas-set series about the Porter family.  I'm currently working on the third book in that series.  It stars Jake Porter, the dark and brooding brother.  Let me tell you, Jake's heroine has her work cut out for her! 

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Becky, I can't wait to read Jake's story! He's got such a tough shell around his heart--I'm looking forward to getting to know the special lady who can dissolve it! 

I love dreaming up ideas too! I had to leave my idea notebook next to the bed because so many things hit me before dozing off. :) 

Procrastination is an ugly beast. I'm guilty. Always guilty! Your words on church made me smile. I love how energized you are, and I totally get it. Our pastor played piano for two hymns this week, and it was so incredibly beautiful, it filled me up!

Thank you SO much for being my guest today!!

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MEANT TO BE MINE (linked to Amazon)~

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college-- still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

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Becky Wade ~ 

Becky makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband, three children, and one adoring (and adored) cavalier spaniel. Her CBA debut, My Stubborn Heart, was a finalist in both the RITA and INSPY awards.  Undeniably Yours kicked off her Texas-set Porter Family series.  Her newest contemporary romance, Meant to Be Mine, has just hit shelves!

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My Review!! 5 Stars!!!

One thing I love about Becky Wade's books? They're all heart. She takes characters who mess up spectacularly and somehow makes me fall in love with them immediately! How does she do it? I have no idea. I'm convinced she's a genius. Meant to be Mine is laugh-out-loud hysterical and bring-you-to-tears emotional. I related to Celia's struggles and over-protectiveness to her daughter. And I flat out loved Ty, but then, I'm a fan of alpha cowboys! The secondary characters (especially Danny and Donetta) had me hollering in laughter, and the spiritual thread in particular resonated with me. I can't recommend this book enough! Go buy it!

**I received an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own.**

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Spill it--do you enjoy reading stories with cowboys? Why or why not?

Have a terrific day!!

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My Author Crush: Becky Wade!!

Last September I picked up a book I'd been hearing about, My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade. Well, I got sucked in--I'm talking Dyson vacuum suction levels--and couldn't put it down! To say I loved it would be a massive understatement. When I finished, I clasped it to my chest, and thought I want to meet this author.

Little did I know, God was listening!

A few weeks later, I perched on my chair in the first-timer's orientation at the 2012 ACFW conference in Dallas. Yeah, I chatted with the fabulous Jon and Tom Hopkins (twins!) a bit, oogled Cara Putman's adorable outfit, and then I drifted off to my own thoughts.

How cool would it be if Becky Wade--the Becky Wade--was here? But what are the odds that I would run into her even if she did show up? I mean, there are like 700 people here. Still...

Cara divided us into groups by genre. I kind of wanted to sprint out of the room, but I figured that would be immature, so I gamely headed to the "contemporary romance" section where one person stood.

And that's when I heard it.
My name.
Southern accent.
It was--Becky Wade!! In the flesh!!

What happened next? I hugged her. Practically jumped up and down. Okay, I did jump up and down. I hugged her again. Maybe once more. I'm sure she felt molested. But I was riding high! I couldn't control myself!!

The best part? She was cool! She didn't give me the weird look or the am-I-dealing-with-a-stalker?  step backward. We chatted. I gushed. And I said a thank you prayer to God for making one of my dreams come true.

Since we've met, Becky has become a huge influence in my life--she answered God's call to a prayer I hadn't been brave enough to utter. I hope I can be half as generous to others as she's been to me.

Becky's second inspirational romance, Undeniably Yours, released this week. I was blessed to receive an advanced reader copy, and her amazing talent did it again. What a superb book! I hope you buy it and like it as much as I did!

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 Undeniably Yours

 

 

When Meg Cole’s father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted -- more interested in art than in oil -- she’s forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father’s empire.

The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father’s thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

 

Bo’s determined to resent the woman who’s decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them -- her wealth, his unworthiness, her family’s outrage -- and earn the right to love her.

 

But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg’s past. Can their love, and their belief that God can work through every circumstance, survive?

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My Review--5 Stars!!!

Becky Wade delivers another compelling inspirational contemporary romance. She writes such rich, memorable, relatable characters. Meg, the heroine, was sympathetic, funny, and with believable thoughts to contrast her play-by-the rules actions. I could spend a day shopping with Meg, no problem!

The hero, Bo, made me swoon multiple times. I love a rugged cowboy with a protective streak and oozing with integrity. He was fabulous, and he provided Meg with the calm security her money had never been able to give her.

Meg’s spiritual journey tugged at my heart. Even strong Christians underestimate God’s plans for our lives. I really related to the fears, prayers, and decisions the characters had to make.

Fantastic book! I hope we’ll be reading future books based on other characters—I would love to see Jake get his happily-ever-after!

**I received an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own.**

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My Favorite Lines (This book is full of them! I have many, many more!) 

"She wanted to drop-kick her Cole Oil job..."

