I have a brand new novel out! Bridges is the first original novel from Raney Day Press. This means that my publisher, my art director, my graphic designer, my public relations person, and my accountability partner are all one and the same—my husband, Ken Raney.
Here he is in his office the day we put the finishing touches on the book and hit “publish.” The man can be a tough taskmaster at times, and he’s a stickler for making me hit my deadlines, but I couldn’t be more proud of the work he’s done getting this novel to press.
Ken designed the beautiful cover and promo pieces, and he’s the one who keeps me sane through the sometimes intense process of finishing a novel. I can honestly say, he’s truly the best boss I’ve ever had.
This novel was almost ten years in the making! Of course, I wasn’t actively working on the manuscript the entire time, but these characters first found their way into my heart on a trip to visit our youngest son in college near Des Moines. (He’s now married with four children, so that tells you how long ago it was!) We took a little side trip to the charming historic town of Winterset, Iowa to see the famous bridges of Madison County and the castle-like Clark Tower.
I began writing J.W. and Tess’s story shortly after that first visit, and we stopped in Winterset several times before our son graduated. But other contract obligations took precedence and my story languished. Still, I thought of J.W. and Tess often over the years, and when I finally sat down to finish their story this past year, I felt I was revisiting old and dear friends.
Do you like to see the author’s inspiration for characters in a novel? Or would you rather imagine what the characters look like for yourself? Here’s a link to my Pinterest board of images that inspired the setting and characters as I wrote Bridges. Spoiler alert: Those hearts are gone on the Pinterest board and you’ll be able to see how I pictured my characters!
Bridges is now out in print and e-book and will be available as an audiobook soon!
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Looking forward to reading “Bridges”! I really like the cover of the book. I don’t feel a book has to have a man and woman locked in an embrace to depict a relationship between them, in fact, that is not what draws me to read a book. I don’t necessarily have to have a picture to imagine what the characters look like, I usually can depend on the descriptions that you give in the story. You and Ken make a great team!
Thank you, Alva. I agree about covers. And yes, I think Ken and I make a great team too. I’m blessed to have him.
Ken did such a fabulous job on the cover design, Deb. It’s gorgeous. And you did the same with the story. You’ve got another winner in Bridges, my friend! Congrats!
Thank you, dear friend, and for your awesome critiquing skills! Don’t know how I’d write a book without you! Hope I never have to find out. 🙂
Love the cover. I look forward to reading. Blessings
Thanks so much. It’s one of my favorite covers he’s done! And the scene that’s depicted on the cover is one of my favorites too! Hope you enjoy!
Congratulations! Beautiful cover. I think it is fine to hear an author’s thoughts on characters. It might help my reading interpretation. However, if I have read a book before hearing the author’s thoughts, it would be difficult to change any impression I might have formed. I often have this problem with books turned into movies.
How wonderful to be working with your husband!
Oh, that’s so true about the difference it would make seeing those images before or after reading the book! And I have the same issue with books turned into movies!
Congratulations! The cover is lovely, as I’m sure the story will be as well. Best wishes!
Thanks, Angie. Hope all is well with you and yours!
Warmest congratulations, Deb!!
Thanks so much, Becky! It was kind of an extra exciting moment to hold that book in my hands!
Hi, Deborah.
I want to congratulate you on having such a wonderful boss and staff all rolled into one! Talk about your perfect “helpmeet.” *Isn’t that how spouses are referred to in the Bible?) I’m looking forward to reading this new book! I’ve only visited that area once, in the 90s, but I remember the beauty (and can see my pictures any time).
Regarding seeing the people who inspire your characters, I have to say no, I don’t like seeing them. They always look too young for the people that I have imagined. So I do my best to avoid seeing those pictures. I’m sure there are many who feel opposite. Anyway, thank you for the many great stories, you are blessed by the Lord. Oh, and thank you for the great picture/Bible verse email on Sundays. I send those on to a few friends, who appreciate them too.
Loved hearing your thoughts, Hilda! Thank you! And I’m so glad you enjoy the Sunday Scriptures. I so appreciate you sharing them with friends! I “load” those on the blog far in advance, but I’m often surprised how much one of them speaks to me in the very moment I need to hear it!
Deb: I got the book off of Book Bub I think. Des Moines is our home town and we used to drive to Winterset to some restaurant down there, it was a buffet and popular with our crowd. I’m anxious to read this book!
Cool! Thanks, Joyce!
Congratulations, Deb! I’m planning to start reading BRIDGES this week! 🙂
And how special that Ken was your boss for this book—you two are a talented couple, for sure!
Sending hugs from Georgia, Patti Jo
Awww, thanks so much, Patti Jo! I hope you enjoy it! And hugs back from Missouri!
Congratulations, Deb! It feels great, doesn’t it? I hope you have some time off to celebrate.
Oh, it sure does, Lynn! And yes, I am taking the rest of the month off and just having fun! Reading, cleaning my office, and doing some little crafty projects, which fills my soul. 🙂