Looking Out the Window: Misty Beller's Blog Tour For Her New Book, A Rocky Mountain Romance, And A Rafflecopter Giveaway
A Warm Welcome To Misty Beller And A Rocky Mountain Romance Blog Tour
Misty will give away a reader's only gift basket chocked full of treats and sweets. To enter to win see below.
Hi Misty, lots of writers loved to read as youngsters. How about you? If so, what types of books did you read?
Yes! If I wasn’t outside riding horses, I was inside reading. I almost memorized every book about horses our little small-town library owned—both fiction and non-fiction. Beyond that, I loved kids mysteries like the Mandy series by Lois Gladys Leopard.
Let's talk about your writing? Why do you write?
I’ve always loved to read, but it wasn’t until I put “Write a novel” at the top of my bucket list that I decided I needed to take the plunge. It was slow going as I learned about plotting and craft, but I quickly realized I love it! Writing is in my blood. It's my passion. A true gift from my Heavenly Father, and I pray daily that he uses the words for His purpose.
How do you get to know your characters?
How do you get to know your characters?
Characters are where I start my stories. Typically, as I'm writing the previous book, characters for the next book will start to form in my mind. I always keep a Brainstorming document available and jot down anything that comes to me. Then when I'm ready to develop those characters, I begin to write out their stories, including motivations, fears, and spiritual arcs. From there, I have a great idea of what will happen to them in the story!
What themes do you write about?
It seems like so many of my books are tied in some way to the theme of following God’s leading. He has a plan for each of us that rarely seems to follow a logical path, but when we seek His way and submit to His guidance (and submission is an important piece!), His plan turns out to be so much more wonderful than we ever imagined!
It seems like so many of my books are tied in some way to the theme of following God’s leading. He has a plan for each of us that rarely seems to follow a logical path, but when we seek His way and submit to His guidance (and submission is an important piece!), His plan turns out to be so much more wonderful than we ever imagined!
Do you have to juggle writing with a job, family responsibilities or other obligations? How do you balance it?
Yes, my husband and three young daughters definitely keep me jumping! As I write this, it feels like I haven’t slept in days due to my 10-month-old’s current ‘sleep challenges.’ I’m once again reminded that God is stronger than my challenges, though.
Balance has never been easy for me, as I tend to be an ‘all-or-nothing’ kind of gal. But that’s an area God has been working with me for a few years now. I’m getting better, but I’m not perfect yet.
Does your faith affect your writing? If so, how?
Oh, yes. God is the source of the joy I find in both reading and writing, and I try hard to make sure my books share whatever jewel of wisdom He wants that story to impart. I want these to be His words!
Oh, yes. God is the source of the joy I find in both reading and writing, and I try hard to make sure my books share whatever jewel of wisdom He wants that story to impart. I want these to be His words!
I often worry that I'm not creating a strong enough plot. Not building an emotional connection with the characters. But God regularly reminds me that this is the path He has planned for me. The story He's given me to write. I do my very best, then I have to rely on Him to use it for His glory.
Do you put yourself in your books?
Sometimes, yes. Many of my heroines possess a few of my own characteristics, whether they be mannerisms, my stubborn streak, or my deepest fears. Many times, some part of the story or plot will spawn from an incident in my life. I’ll use the “What if?” question to imagine how the situation or relationship could have turned out differently. From there, the stories tend to grow their own personalities.
Sometimes, yes. Many of my heroines possess a few of my own characteristics, whether they be mannerisms, my stubborn streak, or my deepest fears. Many times, some part of the story or plot will spawn from an incident in my life. I’ll use the “What if?” question to imagine how the situation or relationship could have turned out differently. From there, the stories tend to grow their own personalities.
What are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m writing the third book in the Wyoming Mountain Tales series, and I’m loving it! This is Ezra’s story—Zeche’s younger brother—as he finally seizes the opportunity to step out from under the shadow of his older brother and sister. He’s running the Rocky Ridge Stage Stop on his own during the winter of 1868, and determined to prove himself capable. But when a woman shows up on his doorstep in the remote Wyoming wilderness, he’s shocked to find out she is Tori Boyd, the correspondence partner he’s been writing to for a few months now. She and her cousin seem to be running from something, and he realizes it's up to him to find a safe situation for them in this untamed country. Unfortunately, his heart decides it might have found a better way to keep them safe. Except, the feisty Tori Boyd doesn’t seem to feel the same attraction growing in him. I hope readers will love this story as much as I do!
Right now, I’m writing the third book in the Wyoming Mountain Tales series, and I’m loving it! This is Ezra’s story—Zeche’s younger brother—as he finally seizes the opportunity to step out from under the shadow of his older brother and sister. He’s running the Rocky Ridge Stage Stop on his own during the winter of 1868, and determined to prove himself capable. But when a woman shows up on his doorstep in the remote Wyoming wilderness, he’s shocked to find out she is Tori Boyd, the correspondence partner he’s been writing to for a few months now. She and her cousin seem to be running from something, and he realizes it's up to him to find a safe situation for them in this untamed country. Unfortunately, his heart decides it might have found a better way to keep them safe. Except, the feisty Tori Boyd doesn’t seem to feel the same attraction growing in him. I hope readers will love this story as much as I do!
I bet they will. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
There are so many things that spring to mind! Some I've learned from wise writers. Some from my heavenly Father. 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:
1.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!
2.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.
3.Pray: Seek God's face and His 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!
About a Rocky Mountain Romance
The Wyoming mountain country seems like the perfect place for Zeche Reid to find himself. When a blizzard sends him scrambling for cover, he stumbles upon a lady and her professor father holed up in a remote cabin. His protective instincts won't let him desert them to continue his travels, especially when the father’s haunting memories from the War of Succession put his daughter’s safety at risk.
Fighting her own nightmares after the war, Greta Michelly is trying to settle into this rugged mountain land, but her bad memories are nothing compared to the demons that haunt her father. The haven they’ve found in these Rocky Mountains seems to be the solace he needs to find peace—until a mysterious sojourner appears on their cabin doorstep. She can’t help but be drawn to the wild aura that surrounds the man, but that strength seems to be that very thing that intensifies her father’s struggles.As Zeche is torn between his craving to protect Gretta and the awful realization that he’s the one putting her in more danger, he’s forced to make a difficult choice. But when a run-in with an elk changes his plans and Gretta is faced with a danger Zeche is powerless to control, Zeche has to find a way to protect her at any cost. Even at the cost of his heart.
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Enter to win Misty Beller’s readers-only gift basket! This book end chest is filled with sweet treats and coffee, perfect for reading time. The chest is filled with …
Cashew Roca Toffee chocolates
Chamberry Raspberry Truffles
Chocolate Covered Almonds
Java Bon Coffee Caramels
3 Assorted gourmet coffee's
2 Fudge Brownies
$15 Barnes and Noble gift card
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About Misty
Misty M. Beller writes Christian historical romance and is the author of the bestselling Mountain Dreams Series and the Texas Rancher Trilogy. 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.
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Comments
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Sonja,
Yes, I agree. There's nothing that tops knowing something personally, even if the writer just conveys the emotion. Thanks for coming by.
Hi Connie,
Yes, seeing that reminder first thing this morning is a great way to start the day.
Thanks for coming by.
So great to meet you, Sonja!