WELCOME AUTHOR BETH VOGT

WELCOME AUTHOR BETH VOGT
Thursday, January 4, 2018 by Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: Things I Never Told You

AUTHOR’S NAME: Beth K. Vogt

PUBLISHER: Tyndale House

GENRE: Women’s Fiction

STAND ALONE OR SERIES: Series

TARGET AGE: mid-twenties and older

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR BETH VOGT TO THE OVER 50 WRITER. BETH SHARES WHY SHE HAS EMBRACED THE MOTTO: GOD’S BEST OFTEN WAITS BEHIND THE DOOR MARKED “NEVER.”

BETH IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR A SIGNED (ARC) ADVANCED READER COPY OF THINGS I NEVER TOLD YOU.

CONSTANT CHANGE

Beth Vogt

It’s funny how the one direction you said you’d never go as a writer can end up being the path to your greatest satisfaction.

I was that “Not me, not that way” person in college – ignoring creative writing and setting my sights on a journalism degree. I pursued my career in nonfiction – after graduation and marriage and once my children were older (but that’s another story). Until a season of burnout turned into an unexpected bend in the writing road. I was successful as both a writer and editor … and worn out. So, after telling my husband I would never, ever, ever write another word, I decided to relax, have fun, and write a novel.

Of course, I also announced that no one would ever read my just-for-fun manuscript … until I found myself handing my book over to my agent. In my early fifties, I once again embraced my motto “God’s best often waits behind the door marked ‘Never,’” as that story became my debut novel.

As the new year begins, I find myself facing change as a writer yet again. After releasing 10 contemporary romance novels/novellas, I’m with a new publisher (Tyndale House) and my first women’s fiction novel, Things I Never Told You, releases this May.

“The only thing that is constant is change” – so said the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. And I would have to agree with him. But all the unforeseen bends and twists along the writing road have brought me to where I didn’t know I wanted to be as a writer: life as a women’s fiction novelist.

Writing fiction “just for fun” taught me I had a lot to learn if I wanted to write a good novel. With one manuscript, I focused on the basic skills. With another, I concentrated on storyworld. Another? Layering emotion. With every contemporary romance I published, I became a better writer.

And the more I wrote, the more I realized that, while I love a good happily ever after, what I truly love is to delve into the layers of relationships between women: mothers and daughter, sisters, friends – and yes, weaving in a romantic thread is okay, too. But the messiness of real life – and how God steps into that messiness because He loves us and wants more for us – is what my novels are about.

So, here I am, once again making a transition with my 11^th novel – and knowing with more certainty than ever that, with all the unexpected changes, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be as a writer.

Blurb for Things I Never Told You:

It’s been ten years since Payton Thatcher’s twin sister died in an accident, leaving the entire family to cope in whatever ways they could. No longer half of a pair, Payton reinvents herself as a partner in a successful party-planning business and is doing just fine—as long as she manages to hold her memories and her family at arm’s length.

But with her middle sister Jillian’s engagement, Payton’s party-planning skills are called into action. Which means working alongside her opinionated oldest sister, Johanna, who always seems ready for a fight. They can only hope that a wedding might be just the occasion to heal the resentment and jealousy that divides them . . . until a frightening diagnosis threatens Jillian’s plans and her future. As old wounds are reopened and the family faces the possibility of another tragedy, the Thatchers must decide if they will pull together or be driven further apart.

DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN A SIGNED (ARC) ADVANCED READER COPY OF THINGS I NEVER TOLD YOU BETWEEN NOW AND SUNDAY, JANUARY 14TH AT MIDNIGHT MST.

Beth K. Vogt is a nonfiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction. She's the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she'd never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four who said she'd never have kids. Now Beth believes God's best often waits behind the doors marked "Never." A women's fiction novelist, Beth's first novel for Tyndale House Publishers, Things I Never Told You, releases May 2018.

Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015?RITA®?finalist. Her 2014 novel,?Somebody Like You, was one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2014. A November Bride was part of the Year of Wedding series by Zondervan. Having authored nine contemporary romance novels or novellas, Beth believes there's more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us.

An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Novel Rocket and also enjoys speaking to writers' groups and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband, Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people, and their youngest daughter, Christa, who loves to play volleyball and enjoys writing her own stories. Connect with Beth at?bethvogt.com.

Comments

Barbara Anne Waite From California At 1/24/2018 3:13:47 PM

I'd enjoy reviewing this book. I like to enjoy encouraging other authors. Barb Waite

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Barbara. This drawing has closed, but I will notify Beth of your interest. Thank you so much for stopping by.

carol gilbertt From colorado At 1/15/2018 12:06:51 PM

I would love to read one of you books

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Carol. So good to see you here! Thank you for stopping by and entering the drawing.

Beth K Vogt From Colorado At 1/10/2018 9:25:34 AM

Laura: Thanks for putting Things I Never Told You on your "Want to Read" list on Goodreads! Abby: I'm so glad you were encouraged by this blog post -- and yes, keep looking for God's best in your life! Martha: Thanks so much for your encouragement.

Laura C. Brandenburg From Texas At 1/9/2018 7:37:14 PM

I’m so excited for this to come out, Beth! Great cover!! I can’t wait to read it. It’s already on my “want to read” list on Goodreads. :)

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Laura. Thank you for stopping by. I don't have a Goodreads "want to read" list, but I can't tell you how many are on the list that is in my head!

Abby Breuklander From Michigan At 1/9/2018 6:31:48 PM

Hi Beth!! I can't tell you how much I needed to read this today! There have been so many things going on that just seem so hopeless right now. But it's like you said, "God's best often waits behind the door marked "Never." I can't wait to read this story!!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Abby. So glad Beth's post touched you when you needed it. Praying things work out for you according to God's perfect plan. Thank you for stopping by.

Martha Artyomenko From Montana At 1/9/2018 2:17:12 PM

I love that you decided to write fiction. You have addressed so many important issues in your fiction!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Martha. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment for Beth.

Beth Vogt From CO At 1/8/2018 11:47:05 AM

Hi, Suzanne: I agree that God gave me desire to write and yes, He allows me to reflect His image to the world through my books. It's challenging and fun -- and how I do that changes. Vicky, Teresa, & Cayla : I'm excited for the book to release, too.

Suzanne Sellner From Houston, TX At 1/7/2018 10:31:09 PM

I love that you eventually decided to write fiction. God the Creator built the desire to create in you, and you have honored Him by using the talents and gifts He gave you to serve Him!!! Thank you!!!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Suzanne. It is wonderful when an author (or any person, actually), lends him or herself to the creative ability God has granted and meets the challenge to explore and nurture it. Thank you for stopping by.

Vicky D From WA At 1/7/2018 12:16:56 AM

Can't wait to read this book!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Vicky. Thanks for stopping by and letting us know you were here.

Teresa Leacock From Missouri At 1/6/2018 10:42:49 PM

Excited to read this book!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Teresa. Thank you for dropping by.

Cayla From CA At 1/6/2018 6:19:39 PM

Looking forward to reading this!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Cayla. Thank you for stopping by. Glad you are entered in the drawing for a copy of Things I Never Told You

Beth Vogt From CO At 1/6/2018 5:45:33 PM

Julie: This was an intriguing book to write and I will be delving into the sister relationship dynamic for two more books. Kimberly: I'm so glad you are excited about Things I Never Told You! Jen: I'm counting down the days to the release -- on a timer on my phone! :O)

Beth Vogt From CO At 1/6/2018 5:43:06 PM

Hi, Sonetta: When one twin dies, the other twin is called a "twinless" twin. And yes, the grief is different "if" the twins have a close relationship -- not all twins do. But some twins have an especially close relationship -- if they are identical or mirror twins, where one is left-handed.

