FAQS: REFRAMED

A few weeks ago, some of my most favorite people on the planet threw me a Book Signing Party. It was incredible, I truly could not have dreamed of a better experience and encapsulation of all things Reframed. I felt so loved and so seen in that moment, and I can never thank my sweet friends enough.

A portion of the evening was dedicated to a Q&A, and although my dad did film the entire event, (and force my loved ones to watch it, as proud dads do) I am choosing not to force my ramblings onto my beloved readers. Instead, in a calm and cool fashion, you will get all the same answers they received, without having to witness my hands flailing about in animated gestures.

Included below are questions asked that night, and ones I had prepared for just in case. I hope it gives you all the knowledge you may, or may not, be seeking about Reframed.

How did you come up with the story?

I am what they call a pantser in the writing world, which means I write by the seat of my pants 😉 I do not have a plot of what will happen. Rather, it is usually one scene from each story that appears in my mind, and the rest of the tale tells itself to me. I honestly can’t take a lot of credit for my work 😂

How did you come up with the character names?

This post is going to reveal how little effort I put into this author thing 😂 I don’t spent a lot of time or decision making for each of my characters names. Some of them just appear, like Chet’s, while others get saddled with a place holder that they end up growing into.

With the Youngs, many of the family names they gift their children are names from my own ancestry.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Usually just under a year. For me, putting each manuscript through four drafting processes works best, and I take breaks in between each one. But, that’s the nice thing about writing, each author can do whatever works best for them.

How did you come up with the playlist?

As we all know here on Negative (N)ellie, curating the playlist for each book is one of my favorite parts of the process. I love it! It allows me to force some of my favorite music on my characters 😉 However, some of the best songs on the playlists are the ones that I have to hunt for a little more. These are the ones that usually capture the characters or a scene best.

Do you have any advice for up and coming authors?

I do! Write 😂 Lame, I know, but you just can’t stop. Sometimes we get so caught up in making it perfect the first time, that we cut ourselves off before we can really begin. The first draft is never going to be perfect, that is the beauty of it! It just gets to be. And then, when you return and know your characters a little better, you can turn it into exactly what you want it to be. Just get crap down 😂

Are any of the characters based off of people in real life?

Not intentionally 😂 Without realizing it, Mari from Reframed is 1000% me. Oops. And Gracie, Chet’s younger sister, reminds me a lot of my mother.

I feel the need to publicly state that none of my grandmothers are like Grandma Helen. Everybody’s favorite character just came into being all on her own, with knitting needles in hand and sass on her mouth.

Who is your favorite character?

Nope. Doesn’t work that way. They are all my favorites. Even Ben, in the next book, who received his inspiration from of my younger brother’s worst roommate stories.

Why independent publishing?

I have a whole post about that, which will be linked below for you to peruse at your leisure, but really because the Lord knew it would be what was best for me. The process was fairly easy, I get to work with a cover artist that I love, things are done on my timetable, and my babies get to stay exactly as I imagined them. Wins all around.

How can we support you?

This was by far one of the sweetest questions that was asked. I was so grateful for it.

By buying the book, of course, which so many of you have already been so kind to do. However, reviews and ratings go a long way for indie authors. It lets the algorithm know this book is worth promoting to others. And finally, word of mouth!

But I promise, simple prayers in this journey are something I am so, so grateful for.

How many books are in the series?

There will be four books in the Young Family Love Stories. Three will follow the love story of each of the Young Siblings, Chet, Gracie, and Rob, and the final with be the romantic tale of Mari’s younger brother, Miguel. We all have my mom to thank for begging me to pen that one.

How do you pronounce Mari’s name?

Mar-ee 😁

Why Latter-day Romance?

I’ve heard lots of authors say that they write the story that they want to read, and that is no different for me. Sweet romances are the books I love to read.

I’ve been so blessed to grow up in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and those truths live in me. I can’t stop them from coming out in my writing. But also, I wanted to make sure that everyone along my journey could read this book without being uncomfortable. The Young Women I have taught, past leaders, my grandmas, I wanted everyone to be able to read a book with heart, laughter, and Gospel principles.

What did you learn the most while writing Reframed?

I’ve noticed that with each book, often times what the character is learning is the lesson the Lord is currently trying to teach me. This is extra true with Mari, since we are so much alike.

Mari spends the whole book pushing people away to protect herself and her sanity. She has been let down by her father in the past, and feels that the only people she can truly rely on herself, the Savior, and Heavenly Father. Letting others in is not an option.

But, that is not the way to live. It is not how They want us to live. It is not the happiest, most fulfilling way to spend our days. It is isolating and heartbreaking and overwhelming. Seeking others isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength. And that’s the lesson I needed to learn. Not sure if I’ve done it yet, but I’m trying very hard not to follow in Mari’s stomping footsteps.

Did I get them all? Let me know if you have any other questions about Reframed. Happy reading!