Summer Author Chat With Becky
Well, hello everyone! I hope your summer is off to a wonderful start. I’m so glad for the chance to take a stab at answering these fun questions….
What’s your favorite coffee order?
Starbucks grande iced latte. Decaf. [I don’t drink caffeine anymore because it was contributing to A-typical migraines.] Oat milk. [I don’t do dairy anymore because it doesn’t agree with me. Gah!] With 1 stevia packet for a touch of sweetness.
The older I get, the more sensitivities I’ve developed. Anyone else? I wish it wasn’t so! But I’ve learned to be grateful for good health, even when achieving that comes with sacrifices.
What’s your favorite hymn or worship song?
About a year and a half ago I attended a funeral for a friend’s daughter, a mother of two young children, who died of cancer before the age of 30. Everyone present at that funeral stood and sang, through emotion and sorrow, “King of Kings” by Hillsong Worship. I was familiar with the song, but it hit different in that moment. It packed so much power. Since that funeral, this has been my most played worship song.
These lyrics get me every time . . . .
“And the morning that You rose
All of Heaven held its breath
‘Til that stone was moved for good
For the Lamb had conquered death
And the dead rose from their tombs
And the angels stood in awe
For the souls of all who’d come
To the Father are restored”
Writing soundtrack–or do you prefer silence?
I’m a silence girl! One of my best friends who keeps a fan going all through the night recently asked this joking question. “Who are the psychopaths who sleep in total silence?” And I was like, “Me! I’m that person.” Ha ha!
Sounds distract me and distraction is one of the enemies of writing. However, I do enjoy the white noise of dishwasher or washing machine or dryer. Because then I can feel creative AND industrious.
Where do you write best?
For the past few years, I’ve eschewed my desk in favor of my kitchen table. Here’s my vantage point as I’m preparing this blog post.
To me, a view out windows is absolutely essential. As you can see, my kitchen table has that. So does my desk. I can’t articulate why I made the switch, other than that this table has “felt right” lately. Looking back over all my years of writing, I’ve often switched it up and moved somewhere new in the house for a few books. Then back to my desk. Then somewhere new again, etc. One thing that’s remained true is that, when the weather is wonderful, I take my laptop outside and write on my deck. Of all places to write, outdoors on a gorgeous day is my absolute favorite.
Favorite summer dessert?
This summer, nothing will get me to the grocery store faster than running out of these. Crunchy, cinnamon-y, gluten free, dairy free. I’m obsessed!
What’s the opening paragraph of your upcoming book?
Oooh! I haven’t shared much info yet about my upcoming book! Not the title, not the release date. Why? Because I haven’t yet nailed down those details.
I didn’t write as much in 2025 as I usually do. Several reasons . . . . Health issues. Burn-out. And the fact that I chose to focus more fully on other aspects of my life, like family and travel. But so far in 2026, the Lord has enabled me to finally finish the first draft of a new novel. And then (!!) finish the second draft. I just sent that to my editor a week ago and am currently awaiting revision suggestions.
These opening lines may change! But because we’re friends, I’ll give you a peek at the start of Chapter One as it stands now.
Disappearing from one’s life is a very stressful business.
Glancing over her shoulder, she confirmed that the man was still making his way in her direction—a sight that sent an electrical shock of fear through her body. She’d first spotted him seconds ago when she’d exited the jet bridge into the airport terminal.
What’s currently on your nightstand?
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Ideal book to read before bed because it’s all about a kind man doing kind things for others. Lovely way to usher in sweet dreams!
Hugs, Becky
Do we have anything in common? Other comments?
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Hey Becky! Yes, sensitivities come with age. I became lactose intolerant in perimenopause and had to give up ice cream (try So Delicious with coconut milk,YUM!) and cheese (Cabot has lactose free and Boar’s Head has Vermont Cheddar and Switzerland Swiss). I also eat Oui coconut milk yogurt.
I like silence when I sleep, but Hubby likes to listen to various podcasts so I don’t get much silence. 🤣
The opening line of your new book sounds intriguing and can’t wait to read it!! I truly loved your Sons of Scandal series and need to read it again—they are on my “keeper shelf”.
Terri! Thank you so much for the great dairy-free recommendations and for placing my Sons of Scandal books on your “keeper shelf”. I appreciate you!
-Becky [who also doesn’t get much silence when my husband’s at home. ;)]
Thanks for the tip about Sweet Lorens. I will look for those. I LOVED Theo of Golden. It was a little slow at first, and his writing style was quite different, but I soon got into it and enjoyed it very much.
Good to know! Yes, several people I know told me they loved the book, which inspired me to give it a try.
Great opening line! Can’t wait for the whole book!
Thanks, D’Ann!
Loved your post today!!!! Especially the powerful song lyrics, your photo and the first (teaser) sentence!!!!
You’re the best, Mom!
LOL on your mom using Your Mom for her name.
I enjoyed reading your favorites. I can agree that sensitivities increase with age, and I am older than you. If I’ve estimated correctly, I think you’re the age of my daughter, the one who lives in Eastvale, Riverside County.
Although I’ve listed some old favorites for hymns in previous responses, I was first exposed to Praise music when my husband was asked by our pastor to lead a small group ministry in our home. Hillsong was just becoming popular at that time and became our go-to praise group. One of the original leaders then started WAVE church here in Virginia Beach. I have attended two of their concerts.
The opening lines of your new book are very intriguing!
Betty, Thanks for being such a faithful reader and commenter here on the blog. I feel like I’ve gotten to know you a bit and am grateful for that!
I loved Theo of Golden. It was a great story and a little different than what I ordinarily read!
Looking forward to your next book!!
Theo of Golden has gone on my list, come off my list, gone on, come off. All because of different writers’ opinions.
I like the tiny glimpse you gave us into your new book. I can hardly wait!
We have often sung “King of Kings” at my church. It does have very powerful lyrics. The imagery is vivid.
Hey. The kitchen table…I love that we both work there now in relative silence–you with white noise for music and me with a few brown people bouncing in and out (heehee). I must try Theo of Golden; it’s one of the 300 tabs I’ve saved on my phone.