Sonnetta Jones From New Brunswick NJ At 1/5/2018 8:05:59 PM

The dynamics between twins have always fascinated me. How does one define themselves when one twin dies? What is different about their grief verses other siblings? Ho does it change the relationships within the family?

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Sonnetta. These are all intriguing questions! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.

Julie From IL At 1/5/2018 6:57:26 PM

The relationships between sisters and healing old wounds sounds like a great combo!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Julie. Yes, Beth has chosen a great premise for her story. Thank you for leaving a comment.

Kimberly Paulus From MO At 1/5/2018 6:34:51 PM

Will watch for the release...will read as soon as it comes out!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Kimberly. Glad you stopped by and let us know you were here.

Jen Mello From MI At 1/5/2018 4:54:12 PM

I really want to read this ????

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Jen. Thanks for stopping by. I wish you the best in the drawing!

Beth Vogt From CO At 1/5/2018 4:49:56 PM

Hi, Vivian: Yes, grudges are hard and life is short ... and the Thatcher sisters story is true to life ... sometimes there are no easy answers ... and sometimes there are miracles ... Hi, Leah: Thanks for your encouraging words!

Beth Vogt From CO At 1/5/2018 4:47:00 PM

Hi, Velva: Thanks for saying so -- and I hope you like the Thatcher Sisters' story. Becky: I have a twin sister and a younger sister and, yes, our relationships have been both blessed and complicated. Clarice: We authors do delve into our own hearts as we write, don't we?

Velva Brown From GA At 1/5/2018 3:49:37 PM

Love all Beth's books!

Reply by: Patti Shene

HI Velva. Thank you for stopping by and letting us know you were here.

Becky Smith From MO At 1/5/2018 12:07:38 PM

Like Payton in this book, I have a very opinionated older sister who always seems ready for a fight. I have to constantly look for her good points. Beth's books have been on my list to read. Thank you for highlighting her!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Becky. I am fortunate to have one sister who is younger than me. Even though there is four years difference between us and a couple thousand miles, we are very close. I am so blessed to have her! I hope over time that you and your sister will develop a close relationship. Thank you for stopping by!

Patti Shene From At 1/5/2018 10:54:46 AM

Clarice, I apologize! I misspelled your name. Fingers slipped on keys and I didn't realize until I had submitted the comment.

Clarice G James From NH At 1/5/2018 10:50:08 AM

As a writer of women's (contemporary) fiction myself, I understand why Beth has taken this turn in her career. While delving and digging to develop our characters, we learn so much about ourselves. Can't wait to read it!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Claire. What you say is so true! I've heard that the first work of most authors is in some part autobiographical. Thank you for stopping by

Vivian Furbay From Colorado Springs, CO At 1/5/2018 5:46:15 AM

Hopefully in this book the sisters will be drawn closer together. Having 3 sisters myself, life is too short to hold grudges.

Reply by: Patti Shene

HI Vivian. It will be interesting to see where the sisters' relationship goes. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.

Leah Williams From Chicago At 1/4/2018 9:56:47 PM

I love Beth’s books and look forward to reading this one!

Reply by: Patti Shene

HI Leah. Glad you stopped by and let us know you were here.

Beth Vogt From CO At 1/4/2018 9:56:17 PM

Hi, Katie: It's been awhile -- I'm excited too! Melissa: I hope you have a wonderful New Year, too. Winnie: Just think about what we'd miss out on if we closed the door on the things God has waiting for us? Megan: I don't think my husband believed me when I said I was done with writing.

Beth Vogt From CO At 1/4/2018 9:53:53 PM

Arletta: It's so true -- following God's lead is best -- and often makes me laugh! Tammy: I hope you enjoy Things I Never Told You, too. Heather: We've shared a bit of life together, so you can see a bit of me in my books, yes? Jackie: I love hearing that you like to finish my books in one day!

