The Writer’s Desk with Mandy Boerma

When Mandy Boerma isn’t hanging out at her favorite coffee shop writing, she’s a busy mom. After meeting Prince Charming, they started their own version of Happily Ever in the Florida Panhandle. Nothing compares to life at the beach. While those early days included romantic sunset walks with sand between their toes, days are now filled with sandcastles, swimming, and school. Mom duties fill Mandy’s days. You know them all— cooking, cleaning, chauffeuring, organizing, helping at school, all the lessons, and practices, homework, etc. And because that’s not enough, she also teaches piano, normally with coffee in hand.

Connect with Mandy on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, and sign up for her newsletter here.

More about You’ll Be Mine:

A return to the past sparks a new future…

International hotel manager Ben Carter is not sticking around Hearts Bend. He’s just home to sell the inn he inherited from his grandparents. The place holds all his best memories—especially the ones that include regular summer guest Cami Jackson. But she’s been out of his life for years, and she’s not coming back…

Real estate developer Cami Jackson is ready to take over as VP of her father’s company. When the Hearts Bend Inn comes on the market, she wants to swoop it up, if only because of the sweet memories of her favorite summers. The last thing she expects to find is her first love back to sign on the dotted line.

But for her father, the inn holds memories of a terrible tragedy, and he wants to kill the deal. An impulsive decision could turn into a lost-but-found dream…but only if Ben and Cami can keep the past from tearing them apart—again.

A heart-healing story of second chances set in the charming town of Hearts Bend!

Purchase a copy of You’ll Be Mine.

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Q&A with Mandy Boerma

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

MB: I’m pretty boring as it is. I mean, I brush my teeth three times a day. I drink coffee, and I put my pants on one leg at a time. I guess you could say, I wear contacts. My favorite color is pink, but I prefer to wear black.

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for You’ll Be Mine?

MB: I found my inspiration within Rachel’s books set in Hearts Bend. I love to dig into a bad guy, so I wanted to know more about the infamous Brant Jackson. Turns out he has a family, and so that was what started the plotting of the story.

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

MB: I love to write at JoJo’s, a local coffee shop. I start by ordering coffee. I like a light roast with a splash of half and half. I clear my inbox, send a few messages, and dive in.

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

MB: I love a set pattern. Coffee. Emails. Messages. Write. But honestly? The best habit to have is to just sit down and write.

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

MB: I try not to snack, but I do drink coffee. Sometimes I switch to hot tea if I’m spending a lot of time writing, but coffee is my go-to.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

MB: I like to take a walk. Read a book. Play the piano. Anything other than sit and stare at a blank page, or a blinking cursor.

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

MB: Both?

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

MB: I’m still a new writer! I feel like I make a bunch of mistakes. I’m not sure what’s most common.

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

MB: Just do it. Seriously, sit yourself down and write.

TG: What is coming up next for you?

MB: I’m working on another book with Sunrise Publishing. This time I will be in Heritage, Michigan—Tari Faris’s fictional town. I love this small town, and Tari is truly amazing. I’m really excited to continue working with Carrie Padgett in this new location.