Meet Beth Westcott and read about her debut novel. (P.S. Be sure to catch the link at the end!)

 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! My Thursday blog is a little early this week (it’s late Wednesday night as I type this) due to heavy cooking duties tomorrow, but I’m happy to be able to share an interview with novelist Beth Westcott. Beth’s first novel, Meadow Song, was just released this week. Continue reading to learn more about the book and its author.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions today so my readers can learn about you and your writing. Tell us a little about yourself.

Although I was born on Long Island, the youngest of seven, I grew up in Upstate New York in a farming community. My dad kept animals and planted a large garden every year. I loved going to school, I belonged to 4-H, and I became a Christian and active in a local church. I graduated from Hartwick College in 1973. I married Frank Westcott that same year, and we became parents of three children. 

Frank and I joined Child Evangelism Fellowship in 1979, after he graduated from Bible school. We lived in Northeast Pennsylvania and taught Good News Clubs, Vacation Bible Schools, and teacher training classes. After his ordination in 1984, he became an associate pastor and Christian school principal, then a full-time pastor. We worked together in church ministry for over 30 years, mostly in New York State. I taught children, held Bible studies for women, and took part in church music ministry. I began writing holiday programs for church, including poems, plays, and Scripture choir manuscripts, some of which were accepted for publication by Lillenas Drama in their Program Builders.

Five granddaughters call me “Grandma.” Our grandson passed away in 2017. Every year I have written (and illustrated) stories for my granddaughters for their birthdays. Writing for children was my first passion.

In 2014 my short story “Sadie and the Princess” was published in Heart-warming Horse Stories on Amazon. The book is still available.

You have a book that just came out this week. What is it about? (a short blurb will work here or just a general description) 

Artist Kate Greenway tries to escape the pain of losing her fiancé by leaving her home town and moving to Mill Vale. There she works in a florist shop for her friend Ellie. A year later she begins to paint again, and she meets Blythe Chambers, a motherless little girl whose enthusiasm for life rubs off on her. Then she meets Blythe’s uncle Jack. Kate and Jack are attracted to each other. Kate is ready to move on with life and love. Jack, however, plans to never marry because he feels that loving someone and losing her is not worth the pain and grief.  When Kate returns home to help care for her mother who has cancer, she doesn’t know if Jack will ever understand the importance of committed love, even if it means grief and loss.

What inspired you to write this story?

I began this story as a short story for a writing contest. I wanted a story with a child in it, and somehow Kate the artist met Blythe. The first draft felt incomplete. More of their story needed to be told, and it developed into a romance novel.

This book is Christian fiction. Why Christian fiction instead of mainstream?

I think I connect better with a Christian audience. I believe I’m following the Lord’s leading in this. I admire Christian authors who can publish mainstream and still include God’s truth.

Tell us about a typical writing day for you. Do you have a set schedule?

I prefer to set aside mornings to write, but often write during the afternoon or evening, depending on what has to be done. We recently moved, and my office is not yet set up. I find that a disadvantage.

What is the most challenging aspect of writing?

My greatest challenge is not to allow interruptions when I’m writing.

What advice would you have for others wanting to write fiction?

Learn how to write well. Read books and blogs about writing, and read books in the same genre in which you want to write. Attend writers’ conferences, where you will be inspired by other aspiring writers, and you will meet published authors, editors, agents, and publishers. And write every day. 

My blog followers are all over the United States and even some in the U.K. Have you traveled to any places that made an impression on you? If not, where would you most like to go?

My parents came from Rhode Island, so we spent vacations there. As a college student I spent a term in Brighton, England. While in England I met my great uncle, who lived in Cornwall. I’ve been to Colorado and Texas by automobile. Each state we passed through is different, but they are all a part of the United States. I became emotional when I saw places like the Rocky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. I’ve enjoyed learning about Texas, where my daughter and her family live.

I would like to visit Israel, and I would enjoy a cruise to Alaska or Australia.

Any future books in the works?

Yes, I have a series called The Three Sisters, about three childhood “best friends” who split up as teens. Each girl’s story picks up during college or soon after, and includes romance and renewal of friendship. I also have a fiction book involving foster care and adoption, probably for a preteen/young teen audience. I’m considering a novel about a pastor’s wife.

Just for fun, tell us your favorite:

Author: Jane Austen

Music genre: Classical

Television show: We don’t have television right now.

Animal: Dog, or maybe cat.

Food or restaurant: chocolate cake

Holiday: Christmas

Vacation spot: Montrose Bible Conference

Do you have a favorite Bible verse or Scripture? 

My life verses are Proverbs 3:5,6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And he shall direct your paths.” NKJV

Please give us information on how readers can purchase your book.

My book is available on Amazon.