Welcome to another vlog! After reading Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz, I wanted to talk about characters and what makes a book memorable to you. I would love to chat in the comments, so please feel free to weigh in with your thoughts!
After playing this back, I realize (again) that I’m A) a complete dork and B) really need to clean my kitchen before I record another video 😀
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With Christmas around the corner, I wanted to make sure that all of you knew that if you are giving a copy of BE STILL MY SOUL as a gift, please let me know and I will send you some bookplates and bookmarks! You can get more info HERE!
First off, you are a sweet person and did a great job on your vlog post, Joanne.
I love connecting with characters in a story. I want to like the main characters, feel for them, cheer for them. I don’t like them to be perfect. I much prefer watching them learn the lessons they need to learn, change, and grow. I have a soft soft for wounded characters.
Some characters that stand out for me in recent books I’ve read are Lonnie in Be Still My Soul by a talented author I know, Caleb in A Bride Sews with Love in Needles, California by Erica Vetsch, and Ingrid in A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller.
Keli, It’s so good to hear from you! I kept thinking what a shame it was to be so close to your neck of the woods and not get to meet, but I’m hoping to go to ACFW this year and am so looking forward to getting to connect there, if you’re going!
I agree, I love watching an imperfect character grow. And we have something very much in common–that soft spot for wounded characters. 🙂 I’m so glad you connected with Lonnie. It’s been fun to work on the next two books and spend more time with her. I will have to check out the book by Erica Vetsch and the one by Serena Miller. I’ve heard such good things about both those authors and their fiction.
Loved getting to see your beautiful face talk about one of my favorite subjects! 🙂 I’ve heard this now about “Love’s Reckoning” from a few sources, and can’t wait to read it.
I agree that memorable characters come from connectability. Sometimes it’s a quirk that texturizes them; in our online book club we were just discussing the villain of our current book, “Against the Tide.” He has a passion for antiquated books, makes it his life’s purpose to rescue them from the “undeserving”, to protect them in temperature-controlled perfect conditions (and this back in the 1800s). And yet, to fund this passion, he makes money in the heroin trade, and cuts people down without a second thought to achieve his ends. Such a stark contrast, such misplaced passion– and so memorable. And the hero is equally memorable, equally passionate, with reasons that run deep. Excellent book, and excellent examples of memorable characters.
My face talking is a funny thing right now, especially since I have just lost my voice. I was thinking, “Oh, THAT’s what it sounds like.” hehe.
My mom has been telling me about the book you are reading for the book club this month. I’m going to read this one and am looking forward to it. That is such an interesting quirk for a character. The contrast between what the villian cares about, compared to the evil that they do. It must make for a very unique and deeply formed villian!
Er kann nicht siroun,,Jgey,,wanem mußte Vanessa gehen?es gibt Leute die rufen sooooooooooooo dumm an,,,dieses DSDS ist das schlechteste was bis jetzt war,,,,
Annie Johnson *This is just so cool*I would love to partisapate because I do have your*IN TIME*cd but I dont own a camera or camera phone*We poor folks miss out on all the good things*I love your *IN TIME *cd and put my headphones on whenever the storms and tornados come through*Your voice and music make me feel safer and calm my nerves so I am not so afraid until they pass*Congradulations on the two year anniversary of *IN TIME*.Looking forward to your next CD*Hugs and Love always*ANNIE*from DALLAS,TEXAS*XXX <3 <3 <3
/ then why are you here? go watch something you like? instead of slamming something you hate just to grab attention. I know you have your opinion but what you’re doing is pointless and stupid. so just quit bothering BTR fans. Thanks.
It’s spooky how clever some ppl are. Thanks!
Elaine, your little froggie banner makes me smile!Mm. Daniel Craig. I was never into Bond until I met my 007-loving husband. Now that Daniel’s on the scene, I go to Bond flicks with my girlfriends!Thank you for the standing O, which is going down very well with my morning coffee, LOL. Enjoy the sizzle, enjoy the caffeine, enjoy your day! And thanks for reading!
