Monday, July 1, 2013

Featured Debut Novelist: Becky Wade


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Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University and is the author of contemporary romance novels My Stubborn Heart and Undeniably Yours

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She's been a fan of all things romantic ever since.

These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband.

The following is a July 2013 interview with Becky.

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Be in to win one copy of Undeniably Yours

Contest open to entrants worldwide.

Contest runs from July 1 - 15 NZDT

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Tell us a little about yourself.

I was raised in southern California, but now live in Dallas, Texas with my husband, three children (ages 12, 9, 4) and one gorgeous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.


What inspired you to become a novelist, and did you always want to write?

No, I didn't always want to write but I did always loved to read.

Shortly after my husband and I were married, we followed his job to the Caribbean island of Anguilla.  The government there restricted me from taking a job that would have otherwise gone to a local.  So I volunteered, started playing tennis, kept house, watched Days of our Lives, and read books.

As it happened, I came across a book I disliked so much and I looked at it and thought, "I wonder if I could do this better?"  That idea, the idea of trying my hand at writing, took hold.  I sat down and started a manuscript.

Well... I was terrible!  I'd imagined that I could write, but until I tried it myself I had no inkling how difficult it would be.  That first novel and the one that came after were never purchased by publishing houses.  Steadily and slowly, though, as I learned the craft and continually practiced, I began to improve.


What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?

Christian fiction is significant because it does what we were all put on this planet to do -- it glorifies God.

I really do regard my work as a ministry and I constantly pray for God's equipping and guidance as I'm writing a manuscript.  I think the faith story in my books gives them a depth and meaning they wouldn't otherwise possess.


How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write? 

I hope they can't put them down.  I hope they fall in love with the heroes and relate/sympathize with the heroines.  I hope the romance sweeps them away.  I hope my books make them laugh, get teary-eyed, and praise the Lord for His great love.

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What has been the most surprising aspect to becoming a published novelist? 
That everyone in my family still looks to me to grocery shop, cook, clean, and do all the laundry.

That publishing books is as fun and deeply exciting as it is.


How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ? 

It's grown my faith.  It's daunting to take on the task of writing an entire novel!  Especially for a mom of three.

Each day, before I write, I hit my knees and pray.  I confess to God that I've taken on something so big that I'll fail unless He is in it.  Then I give it over to Him, put my fingers on the computer's keyboard, and step out in faith that He'll lead me to write the book He envisions.


Other than being a novelist, what other goals do you have for your life?

I hope to raise kids who will follow the Lord's call on their life.  I want to revisit Europe.  I'd love to have a little lake or beach house one day.  I want to keep my body fit and (maybe ironically) I also want to eat more chocolate.


What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I'm a tennis player!  I play on a women's doubles team and really enjoy getting out in the fresh air to compete and socialize.

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What can you tell us about your debut novel?

My Stubborn Heart is, for me, a miracle book.  I began it seven years after I'd abandoned my first career as an author (in the general market).  At the time, I was the mother of two young children and expecting my third baby.  That I was able to complete the book is truly a testament to God's faithfulness.

My Stubborn Heart tells the story of Matt, an ex-pro hockey player devastated by the loss of his wife.   And Kate, a single Christian girl who's been praying for a husband since girlhood.  They're both committed to renovate the same old house.  But God has far greater plans.


My Stubborn Heart

"A beautiful story that proves sometimes falling in love is a matter of faith. Becky Wade creates characters readers will love."
--Lisa Wingate, national bestselling author of Blue Moon Bay and Dandelion Summer


Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can't help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can't quite put her finger on. He's clearly wounded--hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.

When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?


"I love finding new authors, and Becky Wade is definitely one to watch. Her debut novel offers romance, laughter, and poignancy. The perfect combination for a night out with you and your book."
--Deeanne Gist, bestselling author of A Bride Most Begrudging and Love on the Line


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What stories can your fans expect from you in the days ahead?

My second contemporary Christian romance released in May.  It's called Undeniably Yours.  My next one, Meant to be Mine, will hit shelves in the the first half of 2014.


Undeniably Yours

When Meg Cole's father dies unexpectedly, she's forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of his empire. The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father's Thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

Bo knows he ought to resent the woman who's determined to take from him the only job he ever wanted. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them and earn her love.

Just when Meg realizes she can no longer deny the depth of her feelings for Bo, their fragile bond is broken by a force from Meg's past. Can their relationship--and their belief that God can work through every circumstance--survive?


My Stubborn Heart
[Purchase:  Amazon.com | Amazon Kindle]


Undeniably Yours (Porter Family Series #1)
[Purchase:  Amazon.com | Amazon Kindle]


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What would you like to say to your upcoming fans in New Zealand and around the world?

Thanks for reading this interview!  I wish I had an opportunity to get to know you the very same way.  If you have a chance to read my books, I truly hope that they bless and entertain you.  I'd love to connect with you on Facebook or via my web site.


Do you have any parting words?

Thank you, Ellie, for your kind invitation to visit Soul Inspirationz.  I'm honored to have been asked and I greatly appreciate all that you do to support Christian fiction.  Thank you!



Buy Becky's Books at The Book Depository

Free Delivery on all Books at the Book Depository

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

Be in to win one copy of Undeniably Yours
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from July 1 - 15 NZDT

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