Monday, June 25, 2018

My “Entangled” Regret + #Giveaway ~ Julie Arduini


Whispers in Purple is pleased to once again welcome author Julie Arduini back, this time sharing her writing story on Everything Old is New Again. PLUS, she's offering a free copy of this featured bool. See below for details.

Take it away, Julie. 




My “Entangled” Regret + #Giveaway

by Julie Arduini

One fun tradition I enjoyed with my Surrendering Time Series was hosting a book club at my home church after each release. What made the meetings different was I gave exclusive behind-the-scenes secrets to chapters, scenes, plot twists, and characters.
I remember the last meeting for Entangled, Book 2, we talked about the ending and I also shared the first chapter for the final book in the series, Engaged. Then I shared my final secret.

I really struggled writing Entangled.

I still feel guilty about that, because the feedback was strongest for that book. The theme was surrendering regret, and I believe God takes me through the theme first. When I was writing Entangled I felt God leading me to start my own writing and speaking ministry, so I created Surrendered Scribe Media. It also meant I had to re release the first book, Entrusted, under Surrendered Scribe Media. Formatting for print and eBook are separate, so by the end of Entangled, I actually released four books within two weeks.
I also attended our oldest son’s out-of-state wedding and hosted our other son’s high school graduation.

My stress was so high I literally made myself ill. I forgot to eat and drink and ended up dehydrated and honestly, bitter.

Yet, a month or so later after starting the book club, I was struck with my own regret. The ladies were devouring Entangled. They were finding treasures from God I didn’t even know I wrote. They dug far deeper into the book than I had. They were having fun. I had not, and I regretted that.

I think being overwhelmed was a big factor, and I also couldn’t relate to the heroine like I had with Jenna in Entrusted. Carla is a single mom full of regret because she became a mom when she was still in high school. She was gifted an amazing opportunity and struggled the entire time because she felt undeserving. Carla’s unworthiness was so deep she sabotaged her blessings. It was a difficult situation to write. Two years later, I’m in awe of Carla. She’s stronger than she gives herself credit for. Turns out, I learned a lot about myself through her, especially when it comes to surrendering regret.
Now I can say I’m really proud of Entangled.


Excerpt:

A twenty-minute run. That’s all I need. Just enough time to feel free.
Instead, the Hamilton County DA places a neon green gift bag in my hand. He then looks to the crowd. “Just forty-eight hours and our very own Carla Rowling will go from handcuffs to haircuts.”
The Piseco Inn meeting room is wall-to-wall people. My fellow law enforcement, paramedic, and fire and rescue colleagues hand me gifts and joke at the idea of me leaving for beauty school.
I paste on a smile as I lift a pair of black running shoes with hot pink trim from layers of tissue paper, but my focus is on my breathing. Steady and even. Like when I’m running.
“From squad car to standing all day. What a switch.” Fred Beebe, retired bank president, grins.
I stand and balance my arm on Joanie, the county dispatcher, as I slip off the three-inch heels I borrowed from my best friend Jenna and try on the comfy shoes.
“Hey, Carla! Will you wear those as you run with scissors to chase perps out of your hair salon?” Jack Hunt, my replacement, snorts from laughing too hard.
“Do they fit?” Joanie looks to the empty box on the floor where wrapping paper and ribbon litter the area.
I nod, let go, and sit. “They’re so comfortable I’m going to wear them for the rest of my party.” And as soon as I can, break these sneakers in. There's nothing like the feel of new running shoes, and no better time to use them than when the walls feel like they’re closing in.
Will Marshall, my truck-driving boyfriend of less than a year, adjusts his bright orange hunting cap and places his hand over mine. “Carla, those shoes are going to be great for the long days at your salon.” He turns to Joanie and winks. “What a nice gift. You all have the best ideas to transform our favorite sheriff to our new stylist.”
Looking around, I see my former colleagues from around Hamilton, the only county in New York State that doesn’t have traffic lights. The people smile and chant my name. Their grins seem sincere as they point to the table full of packages. Gifts I’ll never deserve.
“C’mon, keep opening your presents so we can have cake.” My thirteen-year old son, Noah, never wastes time, especially when it comes to food. He walks over and grabs a stack of wrapped boxes
I sigh and rest my moist hands on my lap. “Okay. Hand me another. By the looks of that pile, we’ll be here all week.”
Will chuckles. “Sweetie, you don’t have that kind of time. You start beauty school in two days.”
I glance at the door, my breathing no longer steady, but fast. Beads of sweat form at my hairline and I regret not putting my hair in a ponytail without bangs. Probably everyone’s counting the perspiration drops falling on my jeans.
I have to run.



Where to find Julie:

Monthly Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dCFG

Julie says ... I’d love to give away a free copy of Entangled. Leave a comment below with something that was hard for you to surrender, and I’ll choose a random winner to receive a copy of Entangled. US winner can choose between softcover or eBook. International winner automatically receives eBook. If you need ideas, Entrusted was about surrendering fear, loss, and change. Entangled was about regret, and Engaged was about surrendering dreams for God’s plans. Drawing ends one week from today on Monday, July 2, at Midnight CDT.



1 comment:

  1. Thank you, Peggy, for letting me share Entangled and the story behind it!

    ReplyDelete