Beth is a
2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015 RITA
Award finalist. Her 2014 novel, Somebody
Like You, was one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2014. Having
authored nine contemporary romance novels or novellas, Beth believes there’s
more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us.
An
established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for
MOPS International, Beth blogs for Novel Rocket and also enjoys speaking
to writers' groups and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband, Rob, who has
adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people, and their youngest
daughter, Christa, who loves to play volleyball and enjoys writing her own
stories. Connect with Beth at http://www.bethvogt.com.
Welcome back, Beth. You have described Things I Never Told You as
“Little Women gone wrong,” with a This
Is Us feel. Without giving too much away, can you tell us a little about
this title and why it might be described in this way?
Things I
Never Told You
is a story about things both spoken and unspoken between sisters. Little Women is
a classic story that idealizes the relationships between four sisters. For all
their differences, the March girls are undergirded by a sense of loving unity
and, well, goodness. The Thatcher sisters? I replace idealism with the kind of
reality you see in the popular TV show This
Is Us. The conflicts separating Johanna, Jillian, Payton, and Pepper seem
to outweigh the sense of family.
What themes do you explore in Things I Never
Told You?
Family is
a major theme of the book. I also delve into grief, including delayed grief,
and secrets, and the always intriguing topic of sisters.
I understand that you develop a story question
for each book you write. What is a story question (or how does a story question
help you as a writer)—and what was the story question for Things I Never Told You?
I’ll answer your question with a quote: “I start
with a question. Then I try to answer it.” ~ Mary Lee Settle (1918-2005), author. A
story question is a question of the heart and mind—one that your main
characters are wrestling with throughout your book—and that your readers will
try to answer, too. A story question is not easily answered with a yes or a no.
Developing a story question before I start writing a book helps me just like
fuel for a car: it keeps my story going. So long as I remember what my story
question is, I can stay focused and keep writing because I know the heart of my
story. For Things I Never Told You, the story question is this: Is
family always worth fighting for?
This novel involves the complicated relationship
between sisters. Why did you decide to tackle that family dynamic? Did your own
experience inform this story?
Sisters
can be the most supportive of relationships . . . but they can
also be the most competitive of relationships, too. And yes, I’ve experienced
this personally with my two sisters, one of whom is my fraternal twin. I’ve
watched other sister relationships, as well as my daughters, navigate their
relationships with one another. There’s a beautiful, yet at times, frustrating
dichotomy between sisters.
Things I
Never Told You deals with death,
delayed grief, strained family relationships, impending trauma, and resentment.
When faced with similar challenges, what questions must we ask ourselves? Where
do we turn for answers?
So often,
our first reaction to pain or tragedy is to ask, “Why?” I’m learning to ask,
“How?” How am I supposed to walk through this tragedy, this trauma, this
tension, in a manner that is both honest and allows me to survive? How do I
find God in this? How do I hang on to my values through this—and let others be
who they are during this time? When we face struggles of any kind, sometimes we
are looking for answers . . . and sometimes we think we know the
answers. Sometimes we are looking for an escape rather than God’s provision so
that we can stand and face the problem.
The novel brings to light, both for the
characters and the reader, certain challenges faced by many families. How might
this story help your reader untangle their own family dynamics?
I think
readers will see aspects of themselves and of others they know—friends, family
members, coworkers—in Things I Never Told
You. Maybe they will understand themselves—and someone else—a little better
when they are finished reading this book. They’ll see choices fictional
characters make and weigh what they would or wouldn’t do in similar situations.
What is the role of faith in your novel?
Both faith
and unbelief play a role in my novel because I find both in this world. At one
time, I believed in God—in a distant “I know you’re out there, but let’s not
ask too much of one another, okay?” kind of way. Now, my relationship with God
influences my entire life. But I know that not everyone believes as I do—and I
try to weave that reality into my books.
Family is very central to the plot of Things I Never Told You, and many will
probably recognize some aspect of their own family life in the characters. What
do you hope readers will take away from being immersed in the drama and
imperfections of the Thatcher family?
I hope
they fall in love with the Thatcher sisters—Payton, Pepper, Johanna, and
Jillian—as well as the subplot characters. I hope they miss them when they
finish reading the book. I hope they tell other people about them because,
while Things I Never Told You is
fiction, what I write about is real life. I hope readers wonder, “Would I do
what Payton did? What Jillian did?” And maybe, just maybe, it changes their
real-life relationships in some way.
Your novel gives readers permission to have
questions about their faith. Why do you think this is important?
Living a
life of faith is hard. Choosing to believe in God doesn’t mean that you don’t
doubt . . . that life is always good, that you’re guaranteed a
permanent residence on the sunny side of Easy Street. A few years ago, I sat
across from a trusted friend and said, “I know all the right answers, but
they’re not working anymore.” I still believed in God, but life was harder than
I ever expected. It’s important to know that God accepts us when we doubt. He
is a big, big God—big enough to handle any and all of our questions.
Forgiveness and reconciliation can be difficult
topics, and you include them as core themes of the novel. What do you hope your
reader will learn from this?
I often
say that all writers of faith have the theme of forgiveness in their
novels—after all, forgiveness and reconciliation are at the very core of our
Christian belief. And yet, I’ve had to unlearn and relearn what true, honest
forgiveness means . . . and realize that reconciliation is hard,
hard work. Life is messy—and God doesn’t shy away
from any of it. Neither should we.
Thank you, Beth, for sharing this new book with us. Relationships are so complicated sometimes.
