Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Beth!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a novelist who said she’d never write fiction until – and then God turned a season of burnout into a bend in the writing road.
I always have a stash of Jelly Bellys in my writing office.
I’ve learned to write in the midst of interruptions rather than waiting for life to slow down and get quiet. (Because really? When was that going to happen?)
What is your novel, Somebody Like You, about?
Somebody Like You asks the question: Can a young widow fall in love with her husband’s reflection. Four months after Haley Ames’s husband Sam is killed in Afghanistan she discovers he has an identical twin brother, Stephen.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was that kid who went to the library and came out carrying a stack of books as tall as she was. I always finished them before it was time to go back to the library, and then I would write my own stories. By the time I was in middle school, I was asking my English teacher to read my short stories. And she did, bless her. (I should find Mrs. Gossart and thank her!)
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
When I’m trying to figure out how a character says something I often talk out loud or sometimes I make hand motions or facial expressions when I’m trying to figure out how to describe what a character does. Sometimes I look up to find my family staring at me – and then they bust out laughing.
Where do you like to write?
I have an amazing office that two of my friends, Sonia and Shari, helped me organize. They have that skillset. I don’t.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Um, plot a new story? No, really, I like to go walking with my husband and daughter and our two dogs or play card games with my family. My husband and I often provide the groceries for dinner and then we clear out of the kitchen and let our kids cook. We have three older children who are married who live close enough to visit and a 13-year-old. They all love to cook.
What is your favorite genre to read and why?
I read both fiction and nonfiction but my favorite … that’s hard. I would say romance. Yeah, I write what I love.
What is your least favorite genre to read?
I don’t do murder mysteries.
Is there a place you'd like to visit, but haven’t yet?
I want to go to Australia one day.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Romans 5: 1-2 (The Message) By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.
Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
My favorite song changes, but right now it is Kari Jobe’s “You are for Me.” And I love the movie “The Kid” with Bruce Willis.
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas – love the music, the traditions, the memories, the significance of Christmas.
What is your favorite season and why is it your fav?
I love summertime. I’m always ready for school to be out, although I only have one child left in school. And I like the longer days, the whole attitude of summer.
Some this-or-that questions:
Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Snowstorms
Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
Tea or Coffee? Tea (just ask my kiddos about my tea stash)
Call or Text? Call
Cats or Dogs? Yes – although right now we’re all about dogs
Early-bird or Night-owl? Early-bird
Introvert or Extrovert? I am an introvert who can function as an extrovert.
Facebook or Twitter? I enjoy both … equally.
Mystery or Romance? Romance
Sneakers or Sandals? Barefoot. (Sorry, I made up a different answer.)
Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?
I am working on a new Destination Wedding series for Howard Books.
Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?
My website is at bethvogt.com and you can find my blog, In Others’ Words, right there too. I’m a quote aficionado and so on M, W, F, I share a an inspiring or fun quote and get a conversation started with my blog followers.
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