Haha, it’s the same way here in North Carolina with the snow. Like there’ll be the teeniest chance of snow, and then you go out and see people stocking up like the apocalypse is coming. …and then half the time nothing happens, and everyone gets a snow day that has to be made up over spring break. Good times…
I do sort of have a crush on him, but in a hypothetical way. We’re very proper here. Ideally I would be 15 and would have Type 1 diabetes myself, as a conversation starter.
This book sounds like a wonderful read that I will look forward to and have added to my “must read” list. When I read a story, it is the characters – good and bad – that pull me in. As the characters respond to their circumstances it is what makes the story. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings!
Love’s Reckoning has been so enjoyable. I’m just a few pages from the end and I’m so glad that I discovered Laura Frantz’s fiction. I will definitely be getting her other books! You put it so well, “As the characters respond to their circumstances it is what makes the story” Often, it’s those roadblocks that make a story interesting, isn’t it? 🙂
First, I want to return the 1984-er squeezy hug you sent me yesterday on my birthday. Love you!
Second, you are awesome!
Third, I agree about characters. Some characters in books I’ve read lately who stuck with me were Kate in Becky Wade’s “My Stubborn Heart” and Issy in Susan May Warren’s “My Foolish Heart” (something about Heart titles, I guess. LOL).
Lindsay, I hope you had the best birthday. I hope it was so very special for you! I am yet to read a Becky Wade book or a Susan May Warren book, but both of those ladies are so well known and seem so classy and kind, that I definitely want to pick up their fiction. Thanks for the recommendation! I know that ACFW is a waaaaays off but I hope we will both be there for a real-live 1984 squeezy hug!
Are you planning to go this year? I am! Lots of 1984-er hugs will be a MUST! 😛
Yes! SO planning on it. Putting pennies into my piggy bank as we speak 🙂 I have never gone and need to get my self down there to hang out with all you guys!
Ah! This made me wish we could hang out. I loved the vlog. I’m rereading A Voice in the Wind, only this time I’m reading it with my hubs, which is super fun b/c it’s like I’m experiencing for the first time all over again. I’ve never had any characters stick with me like Hadassah, Marcus, and Julia!
Hi Katie! Just thinking about the trip to Colorado and I miss all you guys. I had so much fun getting to hang out. You are hilarious and I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather get a fuzzy navel with 😉 How fun (and terribly romantic) to read that book with your hubby. I completely agree. It is a great cast. I think Hadassah is hands down, one of my all time favorites.
I agree to this 10-million-times over! Those 3 stick with me, year after year, and draw me back to them for re-read after re-read.
Me too, Amanda! Such a great series!
My favorite character is Gideon in Be Still My Soul. He is so open with his feelings, his desires, his wanting to stop being who he was, and grow. I also liked Bert. He is so ripe for the Lord! I am hoping that a tinker shows up to peddler his wares and a sacred ring will show up!
Okay, why do I feel this way? Bert shows up so frequently, he has to be swayed by right! Dear Gideon, in trying to find himself, will become so in love with the Lord and trust Him with himself. In his sufferings, he will triumph because he has the love of a fine woman. If I were to describe our protagonist, Miss Lonnie, I would say I would be describing the author ~ compassionate, caring, ever ready ~almost, mostly~ to forgive, even if she did every once in a while mutter under her breath. Her heart is love.
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Kathleen, this is so beautiful and thoughtful. I am so glad that the characters of Be Still My Soul stood out to you that way. Gideon starts of as such a stinker and having him grow throughout the book was a challenge in a way because I didn’t want it to be too fast, or too artificial. As the series continues, he will still have some bumps in the road and as I was working on the 3rd book just the other night, am so excited for what God has in store for that man. 🙂 Neat how you mention Bert. A gracious reminder to pray and love those who need it most. I love this about Lonnie “compassionate, caring, ever ready ~almost, mostly~ to forgive, even if she did every once in a while mutter under her breath. Her heart is love.” So well said, Kathleen. Thanks so much for sharing!