Readers, here are links
to the book.
Things I Never Told You - Christianbook.comThings I Never Told You (Thatcher Sisters) - Amazon paperback
Things I Never Told You (Thatcher Sisters) - Kindle
Leave a
comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these
instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least
the state or territory or country if outside North America .
(Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where
prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the
giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer
in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only
notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to
check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from
the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re
reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or
Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be
included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
29 comments:
Things I Never Told You sounds like a wonderful book. I would love to read it. Thank you for the opportunity. Melanie Backus, TX
Thank you for the interesting introduction, as I have not yet had the pleasure of reading anything by Beth. I think we can all identify with her personal history of life changing our plans, usually for the better. Jane in TX
Hi, Melanie: Thanks so much for your encouraging comment about Things I Never Told You! I had so much fun with the Thatcher Sisters --and I just turned in book 2 of the series two days ago!
Hi, Jane: And yes, I'm much better at accepting changed plans ... I was quite resistant when I was younger. I'm a bit more flexible now.
This sounds like a wonderful story. I'd love to read it.
Linda in CA
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Hi, Linda: I'm glad you'd like to read Things I Never Told You. Johanna, Jillian, Payton and Pepper (the identical twin sisters) certainly are the reason why I say Things I Never Told You is a "Little Women gone wrong" story.
I would like to read about this family of four sisters and how they struggle with their faith. Vivian Furbay of CO
Sounds like a great read. I'm the only girl and a family of boys so I look forward to reading books with just sisters since I never had the experience.
I've seen this book 'around' but hadn't heard much about the plot until now and it sounds very good! Great interview too. Thank you so much for sharing it with us, and the giveaway too!
Raechel in MN
Hi, VIvian: Every book I write has a spiritual thread in it, but I am also aware that the world is made up of both believers and non-believers -- people who are walking out very different faith journeys. And so, I always represent that -- makes for reality ... and tension.
Hi, Kim: Yes, I think all readers can relate to this story because we often find "sisters of the heart" in life's journey, don't we?
Good morning, Rachel: Thank you for stopping by and learning more about Things I Never Told You (TINTY). I hope you get a chance to get to know the Thatcher Sisters better -- they are a fun group of gals! :O)
I would love to read this book. Beth is a beautiful writer and person and teacher. I live in Illinois. Thank you.
What a wonderful interview! I love the insight you shared, Beth, and can’t wait to meet the Thatcher sisters!
Britney Adams, TX
I thoroughly enjoyed Beth's first trio of novels including Catch a Falling Star. I have missed her last several releases, but know she is a gifted author!
Patty in SC
Thanks for the chance to win a copy. I have this book on my must read list for this year. Danielle from Michigan
I would love to read this book. It sounds powerfully profound. Growing up, I always longed for a sister, but my relationships with my brothers was so much easier than I think relationships would actually be between sisters.
Connie in Texas
I have been seeing this book on blogs, etc., and am so anxious to read it! I have read 3 of your books and love your writing. Thanks for the giveaway.
Jackie in GA
Hi, Tammie: It was so nice to see you pop up on the blog post! I hope our paths cross again soon in the writing world!
Hi, Britney: Thank you for being so encouraging and I think you would have fun meeting the Thatcher sisters. They definitely liven up a room!
Hi, Patty: It's nice to know you've read some of my books -- and thank you for the compliment. The Thatcher Sister Series marks my debut into women's fiction, and it feels like I've found like "home" as a writer.
Hi Danielle: Thanks for letting me know that you've had Things I Never Told You on your "must read" list. That made my day.
Hi Connie: A lot of people think boys are easier than girls -- and having raised one boy and three girls, I would agree that, in some ways, they are.
Hi Jackie: It's great to hear you love my writing. Things I Never Told You is something a bit different for me -- although there has always been an element of women's fiction in my novels, even when I was writing contemporary fiction.
I’ve heard so much about this book! Thanks for the post and giveaway.
Mindy from NJ
MJSH: That makes my day to know that you're hearing about Things I've Never Told You!
I've read several of Beth's books and enjoyed them. THINGS I NEVER TOLD YOU sounds very thought provoking and real. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Kansas
Hi, Pam, it's always fun to meet readers -- in person or via blog posts. Yes, Things I Never Told You is a change for me -- new genre and new publisher, but I'm excited for my readers to meet the Thatcher Sisters!
Beth's book sounds like a must read. I love the sister aspect of the story. It's great when authors try new genres. I think it shows their creativity.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in New York
This book sounds soooo good!! I don't have a sister, but I have 3 daughters. jawdance@yahoo.com
Judy Weaver
Hi, Anonymous: I first wrote nonfiction before crossing over to the "Dark Side" and writing fiction, specifically contemporary romance. But about two years ago, I began to feel unsettled and God caused that "bend in the writing road" and led me to women's fiction. I'm so excited about this new genre.
Hi,Judy: You know all about sister dynamics if you're raising 3 daughters!
Hello from Texas! Your books sounds fabulous in that family dynamics can be pretty interesting and ever shifting. Thanks for the review.
perrianne(DOT)Askew(AT)me(DOT)com
Perrianne
This book sounds very intriguing! Thank you for sharing.
Blessings!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
I love her books. Looking forward to reading this one! Thanks for the chance to win. Melissa in NC
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC
Every Beth K. Vogt book I've read has been fantastic! I've been hearing some really great things about this one, and would love to win it.
Pam in OH
sounds interesting! Shelia from Mississippi
Post a Comment