Please welcome
Beth Goddard
Her debut novel
Seasons of Love
Visit her at:
Tell us a little about your book?
What author’s books do you enjoy reading?
What one bit of advice would you give to aspiring writers?
What inspired you to write this particular book?
Tell us what we have to look forward to in the future. What new projects are you working on?
What message do you hope readers gain from your novel?
I’m a 7th generation Texan but moved to Oregon three years ago. I’ll always consider Texas my home but I’ve grown to love Oregon, especially the majestic beauty—Crater Lake and the Oregon coast are two of my favorite places. My husband pastors a small church, and I home school four children. If that wasn’t enough—I work hard to carve out time to write. I enjoy reading historicals, mysteries, suspense, thrillers, fantasy and science fiction! So it follows that I also have an interest in writing in those genres—but the main point is that I enjoy a good book as long as it takes me into another world and is filled with plenty of action, adventure and gives me something deep—a nugget to think about.
Years ago I saw a snippet on the news about cranberry farming. For some reason it caught my attention and fascinated me. I knew that I would eventually write a story set on a cranberry farm. So the inspiration was the setting. I find that in most of my ideas, the setting is what inspires me..
I enjoyed the research because I had numerous conversations with cranberry farmers via email, which was great fun. What I enjoyed least was the editing and rewriting.
Many people want to write a novel and it always comes down to—when I have the time. But published novelists know that you have to make the time and you will if that’s important. When you become published you add to that already full plate marketing yourself and your book, writing and trying to sell new proposals, and if you’re contracted, working on your current book. The time requirements have grown exponentially.
Well, considering the wide variety of genres I enjoy—there are many. But there are several authors that I eagerly read almost everything they publish. I love Randy Ingermanson’s work and am eagerly awaiting a new book from him, same with his Oxygen co-author, John Olson. Stephen Lawhead is another all-time favorite, Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. Mystery writer Lorena McCourtney, historicals from Bonnie Leon, Tamera Alexander and Francine Rivers. Science Fiction from Kathy Tyers and I recently finished Chris Walley’s The Shadow and Night. Loved it! Read anything Karen Hancock writes. The list goes on and I’m sure there are many I’ve forgotten to list here—forgive me friends!
That it’s all about God—to seek Him and love Him.
What new projects are you working on? I’m working on a mystery right now and hoping to write a romantic suspense, and then a thriller I’ve been percolating.
Thank you so much for the interview. I’m currently selling Seasons of Love through signedbytheauthor.com and all proceeds are going to fundraising efforts to send my daughter on a missionary trip to South Africa. You can find out more by visiting my blog at http://www.bethgoddard.blogspot.com or my website http://www.bethgoddard.com
Thank you, Beth for sharing with us!
Check out her new release and her website at the above links.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?
Tell us a little about yourself?
Seasons of Love is a Heartsong Presents romance but I’ve heard back from readers how much they enjoyed the mystery. Here’s the book blurb:
When Grandpa Sanderford asks Riley O'Hare to give up her climb on the corporate ladder and take over the family cranberry farm in Massachusetts, she actually considers it. Her mind is made up when her brother dies and she becomes the guardian of his son. Riley hopes the move and her new roles will help her find the purpose and peace she desires.
With the death of his friend and business partner, Zane Baldwyn's world is turned upside down, and his company is in trouble. As he looks to replace John, strange things begin to happen that makes Zane wonder if John's death was really accidental. Riley has a farm to save, and Zane has a mystery to solve. Somehow the two goals seem related. As Riley and Zane are drawn closer together, can they stay out of danger and discover a season of love?
The same advice that was given to me and kept me going—never give up. I completely believe in the old adage that success is 10 percent talent and 90 percent persistence. That might not be the exact wording but the meaning is there. Yes, talent is required, but there are many talented people who never make it because they lack persistence. No matter what happens, just keep forging ahead and one day it will happen. Let me add to that to seek God’s will for your life, and if you know that it’s where the Lord has you, just keep doing His Will and find your joy in that.
What has been the most unexpected challenge you've had with becoming a published author?
Tell us a little about your main character and how you developed him/her?
I developed my main character from my own life experience. After spending years in corporate American climbing the ladder to success, I learned so many things about life and what brings happiness, what is important to God.