Joanne, love seeing you–and BTW–your kitchen is SO much cleaner than mine ever is!
Hm. I think I’m drawn to female characters who remind me of myself and male characters who remind me of my hubby. Farmer Gabriel Oak in Far from the Madding Crowd is SO easy for me to feel like I “know” him–he just can’t stop himself from loving someone who may not love him back. He is ALWAYS there for her, and I love this quality about him.
I related way too much to Scarlett O’Hara–in a “bad” way, as you mentioned! I kept thinking “I’d do that!” or “I think like that!” and then I’d kick myself for it and wish I were more like Miss Melanie, truly GOOD.
I’m definitely drawn to strong-minded female leads. BUT writing them is another kettle of fish, esp. when you know they’re going to do something epically unforgivable!
LOVED your vlog, as usual!
Thanks, Heather! LOL. I played it back and realized I could have put away the baby food and would it have been *that* hard to fold the kitchen towel? 🙂 I had sleeping kids and was going with the few moments of quiet, I think!
It’s funny you say that about your hubby. I do the same thing. I find that I watch my husband and often use his mannerisms for Gideon. 😉
Far from the Madding Crowd, I have never heard of this book but will have to check it out now. It sounds like a really interesting character. LOL Yes, characters doing something epically unforgivable is a tough spot to be in as writer! But I’m sure working through that challenge would make for a great story.
joanne,
i loved your vlog…very much 🙂
can’t wait to read eden & silas’ story.
‘your characters’ lonnie & gideon are memorable ones.
PS: i got ‘the package’…thank you so much…i’ll shoot you an email…soon 🙂
Karen, I’m so glad the package came! I think I used a hodgepodge of materials to try and get it not to bounce around in there 🙂 Yes, Eden and Silas are so very memorable. And I’m just thrilled that Gideon and Lonnie were memorable to you. That’s so great to hear!
Love’s Reckoning stuck with me long, long after I first read it, which I was privileged to do before its publication. I fell in love with Laura’s writing and storytelling from the first page of The Frontiersman’s Daughter, and all her characters still swirl around my head to one degree or another.
Lately the character that’s sticking with me is one of James Thom’s characters, Frannie/Good Face/Little Bear Woman from The Red Heart. I just finished it for the second time. His characterization of Tecumseh in Panther in the Sky is another that haunts me, many many months after I first read it. Oh goodness, I suppose any of his main characters from his historicals, all real people. I think that may have something to do with how deeply they affected me. They are as closely based on the real person who lived and hoped and endured and achieved all these things as that author can make them.
Hadassah from The Mark of the Lion books has stuck with me every since. So have many of Francine’s characters. Characters from Ellis Peter’s Brother Cadfael books are with me all the time. And Father Tim from The Mitford books, by Jan Karon. And Dooley, and Uncle Billy, and Cynthia….
And Christy.
What a fun topic for a vlog, and I’m so glad you liked Love’s Reckoning too.
Lori,
Reading LR has me definitely wanting to read Laura’s others. I’m thinking I should start back at the beginning with the Fronteirsman’s Daughter and work my way up. I have never read the Red Heart. But it sounds really good. I love your passion for the books you read, and the era you write about. I think of you whenever I hear the song “Promentory” from the Last of the Mohicans. Have you heard this version? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHFV-BgeQh4
I have not read much fiction in the colonial era, but I’m developing such a fondness for it. Now to just get my hands on YOUR book and I will be a very happy woman 🙂 I’m looking forward to that cover! Which reminds me, how are your edits going? Mine are due in 2 days so I’m plugging away and think of you often, knowing our deadlines are just a day apart!
Joanne! You have such pretty eyes. 🙂 How fun to watch a vlog and hear your voice. You’re a brave woman for showing your kitchen (which, by the way, is super clean compared to mine!) when I do a vlog I corner myself in the only clean corner in the house! 🙂
I have to echo Katie, Hadassah is one of my all time favorite characters. Oh, to write like Francine Rivers!!! I’ve gone back to re-read Redeeming Love three times now and I was eyeing up A Voice in the Wind again today. I love that Katie is reading it with her husband – I should do that with mine. It’s such a powerful story.
