I never expected to add another “favorite author” to my list, but I found one in Christine Suzann Nelson. Christine’s stories are reminiscent of having a best friend spilling the stories of her heart to you.

In Christine’s newest book, Shaped by the Waves, Cassie George is barely staying above water as she works to get her doctorate and raise her daughter. But she stubbornly keeps swimming to prove a few bad decisions haven’t ruined her forever. Plus, it’s all a great excuse to stay away from the small Oregon town she fled in shame years prior. But when she receives a call that the aunt who raised her has had a major health crisis, she knows it’s time to return.

But Cassie’s story is simply one of the beautiful tales tied together in this book. Similar to The Way It Should Be (which I loved!), several compelling storylines are woven together. It’s a perfect book to get caught up in!

Be sure to scroll below to sign up to win one in three copies of Shaped by the Waves! 

The Writer’s Desk with Christina Suzann Nelson

Christina Suzann Nelson is an inspirational speaker and the award-winning author of If We Make It Home, Swimming in the Deep End, More Than We Remember, and The Way It Should Be. She writes and speaks about hope after dysfunction. Christina is over-the-top about her passions, including the stories created somewhere in the twists and turns of her less-than-focused brain When she’s not writing, she’s working with the Every Child Initiative, chasing escaped steers, reading, breaking in the sweet smell of her horse, hiking with her dog, or enjoying her just-as-crazy family. Make sure you connect with Christina on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Bookbub, and sign up for her newsletter.

Q&A with Christina Suzann Nelson

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

CSN: I just kicked the Diet Coke habit, thanks to the encouragement of my nine-year-old.

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for Shaped by the Waves?

CSN: It came together after a dear kiddo I know pointed down the beach and said, “Beyond the seagulls.” She was giving me directions, but my mind took off in all sorts of directions. “Beyond the Seagulls” was the working title for Shaped by the Waves. Thank you, Lucy!

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

CSN: I have one that is probably not very popular with my editors. I write a synopsis, then end up with a totally different story.

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

CSN: Just do it. Set a timer if you’re having trouble staying focused. The words will not appear without the effort.

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

CSN: So much ginger-peach iced tea. It’s insane. I fill a large jar with water and two teabags every night, then drink it the next day. I love this stuff so much.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

CSN: The timer trick usually does it for me. I set a timer for 20-30 minutes, and I write. No excuses.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

CSN: I have to edit at the end because the story has a way of surprising me. When I’ve finished the first draft, I go back and fix the stray details.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

CSN: They write one book and keep trying to fix it for years. When you’ve done your best, put it away and start the next one.

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’re ever received?

CSN: Remember who I’m writing for. That’s kind of a two-part answer. I write because this is what God has asked of me. It’s obedience, so first I write for him. Secondly, even if only one person reads my book, and sometimes it feels like that 😊, if I’ve helped them draw closer to the life God wants for them, that is more than enough.

TG: What is coming up next for you?

CSN: I should be getting the editorial letter about my 2023 book soon. I’m looking forward to tearing it apart and making it shine. After that, I’d like to write a novel that includes some of my experiences with having a BRCA 1 mutation.

Enter for a chance to win one in three copies of Shaped by the Waves

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*Due to shipping costs, the giveaway for the physical copy is open to US mailing addresses only.

Don’t miss my chat with Christina Suzann Nelson! Click the image below to watch!

More about Shaped by the Waves

Growing up along the Oregon coast, Cassie George has always been fascinated by the ocean. She’s used her studies in marine biology as a convenient excuse for staying away from her small hometown ever since her unplanned pregnancy. But when she receives a call that her aunt has suffered a stroke and has been hiding a Parkinson’s diagnosis, she knows she must return.

Cassie finds a mostly warm welcome from the quirky community–including her high school nemesis, Nora Milford. But Cassie is confused by the mysterious package that greets her as well, containing typed pages telling a story of an anonymous woman who seems to have ties to Cassie’s own life. As she begins to read more and investigate its implications, she’ll discover who she thought she was and who she wants to become are both about to change.

Purchase a copy: Amazon | Baker Book House | BookShop.org

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