Chatting
with the wonderfully talented Courtney Walsh today about couch dates, being a morning person, and her latest hero, Ryan Brooks! Be sure to check out the brilliant Just Look Up video she has created with her husband and enter the giveaway for your chance to win a copy of her contemporary romance novel, Just Look Up!
The Writer
Please describe yourself in three words (ask your best friend or family if you are struggling!)
Driven. Stubborn. Creative.
What’s your favourite season, and why?
There was a time I would’ve said “Autumn” because here in Illinois, the cooler weather, the changing leaves—it’s all so lovely. BUT somehow I’ve turned in to a summer girl. I live for that sunshine on my face! Even when it’s really hot outside, I am still pretty happy with summer!
What is the best part of your day?
At the end of each day, regardless of how productive I’ve been, there always comes a point where I can’t think anymore. This is when I give up trying to work and let myself rest, usually with my husband. These are our “couch dates” and they’re one of the best parts of my day!
What do you miss most about your childhood?
The fact that someone else was in charge of dinner! I would love it if I didn’t have to think about that ever again! Ha. #NotAGoodCook
Which TV talk show host would you like to be interviewed by? Why?
Harry Connick Jr. (And do I really need to tell you why???)
You are at a fruit market – what do you reach for first?
This is actually hard for me because I eat almost exclusively fruits and vegetables so I like a LOT of them…but I’d have to say I’d reach for the grapes. When they’re good, I can eat them like candy!
What was the first Christian Fiction novel you read?
I typically don’t read when I’m writing, but I will tell you I am VERY MUCH looking forward to reading True to You by Becky Wade and Life After by Katie Ganshert.
What is one author and/or book you always recommend?
Redeeming Love! Always. I think that one made me realize fiction was about more than just telling a story. I also often recommend the book Three by Ted Dekker. One of the best books I’ve ever read.
What book character has stuck in your mind from a book you have read this year?
The Book
After tirelessly climbing the ranks of her Chicago-based interior design firm, Lane Kelley is about to land her dream promotion when devastating news about her brother draws her back home—a quaint tourist town full of memories she’d just as soon forget. With her cell phone and laptop always within reach, Lane aims to check on her brother while staying focused on work—something her eclectic family doesn’t understand.
Ryan Brooks never expected to settle down in Harbor Pointe, Michigan, but after his final tour of duty, it was the only place that felt like home. Now knee-deep in a renovation project that could boost tourism for the struggling town, he is thrilled to see Lane, the girl he secretly once loved, even if the circumstances of her homecoming aren’t ideal.
Their reunion gets off to a rocky start, however, when Ryan can’t find a trace of the girl he once knew in the woman she is today. As he slowly chips away at the walls Lane has built, secrets from his past collide with a terrible truth even he is reluctant to believe. Facing a crossroads that could define his future with Lane and jeopardize his relationship with the surrogate family he’s found in the Kelleys, Ryan hopes Lane can see that maybe what really matters has been right in front of her all along—if only she’d just look up.
What was the working title?
It was always Just Look Up. I actually got the title before everything else and built the story around it and the idea behind it.
Describe your book in 5 adjectives
Romantic, Poignant, Genuine, Honest, Heartwarming
Which character took you by surprise?
Lindsay, Lane’s sister. I didn’t know the history between the two of them until I met her on the page. I won’t give anything away, but suffice it to say, the things Lindsay did were a bit on the shocking side to me.
What was the latest you stayed up working on this story?
This actually makes me laugh. Somewhere in my old age I have become more of a morning person, so it’s more likely I was up early because around 8 PM I literally feel my brain say, “I’m done for today.” When did I get so old?!
Which character’s name was the hardest to choose? Why?
Brooks! I knew I wanted his name to be Brooks and I wanted Lane to call him Brooks, but it felt more like a last name. So for the longest time, his first name was Kyle. It never felt right to me—Kyle Brooks.
So after I finished the first draft, I went through and changed his name to Ryan, which I like so much better and suits him so much more!
What’s something that didn’t make it into the final copy?
The original first three chapters I wrote. This book went through a few different lives in the planning stages with my editor before I really landed on the right story. So I have these three chapters on my computer that didn’t fit anymore because the whole storyline changed!
Thanks Courtney!
Courtney Walsh is the author of Paper Hearts, Change of Heart, and the Sweethaven series. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, was a New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller and a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. In addition, she has written two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives with her husband and three children in Illinois, where she is also an artist, theater director, and playwright. Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
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Buy from Amazon: Just Look Up or Koorong
July 11, 2017 at 12:02 am
My absolute favorite meal to make is a cucumber and tomato chick pea salad. Chopped tomatoes and cucumbers with chickpeas in a lemon/olive oil dressing. It’s fabulous!
