Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” A nonfiction writer and editor who said she’d never write fiction, Beth is now a novelist with Howard Books. She enjoys writing inspirational contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Connect with Beth on her website or check out her blog on quotes, In Others’ Words.
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Savanna: Welcome to The Engrafted Word, Beth! It’s wonderful to have you here and CONGRATULATIONS on your newest release, Somebody Like You ! Can you tell us what first sparked the idea for this novel?
Beth: I was already working on another manuscript when I began mulling over the idea for Somebody Like You. Every novel I write has some elements of real life woven into it and for Somebody Like You I mixed together two elements: the fact that I have a fraternal twin sister and the experience of being a military wife for almost 24 years.
Savanna: When you began writing, which character breathed the most vividly in your imagination? And which character was the hardest to write?
Beth: Haley Ames, the heroine, was easier for me to understand. Haley is a young widow and I’ve walked alongside several close friends who were widowed at young ages, so I tapped into those memories, those emotions.
Stephen Ames, the hero, was the most difficult character to write for the same reason: I understood what he was going through – being estranged from his brother. I’m in a season of estrangement with my extended family – something I never expected – and sometimes writing about Stephen’s heartache mirrored my own.
Savanna: Can you share with us one of your favorite quotes from the book?
Beth: This quote comes at the very end of the book and Stephen says it to Haley:
“I’m being courageous. Your movie hero John Wayne said, ‘Courage is being scared to death . . . and saddling up anyway.’”
I love this quote because it’s humorous – and it’s true. And it also didn’t come to me until I’d rewritten the ending at least three times. Once I figured it out, it was the perfect ending for the story. Both Haley and Stephen needed to be courageous to embrace the unpredictable who-would-have-ever-imagined-it future God had for them.
Savanna: In writing this story, were you drawn to any particular passage of Scripture as your characters faced their painful pasts and the unknown future? What would be a verse you’d share with readers standing before a crossroads in their own lives?
Beth: I pray over all my book dedications and after several months, I settled on this verse for Somebody Like You:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NIV
Often when we face a crossroads, we carry a heavy heart with us – leaving something or someone behind as we face an uncertain future. I love the promise of God’s comfort in this verse.
Savanna: As the author, what did you learn most from Haley and Stephen’s relationship and what do you hope your readers will take away most from their story?
Beth: I learned that love shows up when you least expect it – sometimes when you think you’re not ready for it – and that God delights in surprising us with an unexpected “yes” when we thought something – or someone – had to be a “no.”
Savanna: You write, speak, blog, and mentor – among so many other things. Are there any other doors once marked “Never” that you see opening up soon? 😉 A new project, opportunity, or hobby perhaps that you’re excited to begin?
Beth: As you know, I once said I’d never write fiction, so this falls into that category: I’m writing my first contemporary romance series – all my other novels have been stand-alones. I’m enjoying the process!
Savanna: Just for fun… since you write inspirational romance and we all love a good love story… Can you name one of your favorite romantic movies and one of your favorite romantic books?
Beth: Oh, the “pick one” question for movies and books are so difficult for me! I did just watch “While You Were Sleeping” with my 13-year-old daughter – that movie never gets old! A favorite romantic book? This may surprise you since I write contemporary romance: I fell in love with Georgette Heyer’s regency romances when I was in high school. To this day, I can pick up any one of her novels and immediately immerse myself into Regency England – and a delightful romance. A favorite is Faro’s Daughter.
Savanna: Thank you so much for joining us today, Beth! I loved this book and I’m so excited to see who will win the giveaway below for their own free copy. 😉
Readers, you can also connect with Beth on her website, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.
GIVEAWAY!!
Beth has graciously offered one copy of SOMEBODY LIKE YOU to one lucky winner!
-Leave your name and email in the comments below. (You MUST include your email to be qualified)
GET EXTRA ENTRIES:
(Be sure to tell me in the comments below)
-Subscribe to The Engrafted Word
-Like The Engrafted Word on Facebook
-Share this Giveaway on Social Media
Thanks for entering! Contest is open only in the U.S. and ends July 15, 2014.
Winner will be notified by email.
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Thanks for the interview Beth and Savanna!!
“Somebody Like You” sounds like a heart-warming book full of emotion – I haven’t read any of Beth’s books and would love to read this one!!
I’m praying for you re: that extended family estrangement, Beth!!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a subscriber,FB follower, and have shared this post on FB!!
Hi Bonnie! This was my first time reading one of Beth’s books as well and I loved it. I’m sure you will too! You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway. Thanks for joining us!
Bonnie:
I treasure your prayers, truly.
I am trusting God in this time. He is a God of reconciliation. I know that.
Thank you for the giveaway! Beth, I really enjoyed your interview. I’m also praying for your family situation. God bless you both!
writer_weaverATyahooDOTcom
We’re glad you could join us, Anna! Thanks for reading and sharing. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway as well. Good luck! 😉
Anna:
Such a blessing to be prayed for by the Body of Christ.
Thank you, Anna.
Also, I’m a fan on Facebook and I shared the giveaway on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
A wonderful interview and the book sounds like one I would love to read. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. Will be praying for Beth and her family situation also. I am a FB fan, a subscriber and have shared the post.
God bless.
It’s great to see you again, Ann. I hope you get the chance to read this story soon. Thanks for following my blog. You’ll receive 4 entries in the drawing as well.
Ann:
I am just blessed how this interview and giveaway has turned into a time of intercession.
Thank you.