I hope you come to ACFW!! I’m planning on going again next year and can’t wait to meet you in person! It’s such an amazing experience.
Why thank you, Gabrielle 🙂 That is so sweet. Another friend said that after watching this video and I think it has something to do with the way I’m looking into the camera, I sort of positioned it a bit higher. Also sitting in front of a window for light–hence the kitchen in the background. You are smart to corner yourself away! I would do that but I never seem to have a good chance to set up any kind of a lamp or anything.
I completely agree. Hadassah is one of those characters that just sticks with you. She is so good and has such a heart for the hurting and the lost. An amazing example of a godly woman. So romantic to think about reading it to your hubby, as Katie and her honey are doing. I’m sort of tempted to jump on the band wagon. I think there is enough gladiator action to get my husband on board 😉
I really, really want to go to ACFW. I’ve never been (one year I was having a baby, and then the next has recently had a baby) so it just hasn’t worked out. But this is the year, I’m just praying it. I hope so much to get to meet you and to visit!
No1. You are so not a dork! You’re gorgeous and I love the way you share your heart and home with your readers. Beautiful!
No.2 Kitchen? It’s been already said. We saw nothing you need be ashamed of. Looks warm and inviting from where I’m sitting.
No.3 I can’t remember what you asked… I was too interested in that AMAZING accent! Too cool for my Aussie ears. Say some more.., say some more…!
No.4 Ok, I did listen. And a character I couldn’t forget is Susannah, Siri Mitchell’s heroine from Love’s Pursuit. Her predicaments resonated with me even though I’ve not experienced them, and I SO wanted her to find love because she didn’t deserve any of her misfortune. Good writing by Miss Mitchell. Wonderful book.
Blessings to you, dear Joanne. xx
Haha, Dorothy, ME? Accent? I think my California girl way of talking is so plain, lol. It just makes my day to think that I have an accent!! Woohoo! 😀 Now you Aussie’s definitely take the cake on coolness. I say you need to do a vlog so we can all enjoy 😉
I have been really wanting to read one of Siri’ books. She wrote one recently that really caught my eye and now hearing about her Susannah, I’m more eager than ever. My TBR and wishlist is growing and growing and what I wouldn’t give for a week’s vacation to enjoy nothing but a stack of books! I will be adding this one to my list to be certain. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on what was memorable!
I love your voice and you’re so gorgeous!!!
I watched this a few days ago and totally forgot to comment. Loved this!!
One of my favourite books is Jeanette Windle’s The DMZ. Loved it, the heroine is so angry, and gets herself in huge trouble. But it takes someone she never expected to save her.
Haha! I’m sure it’s the lighting. And the makeup, which I never wear unless I’m going somewhere, which seems to be not very often. 🙂 Ooh, that sounds like a good story. I love characters that have a ways to go, growth wise. I’m a fan of the nitty gritty 😉 Thanks again for that scone recipe! I made it that night and they were delicious. Next time, though, I will remember to grease my scone pan. I’m going to make them again soon.
I am stunned! Being such an avid reader I cannot fathom telling you (or anyone else) which character struck my fancy the most. I am such a dreamer and have fond memories of daydreaming about this plot or another…Laura Frantz is however an amazing lady and ‘The Colonel’s Lady’ won me over for its striking imagery! I posted a picture of Washington at Valley Forge with my review as I quite felt the distinct relation betwixt the male protagonist and that particular painting.
As always I enjoyed hearing what you had to say (Homy kitchen fine by the way, no worries).
All the best,
Noelle, something we very much have in common–daydreaming! I always have my head in the clouds, thinking about a set of characters or a scene. It’s fun to get to play make believe, even all grown up, isn’t it? 🙂
I am just loving Laura’s writing style. Her books are so hard to put down! I have not read The Colonel’s Lady, but it is on the top of my wishlist and I’m hoping to get my hands on it very soon.
Wishing you a lovely evening!