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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Novel Ideas


This month my family vacationed in Florida. It’s been a while since we actually took a vacation, so I really looked forward to taking my boys to Disney World and showing them the beautiful white Pensacola beaches on our way there.

With all the writing I’ve done the last several years (it’s a good thing), I needed not only a physical break from cooking meals and household responsibilities, but a mental break from home schooling and you guessed it—writing books. Too much writing over an extended time can zap creativity. I couldn’t think of anything I’d rather do than lounge on a white beach in the sun and listen to the waves. The image became so real in my mind that I craved that moment, and I would have been devastated had some unforeseen event prevented that.

In the end, what I saw and felt in my mind actually materialized.
For that, I thank God because I’d prayed for this trip. He knew I needed it, my family needed it.

But how often do the dreams we hope for and envision in our hearts and minds come to pass in the way we expected? Not very often.

Bringing this back to writing novels—the same is true for the writing process. Often the novel idea that stirs inside and demands to be put on paper isn't what ends up in book form. It’s a struggle to take the feelings and the visions in my head and write them out, capture them, exactly as I see them. Other times I don’t have any expectations and am pleasantly surprised with what ends up on the page.

Regardless, there’s nothing more fulfilling for a novelist than seeing the novel idea take book form. Holding the fruit of your labor in your hands. But that fruit always starts with the seed of an idea.
I have a long list of ideas I want to explore. Some more than others, and there’s one  idea or premise, I've wanted to explore for several years. That’s setting a story at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

I love balloons. Always have.

In two weeks, Love in the Air will release.  I love how God always opens up a door for me to write about a setting I love. This story unfolded in surprising ways as I wrote, so I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

I should get my author copies soon. Today I’m giving away FIVE copies of Love in the Air. If you’re willing to leave a review up on Amazon and Goodreads, and to sign up for my newsletter at my website, then you are entered in the drawing.You must also leave a comment with your contact information here at the blog to let me know. If you have already signed up for the newsletter, you can let me know that too.

Or if you don’t want to do either of those things, you can help a writer by pre-ordering Love in the Air. In order to keep writing, we need readers to buy our books, too!

Love in the Air back cover:

KYLE MORGAN HAS RETURNED…. 

He was Nikki Alexander's first crush—until his stunts in a hot-air-balloon race led to a family tragedy. Then he disappeared, leaving her brokenhearted. Now he's back and stirring up all her emotions. 

Blaming himself for her brother's death, Kyle stayed away. But now Nikki's in trouble. And he knows he must step in to make it right. He'll help save her balloon business…and prove this time he's here to stay. But first he must win her forgiveness before he can win her heart.

Thank you for spending time with me today.
Many blessings,
Beth









37 comments:

  1. would love to win. Angela from KY

    angelachesnut246@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for stopping by, Angela,

    Remember, readers, to be entered in the drawing, you must sign up for my newsletter at http://elizabethgoddard.com

    Blessings!
    Beth

    ReplyDelete
  3. This sounds like a fun book, Beth! I used to live in Albuquerque, NM and the big Balloon Fiesta every Oct. was our family's favorite time of the year! Ever since, we have loved hot air balloons! It's on my bucket list to go up in one! I would love to read your book and "experience" it again!

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  4. Thanks, Debbie!
    I need your contact info, too. :)

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  5. Oops, I always forget to put my email!

    It's: westernaz@msn.com

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  6. Hi Beth! I have already signed up for your newsletter and would LOVE the opportunity to read and review LOVE IN THE AIR. I read the sneak peek and can't wait for more!!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  7. Thanks, Valri! For those who signed up for the newsletter, remember to check your spam filter because you have to confirm to make it mailable.

    Thanks so much ya'll. I can't wait to get the author copies of this book in my hands. :)

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  8. I love reading and sharing good books! I have signed up for the newsletter and will be glad to review.

    Melanie Backus
    melback@cebridge.net

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  9. I have signed up for your newsletter and would love to read and review your book wherever they are sold. I can also review on my blog. Please enter me in your giveaway.
    Brittany McEuen
    kbmceuen(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I've always wanted to go there. The book sounds good. :)

    Ann Mettert

    pmettert@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. PS. Yes I will do reviews. :)

      Ann Mettert

      Delete
    2. Oh, thanks, Ann! Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter to be entered in the drawing. You can find that on my website at
      http://elizabethgoddard.com

      Blessings!

      Delete
  11. HI Ann,

    It's quickly approaching in October. Maybe this will be your year!

    Thanks!

    Beth

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  12. Wasn't there a rafflecopter? I commented and it's gone. I am also signed up for your newsletter.

    Ann M.
    (Again)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sounds like a great book! I would definitely do reviews. Please sign me up :)

    Linda Ortiz
    strgth4yu@hotmail.com

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    Replies
    1. HI Linda! Make sure you sign up for the newsletter, too and I'll ad you to the hat. :)

      Blessings!
      Beth

      Delete
  14. Please enter me in the drawing. I'd be happy to leave a review. I signed up for the newsletter (but used a different e-mail than the one listed below). I love the cover of the book and also hot air balloons. They always make me think of Jules Verne stories. I also liked your Facebook page.

    catbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com
    Michelle Fidler

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Michelle! I appreciate all you've done.
      Your enthusiasm is encouraging.

      Beth

      Delete
    2. Michelle, check your spam folder if you don't receive the required newsletter confirmation email.

      Thanks.

      Delete
  15. sounds like another winner! I would love this! thanks, Rhonda
    nashhall AT aol DOT com

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  16. Please enter me...would love to read this book and give the reviews.Thanks for the chance.jackie_tessnairatyahoodotcom.

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  17. would love to win signed up for newsletter

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  18. Would love to win! Sounds like a great book. I would love to leave a review, and I just signed up for your newsletter.

    Annette
    sewbynette(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  19. Thanks, Rhonda, Jackie, Annette, and Anonymous! LOL

    Don't forget to check spam for the newsletter confirmation--I know I'm repeating myself, but you'd be amazed how many people don't do that. :)

    Beth

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  20. I will definitely write you a review, and I'd love to receive your newsletter. This book looks like fun, and it might be the closest I get to living out my dream of riding in a hot air balloon.

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  21. LOL! I hear you on that one. :)

    Beth

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  22. Sounds like you had a great, much needed trip! The book sounds really good. I would definitely leave some reviews if chosen. I can't remember if I've signed up for your newsletter or not so am going there to check. Thanks for writing good books!

    My contact info: Cindy Swanson; swanson.cynthial@gmail.com

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  23. Sounds thrilling! I wold love to win..:) My Mom loves hot air balloons and has dreamt of riding in one. I just signed up for your newsletter. Read and review?..but of course.Thank you!
    Blessings,
    Jules Verne
    emeraldelena@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Beth! Hope you are okay! I would be happy to review this book for you! I also signed up for your newsletter! Thanks for the chance to win!

    dowelljanet@hotmail.com

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  25. Thanks, Janet! Yes I am well. I am recuperating from my vacation. LOL Thank you for asking.

    Beth

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