Shannon here: Jenny Carlisle shares what characteristics she does and doesn’t have in common with her main characters. Comment or answer the question in any post dated Aug 16th – 19th to enter the drawing for a print copy of her Women’s Fiction title, Hope Takes the Reins. Deadline: Aug 27th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Jenny:
Hope Takes the Reins is my first fiction novel. It’s not the first manuscript I’ve completed. Over the years of lack of interest and rejection, I believe I’ve learned not to write every character to be just like me. The people in my book have their own personalities. Of course, they will pick up some similarities from me along the way, but until I am wildly famous, no one wants to read my autobiography.
Hope Caldwell is only a year or so out of high school, but she’s spent her whole life around the rodeo. That’s something I have only dreamed of. My experience with rodeo events has been from the grandstand. Maybe that’s a good thing because for me, there have been no downsides. When we are near horses, my husband knows I want to be close to get as much of the atmosphere as possible, including the unmistakable combination of scents. I love the literal earthiness of it all.
Hope and I share memories of our mother’s cancer journeys. This story takes place while her grief is still fresh. Conflicting feelings of regret and disappointment mix with the love she felt for her mom. As events unfold, she longs to be able to consult her mentor. I totally identify, since my mom chose to handle her cancer treatment her own way, leaving me wondering what might have been. But, even years later, I would love to get her opinion on what is happening in my world.
Hope, like her mom, is much more methodical and exacting than I am.
She reminds me of my own mom, who spent her working years as a banker. Where I have a tendency to “go with the flow” and make the best of whatever happens, Hope does sweat all the details, and I think she enjoys that. The bottom line of the rodeo business is where she finds her security. As you’ll see, this ramps up the conflict for Hope as the continuation of the rodeo comes into question.
One thing my main female character and I have in common is our faith in God. He grounds us, gives us something to come back to. Like Hope, my prayers are an ongoing conversation. I know my heavenly Father is always there, always listening. When Hope’s friend and neighbor O.D. Billings begins to feel like he’s alone in his struggles, Hope is there to remind him that nothing can separate us from the love of God.
If you haven’t read the first book in my Crossroads series, check out Hope Takes the Reins. It tells the story of a young couple who are redefining their position in their community, and their roles in their own families. Just like in real life, they need to learn to let God take control. I hope you’ll enjoy the ride!
Question for Readers: How are you like your own parents? In what ways are you totally different?
About Jenny: Jenny Carlisle is the author of Hope Takes the Reins, a contemporary women’s fiction novel set in her home state of Arkansas. Her own 46 year marriage to her high school prom date inspires the sweet romance in her stories. The two families in this first book will reappear in the remaining titles of the Crossroads series, as well as in a planned Christmas novella in 2023. All will be published by Scrivening’s Press. Learn more & connect:
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About the book – Hope Takes the Reins:
O.D. Billings has lived in the shadow of his brothers all his life. Even his name brings him down, so he has used only initials for years. Now, his older brother has returned home from the army, rejecting the role his family expects him to assume in their pickup truck dealership, and the younger brother is intent on risking his life on the back of a bucking bull. O.D.’s fans at the rodeo love his confident swagger during tie-down roping competitions, but every trail he heads down on his own seems to wind up going nowhere.
Hope Caldwell’s world is still reeling after her mom’s recent death from cancer. She thrives on keeping the family’s rodeo business going. Getting back to normal seems impossible when she overhears her uncle’s plans to sell out. How can she continue without the only way of life she has known for all of her nineteen years? Can she rely on the help of a big-talking cowboy? Or does he have too many problems of his own?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Get your copy now!
Come back Aug 23rd for Joi Copeland!
I am like my mother because I am devoted to my family like she was. I am different than my mom in that she is dependent on others to a negative extreme which I refuse to be that dependent.
I am independent like my mom and stubborn like my day
I have a winner! Jeanette Plummer won the drawing. I appreciate Jenny for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.