I am so excited to have Christy Award-Winning author Christina Suzann Nelson and her book, The Way it Should Be featured on this week’s writer’s desk.
Many people have asked me if I’m ever going to write a novel about kids in foster care. I haven’t given it much thought because personally, this topic isn’t just “close to home.” It IS home. Our youngest is eleven, so I’m still walking through it.
I’ve also thought about writing a novel digging into what it’s like to try to help young moms in need. I’ve led young mom support groups for over fifteen years, and there are so many stories–good ones and heartbreaking ones. But, again, it’s so close to home, and I’m still trying to process it all.
Then again, maybe I don’t need to write these stories because someone else has done a fantastic job!
I recently finished The Way It Should Be, and I adore this book! Here is a short description:
Zara Mahoney was enjoying newlywed bliss until her life is upended by her estranged sister, Eve, and Zara must take custody of her children. Eve’s struggles lead her to Tiff Bradley, who’s determined to help despite the past hurts the relationship triggers. Can these women find the hope they-and those they love-desperately need?
This book moved me. Christina did a fantastic job! I completely related to Zara’s struggles. (Hello, the situation with DHS was completely right-on.) I also loved Tiff, an older woman trying to help those on the street, just as she hoped someone had helped her daughter who fought addiction. Again, I nodded along with Tiff’s story as she vacillated between wanting to help and worrying if she wasn’t helping at all.
The Way It Should Be is so well written. I’m a fan of Christina Suzann Nelson, and I can’t wait to read more by this author!
Writer’s Desk with Christina Suzann Nelson
Christina Suzann Nelson is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author. Her first novel, If We Make It Home, was honored as one of Library Journal’s top five inspirational novels of 2017.
In 2017, Christina was named the OCW Cascade’s Writer of Promise and received a Cascade Award for her novel, Swimming in the Deep End.
Her stories have been published in the Cup of Comfort for a Better World, Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families, as well as other publications.
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, Christina serves on the board of the non-profit, Every Child Linn-Benton, where she has the opportunity to influence the lives of families and children in the foster care system.
On a typical day, she chases escaped farm animals, reads, hikes with her dog, and enjoys her husband and six kids.
Be sure to stick around until the end of the post for more about The Way it Should Be and a chance to win a copy!
Q&A with Christina Suzann Nelson
Do you have a writing routine?
I generally break my days into hours, assigning writing in one-hour chunks. I’ll do one to five of these depending on the word count I’m needing for the day.
When/Where do you write?
Most of my writing happens in my office, but when I’m stuck or find myself procrastinating, I head to my favorite coffee shop.
When are you most productive?
I usually really get going in the afternoon.
What do you snack on or drink while writing?
I love the tea that was designed for the release of my book, More Than We Remember. It’s from Suttle Tea here in Oregon and full of yummy things like peppermint and ginger.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
If I’m having a hard time moving forward, I’ll set a timer and just type whatever I think of even if it’s horrible and will need to be deleted. This helps me find my story again.
What is your outlining process? Are you a pantser/plotter or something in between?
I’m truly a panster, but I’ve found a way to create a very basic outline in nine parts. This keeps me on track and saves a lot of time on the editing end.
Best advice for someone who is just starting out.
Just keep writing. Nothing is wasted because of the learning that happens while we create stories. If you can get words on the page six out of seven days consistently, in a year, imagine what you will have created.
Quickfire questions:
Book(s) currently reading: I’m currently reading Charles Martin’s book, The Water Keeper. I watch television like I read, in many different genres.
Favorite thing to order at Starbucks: Caramel Macchiatos, iced or hot, make me very happy!
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More about They Way it Should Be:
After years of estrangement, the lives of Zara Mahoney and her twin sister, Eve, are suddenly intertwined again. When Eve’s troubled lifestyle causes the state to contact Zara about taking custody of Eve’s two children, Zara feels wholly unprepared. Besides never knowing she was an aunt, her new house, new husband, and plans for the future were meant to give her a fresh start.
Meanwhile, Eve may have a real chance at a new beginning with the help of Tiff Bradley, who, after facing a heartbreaking tragedy in her own family, is dedicated to helping women everyone else has given up on.
Over the course of one summer, all three women’s hearts and lives hang in the balance as Eve desperately works toward a new life. Can they redefine their expectations of how life should be to find the hope they—and those they love—so desperately need?
Amazon | Baker Book House | BookShop.org
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