That was fun! I’m starting to really get into these interviews. Before I didn’t bother, but thats just because I am impatient lol. But what insight this provided into the book I MAY win 😉 The “losing someone” and “being estranged” from others is all too familiar for me. In this season of sickness, I find myself withdrawn and estranged from people I know I love. And I know that requires patience with myself. Very curious to read what encouragement her book will provide! THANKS FOR THE CHAT AND GIVEAWAY!!!
Debra Stevens
debrastevens452@gmail.com
OH! and i SUBSCRIBED, LIKED AND SHARED!! 😀
It’s great to have you here, Debra. I’m glad you enjoyed our little chat. 😉 This moving story definitely encouraged me and I hope the Lord encourages you and blesses you as well. And may He bring peace and healing to you and your loved ones during this time. Thanks for sharing. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway.
Debra:
I took time to pray for you before replying to your comment.
I too went through a season of prolonged illness, so I empathize.
Hi Savannah! I’m not here to enter, since I already bought my own copy. 🙂 I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your interview! Beth is one of my favorite contemporary authors. I recently reread Wish You Were Here, and have read Catch a Falling Star twice (I’m thinking it might be time for a third read soon). Her books always touch my heart – the characters are so real and I just adore all of them! I’m so excited to hear that she’s starting a new series and cannot wait to read it (though I know I have to)!
Anyway, thanks!
God bless,
~Sarah
Hi Sarah! I’m always so happy to see you here! 😉 Yay! Another fan of Beth’s. I definitely need to get my hands on a copy of her other books. I’ve heard so many great things about every one of them. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah:
I’m taking time out from my deadline to respond to these comments — and you just put a huge smile on my face! My next novel is called “Crazy Little Thing Called Love — it’s part of a Destination Wedding series. Then I start right on a novella titled “Can’t Buy Me Love. Stay tuned!
Love her books and your blog!!
I have subscribed, liked, and shared. Thanks for interview and giveaway!
mo1202007@yahoo.com
Thanks, Melissa! You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway. Good luck!
Hi, Melissa:
Thanks for dropping by this interview! I love being hosted on Savanna’s blog.
Great interview, as usual. I enjoyed getting to know more about you. I have seen this book promoted and it has peaked my interest. I happen to be more of a historical fiction kind of girl. So I love it when I find a great author in another genre, like a contemporary when I want a break. This is on my wish list!
I like, subscribe and will share.
Hi Nancy! I’m more of a historical fiction kind of girl myself, but I loved this story and I’m sure you will too. Like you said, sometimes it’s nice for a break and fun to read something different. This book you won’t want to miss! Good luck in the giveaway. You’ll receive your 4 entries.
Hi, Nancy:
I enjoy historical too.
Have you read Kristy Cambron’s debut, The Violin and the Butterfly? It has both a historical and a contemporary storyline.
I also just read Brandy Vallance’s book The Covered Deep for endorsement. Watch for it. She won the Christian Writers Guild’s First Novel Contest.
Thanks I will keep an eye out for it. I haven’t read Kristy’s book yet, but it is definitely on my wish list.
A lovely giveaway and a wonderful interview. Many thanks.
Thanks for joining us, Anne! Good luck in the giveaway as well.
New facebook like and thanks for the chance. I like your facebook page.
Welcome to my blog, Rita! And thanks for sharing this interview. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway. 🙂
I am a new subscriber to your e-mails.
I shared this giveaway here-https://www.facebook.com/rita.spratlen/posts/716002038447307
Thanks for the interview with Beth and the giveaway! I have shared on Twitter and Facebook and Pinterest.
Blessings,
Tina
Hi, Tina! Thanks for joining in the giveaway fun!
We’re glad you stopped in, Tina. And we appreciate your help in spreading the word. 😉 You’ll receive an extra entry as well.
Shared, Liked, subscribed
Would so love to win Beth’s book!
Hi, Cheryl,
Thanks for taking part in the giveaway!
Awesome, Cheryl! You’ll receive 4 entries in the drawing. Good luck! 😉
I love Beth’s books… I haven’t read this one yet and can’t wait! 🙂
Hi, Lisa:
I hope you have a chance to read “SLY,” as I call it. And if you enjoy it, please post reviews. Positive reviews are gold to authors.
Awww, Lisa, you’ll love it! Here’s to a giveaway win! 😉
I follow Beth on facebook. I liked the question about something Beth would never do. My husband died 12 years ago, and two weeks later, someone asked me when I was getting married again! Apparently, in her mind, an unmarried female is a nobody, but I enjoy my life as it is, and I have always said I would never get married again. So far, I have stuck to it.
Hello, Lisa:
I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s death. This same thing happened with one of my friends — and I was appalled. I think people are just uncomfortable with death and loss and they just don’t know what to say.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss as well, Lisa. Thank you for stopping in and sharing with us. Blessings to you!
Very nice interview. I would love to read your books, but have not had the chance to yet. I love historical and hope to have a chance to read some of your works, soon. Sonja dot Nishimoto at gmail dot com
Welcome, Sunnie! I’m glad you enjoyed the interview and I hope you get the chance to read some of Beth’s great stories soon. 🙂
Thank you for the giveaway! The book is on my TBR summer list 🙂
I subscribed, liked on FB & Tweeted giveaway.
Ljbayer44(at)gmail(dot)com
Wonderful, Lauren! Thanks for sharing. 😉 You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway. Good luck to ya!
I am a subscriber to the Engrafted Word and a FB follower. The books look great!
Thanks, Joan! I’ve already drawn the winner for this giveaway, but I’m so glad you stopped in. I hope you will definitely check out Beth’s latest book. You won’t regret it! 🙂