I am so excited to feature Misty M. Beller on the blog this week. Misty is the author of the new book, A Warrior’s Heart. I’ve been listening to this one on audio, and it is so good! If you’re craving good historical fiction, you are going to want to grab a copy of this one! But first, let’s get to know Misty a little better.
Writer’s Desk with Misty M. Beller
Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family—both immediate and extended—is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.
Be sure to stick around until the end of the post for more about A Warrior’s Heart, plus a chance to win a copy!
Q&A with Misty M. Beller
Do you have a writing routine? When/Where do you write?
I’ve found my most creative time of day is in the afternoons, so I try my best to keep that time reserved for writing. It’s not always easy when family activities crop up, but that’s my goal! I’ve been dictating my writing for a couple of years now, so my favorite place to write is while I walk outside. The activity really helps my creativity. I’m currently 7 months pregnant and haven’t been able to walk while I dictate in a while. I’m looking forward to getting back to that!
When are you most productive?
After coffee. LOL.
What do you snack on or drink while writing?
I usually have either coffee or water with me while I write, and definitely take snack breaks in between word count sprints. Like I mentioned, I am pregnant right now, and this baby likes protein, so my snacks tend to have more substance these days than the chips or chocolate I eat when I’m the only one I have to worry about.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
Really good question! It depends on the reason for the block. If I just can’t get my mind to focus, sometimes a walk or more coffee will help. If it’s a plot issue, I’ll often bring in a writer friend or one of my daughters to brainstorm what needs to happen next in the story. Sometimes just the act of talking it through out loud is what I need to organize my thoughts.
What is your outlining process? Are you a pantser/plotter or something in between?
I’m a plotter, though not as much as I was with my first 10 or so books. I always sit down and get to know my characters, write out their backstories, goals, motivations, etc. I used to do a somewhat detailed chapter outline, but it’s become more like a 3-5 page synopsis. I’d like to get back to the chapter outline because I feel like that helps me write faster. Maybe for the next book, I’ll do that…
Best advice for someone who is just starting out.
So many things spring to mind! Some I’ve learned from wise writers and some from doing it the hard way. If I had to narrow down my experience into advice, these are the three things I would share:
Seek: Read books on craft. Join a writer’s organization. Make friends with other writers and develop connections. Seek to learn everything you can about this wonderful world of fiction!
Work: Writing takes so many hours of typing and plotting and editing. You may feel it will never end. But enjoy the journey, even the hard times. I heard a quote today that really hit home for me. “Happiness is counting your blessings for the good things where you are right now.” We all need goals, but the joy truly can be in the journey.
Pray: Seek God’s direction for your writing. If you’re in His will, He will bless the work. His blessings may be a different outcome than you expected, but I promise it will be wonderful!
Quickfire questions:
What is your favorite show to binge-watch: I don’t get to watch much TV, but it would probably be a good suck-you-in-movie. For our last family movie night, we watched The Greatest Showman. So good!
What book(s) are you currently reading: I’m listening to the audio of Love and the Silver Lining by Tammy L. Gray. I’m a big fan of Tammy’s, and this is definitely one of my favorites!
What is your favorite song right now: Rattle by Elevation Church. I love the reminder that God is still big enough to do anything!
What is your favorite thing to order at Starbucks: Caramel macchiato
Enter to win a copy of A Warrior’s Heart*
Be sure to catch the video interview with Misty M. Beller HERE, and be sure to join the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction group so you don’t miss any of our other fun LIVE author chats coming up!
More about A Warrior’s Heart:
Her heart longs for peace, but peace won’t keep them safe.
Brielle Durand is still haunted by the massacre that killed her mother a dozen years before. Vowing to never let it happen again, she’s risen to be the key defender for her people’s peace-loving French settlement living in hidden caves in the Canadian Rockies. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret home, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. But now, what to do with this man who insists he can be trusted?
Hoping to escape past regrets, Evan MacManus ventured into the unknown, assigned to discover if the northern mountains contain an explosive mineral that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on his promise to his government or take a risk on where his heart is leading him? Either choice will cause harm to someone.
Brielle and Evan must reconcile the warring in their hearts to have any hope of finding peace for their peoples.
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