Neils From North Carolina At 1/4/2018 9:45:22 PM

I discovered Beth V. this summer and fell in love with her books. This one looks so exciting!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Neils. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment.

Arletta From North Dakota At 1/4/2018 8:52:42 PM

I love God's sense of humour. Never say never! Look where your life took you and what you would have missed out on if He hadn't been leading the way.

Reply by: Patti Shene

How true, Arletta! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for Beth.

Tammy cordery From At 1/4/2018 8:34:50 PM

The novel sounds like a good book to read. I have a couple of Beth's books. They are great books to read.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Tammy. Thank you for stopping by the blog and leaving a comment.

Heather G From Maryland At 1/4/2018 8:25:54 PM

I love Beth’s writing and am looking forward to this new book. My favorite part is finding nuggets of truth, life lessons, laughter and bits of her personality in each book.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Heather. Thank you for stopping by and sharing the elements that you like about Beth's books. It helps other readers. I must add Beth to my TBR list!

Jackie Blankenship From Colorado Springs, CO At 1/4/2018 6:18:56 PM

I’m looking forward to reading Beth’s newest release. Her writing always holds my interest to the point that I want to finish the book in one sitting.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Jackie. I'd say you are well familiar with Beth's work. Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment.

Katie Andersen From Minnesota At 1/4/2018 6:11:01 PM

I am so excited that you have another book coming out! I can't wait to read this!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Katie. Sounds like you are one of Beth's faithful readers. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.

Melissa Henderson From Mount Pleasant SC At 1/4/2018 5:30:02 PM

I am looking forward to reading this story. Looks great! Happy New Year!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Thank you for coming by, Melissa. Happy New Year!

Winnie Thomas From Northern Utah At 1/4/2018 5:18:02 PM

Thanks for this post. I enjoyed reading it. I agree that saying never is dangerous. Your book sounds wonderful, Beth. I'd love to win an ARC.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Winnie. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for Beth.

Megan Lakner From Exline Iowa At 1/4/2018 3:55:18 PM

I really like your books and am looking forward to this one. I'm so glad you didn't give up on writing.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Megan. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for Beth.

Beth Vogt From CO At 1/4/2018 3:04:07 PM

Hi, Toni: I feel as if women's fiction is my "sweet spot" as far is writing is concerned. Hi, Lauri: The graphic designer did such a wonderful job capturing the essence of my novel in the cover!

Beth Vogt From CO At 1/4/2018 3:02:33 PM

Pam: I appreciate and support your decision to find supportive, healthy relationships. Such a wise choice. Rachel: Thank you so much for your encouraging words. Bonnie: I'm excited about Things I Never Told You -- it's book 1 in a 3-book series.

Pam Flynn From Fort Worth Texas At 1/4/2018 2:46:04 PM

It's a new year and with it comes a true change for me. No more toxic people in my life who have tried to hurt me psychologically for years & aren't even kin to me. I want to read your book for inspiration & healing.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Pam. I agree that we should avoid toxic people who try to tear us apart rather then encourage and support us. I wish you a blessed 2018. Thank you for stopping by.

Rachel Vance From Oklahoma At 1/4/2018 1:56:55 PM

Can't wait to read your book! I love your books.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Rachel. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for Beth. I have not had an opportunity to read her work as yet.

Bonnie Howard From Minnesota At 1/4/2018 1:52:53 PM

I would love to win a copy of "Things I Never Told You"! It sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Bonnie. Thank you for coming by the site and leaving a comment. Good luck in the drawing!

Toni Wilbarger From Curtice, Ohio At 1/4/2018 1:36:53 PM

Congratulations on delving into women's fiction, Beth. Although I am not yet traditionally published, I find writing women's fiction very rewarding. I hope it has been the same for you.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Toni. Thank you for stopping by. I enjoy reading women's fiction. I particularly like it when characters deal with their issues from a Christian worldview.