July 11, 2017 at 12:26 am
My go to meal is basically anything out of a box….pathetic I know! My new favorite thing is pasta salad and adding chicken to it, and yes, the pasta salad is the kind in a box. See??? Pathetic!
July 11, 2017 at 1:07 am
I love to fix spaghetti, salad and French bread!
July 11, 2017 at 1:15 am
Usually breakfast food!
July 11, 2017 at 1:49 am
I have a chicken enchilada recipe that is easy. I make a large batch but put it in 3 separate pans and freeze 2 for later. So nice to have those in the freezer!
This book sounds wonderful. It’s on my TBR list.
July 11, 2017 at 2:55 am
Tacos or BLT’s. Both are quick and simple and my daughters loves them both!
July 11, 2017 at 4:23 am
I cook meatloaf because it’s hubby’s favorite and pasta with sausage
July 11, 2017 at 5:59 am
I loved this book! It was so sweet and really made me more aware of how much time I spend on my phone or Kindle.
July 11, 2017 at 6:01 am
Oh for my easy meal it would be Spaghetti from a jar and frozen meatballs and pasta.
July 11, 2017 at 9:08 am
Macaroni and cheese!! Quick, easy, delicious. Or grilled cheese sandwiches, which take slightly longer, but still – so good. …honestly, anything with cheese, I guess. 😉
July 11, 2017 at 9:38 am
If I feel like cooking, I’ll often do a stir fry. I cut a chicken breast in small pieces and cook it with what ever vegetables I have, sometimes with a sweet and sour sauce. I’ll serve it with rice or pasta. I just have myself to cook for so meals like this are easy and provide leftovers. If I don’t feel like cooking, a sandwich, salad, or even cereal work just fine.
July 11, 2017 at 10:33 am
Fried eggs with peppers, onions, and cheese.
July 11, 2017 at 12:25 pm
Tuna Helper – the cheesy pasta kind. I know it sounds kind of gross, but I loved it when I was a kid, and my family eats it up (except for my daughter who has more refined tastes.)
July 11, 2017 at 2:29 pm
Goulash or chili. They are both family favorites and I can make them up really fast when I am running late, which is,often.
July 11, 2017 at 11:30 pm
I love to make chocolate chip cookies
July 11, 2017 at 11:59 pm
In winter, I make big pots of vegetable soup or chili and then I have something handy to warm up. Summer is for pasta salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and onions mixed in with shredded cheddar cheese and dressing.
July 12, 2017 at 3:17 am
Great interview! Can’t wait to read this one!
I so agree about the cooking dinner! After 32 years of marriage I want to hire a cook. The best thing about my poor hubby losing his job this winter is that he occasionally cooks now! What a treat, even if the kitchen looks like a nuclear disaster! LOL.
🙂
July 12, 2017 at 3:44 am
I’m with Courtney! Not a huge fan of cooking! An easy meal for me is turkey chili in a crockpot.
Look forward to reading this novel!
July 12, 2017 at 5:32 am
A frozen Pizza or maybe meatloaf if I have a bit of time!
July 12, 2017 at 8:03 am
I cut up fresh chicken, cook that, then add thawed presliced stirfry veggies, minced garlic, stirfry sauce and serve over rice. YUM and fresh and super easy and fast.
July 12, 2017 at 12:05 pm
Haha, cooking isn’t my forte either.
Pasta – brown meat and dump in Prego sauce, put over penne noodles
July 12, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Tacos, chili, spaghetti, tuna noodle casserole 🙂 I love cooking so anything is good for me!
Thanks for the giveaway chance, Rel!
July 12, 2017 at 10:49 pm
Trixi » You are welcome, Trixi – it’s thanks to the wonderful folk at Tyndale House!
July 13, 2017 at 2:06 am
My go to is PB&J. Can’t go wrong with this comforting sandwich.
July 13, 2017 at 4:49 am
Baked potato, Chicken breast and a fresh or frozen veggie.
July 13, 2017 at 7:06 am
I’m with Courtney! Not a fan of cooking! I sometimes eat a ready made salad.
July 13, 2017 at 2:38 pm
I make spaghetti too often (we use Jennie’O meat and jarred sauce), or taco salad seems another in our rotation. I think I get stuck in ruts and forget about what is “out there” that we like to eat. Oh, we also love ceviche and that is fresh at least!
July 14, 2017 at 11:37 am
In the summer I grill something and add a baked potato and a salad…easy meal, easy clean-up! 😊😊 You are a new author to me, and I definitely want to read this book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
July 16, 2017 at 9:30 am
My fave thing to make is chicken piccata though I don’t cook it often!
July 17, 2017 at 6:34 am
Tacos, Calzones, Meatloaf is my families favorite.