"She didn't personally care for the 'I can kill deer!' decorating style..."

(Meg imagining a horse, Silver Leaf, thinking,) "I have benevolence on you, small human."

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About Becky Wade

 

 

 

Becky's a California native who attended Baylor University, met a Texas boy, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the ABA, then put her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. She loves the kind of books she's writing now! Her CBA debut, My Stubborn Heart, has been named a finalist for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award. Her new contemporary romance, Undeniably Yours, is available now.

Undeniably Yours is available for purchase now! Head to Becky Wade's Books for links!

It's the first Friday of the month, so my latest 2 Minute Resolution Webisode is up on YouTube! Click here for My Hall Closet: 2 Minute Resolution!!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! What author do YOU have a crush on?

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Celebrity Reports: ACFW 2012

I recently returned from the 2012 ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference. Many of you know I LOVE magazines, so while I was there, I couldn't help thinking the conference was a celebrity event. No, Jennifer Aniston wasn't there. Nor was Denzel Washington or Sandra Bullock. These stars are small fries compared to the big potatoes I saw!

Only the BIG celebrities were at ACFW, and I got to meet many of them!

First up, the shuttle from the airport to the hotel. Who did I ride with? None other than the super cool Amy Clipston! Amy writes Amish and contemporary Christian fiction, and she was so friendly and welcoming, I couldn't believe my trip had started on such a high note!

Within minutes, I'd shoved my junk into my hotel room (see the stellar view from our room below) and sprinted back down to the lobby. I did not want to miss my two superstars arrive--Cynthia Herron, my fab roomie, and Jessica Patch, my dear friend. But before they showed up, I met Jennifer Fromke!! Jennifer writes women's fiction AND she's familiar with mid-Michigan where I grew up. It's always fun to use the words "tractor pull" and "demolition derby" in a sentence and have someone nodding in complete understanding. :)

I can't even begin to tell you how many friends I finally was able to meet in person. I just started writing them out and had to come back and delete because I realized this post would be forty-five pages long! Before I continue, though, I have to say I've been beyond blessed to deepen my friendships with both Cynthia Herron and Jessica R. Patch. These women are genuine, honest, and classy. I'm honored to know them.

It's funny how certain people have an automatic "buzz" around them. People clamor for their attention. We get excited and elbow each other when they're near. Who are these people? Every agent, editor, and best-selling author there! If only I had pictures to show the ACFW version of  "Stars: Just Like Us."

You'd see for yourself that editors get their own coffee (shocking!) and they wait in line to buy a Diet Coke in the gift shop (what??). Agents GO TO THE BATHROOM (I know!! Who knew they had bladders?). Best-selling authors? They attend workshops! (Wow!)

While I get as star-struck as anyone, the people I completely flipped over (besides my friends) were(in the order I met them) Becky Wade, Lisa Jordan, Liz Johnson, and Judy Gann.

I'd read My Stubborn Heart over the weekend and concluded I could NEVER write as good as Becky Wade, and if I could meet her at the conference my life would certainly be complete. Well, guess what? She was in the first-timer's meeting too! I may have (definitely did) overly hugged her, but she was just awesome, which made me love her even more.

Lisa Jordan and I have been friends for a long time online, and she's always so warm and friendly that I couldn't wait to meet her. She's even more beautiful in person, and she gives the best hugs, and she even forgave me for completely blanking on life details when we first met, which I thought was very classy. Let's just say this little brain can only handle so much information in a conference full of people and it had reached its limit! Watching Lisa accept the Carol award for her short contemporary romance, Lakeside Reunion, brought tears to my eyes. Congratulations, Lisa!

Moving on to Liz Johnson. Liz and I share the same agent so I knew we'd get along great--and we did! Liz is even more down-to-earth and fantastic in person! Liz, too, was up for a Carol award. It's probably wrong to say she was robbed so I won't. :) So now I have an out-of-control girl crush on Liz, too. I might have to form a fan club or something...

One of my new favorite friends is Judy Gann. Judy is a Bookie (represented by Books & Such Literary Agency) too, and I met her on her birthday! Happy Birthday, Judy! Judy and I bumped into each other off and on throughout the conference, and I'm convinced God sent her to help me. I realize with all the exclamation points it looks as if I had the time of my life. Let me set you straight. The conference was a real challenge for me. Judy comforted and encouraged me throughout my stay, and we were able to have a nice long talk on the final day. I'm SO blessed by Judy!

There are dozens of other people who made a huge impact on me. Susan May Warren is such a special person. I know she personally touched many writers' lives over the weekend, and I'm very thankful to her. I could go on and on, but I'll save my other friends for another post.

The bottom line? The conference solidified one thing I already knew: it's not what I can take away from a conference, but who I can add to my life that makes all the difference. I'm SO blessed to have new friends.

What did you do last week? What are you doing this week? I've missed you!

Have a blessed Wednesday!

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