Deb Raney is traveling to attend a funeral and her sweet friend (and mine), Courtney Walsh, has stepped in to guest-blog today so that Deb can concentrate on time with family. Be sure to leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Courtney’s amazing new book! -Becky
I have genuinely loved every book I’ve written.
That doesn’t mean I’ve loved WRITING every one of them. Some of them have given me major fits.
But I LOVED writing my new book, The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley.
I’m not great about keeping track of my story ideas, and one day I was cleaning and I found a note card in some random place.
On it, I’d written “a woman finds a list of 31 ways to be happy and decides to test them out.”
That’s how Isadora was born.
And when I say she was born, I mean she practically jumped into my head instantly. Yes, there was lots of brainstorming and research, but I knew immediately she was a quirky, socially awkward, introverted woman who is very smart and very misunderstood.
There’s something magical that happens when a character springs to life on the page. When she is the embodiment of your own insecurities and shares many of your thoughts, but in a socially awkward, quirky little package.
I think the very best part about writing this was going on a little treasure hunt to find the people Isadora needs most in her life and then creating those characters too. They are also so real to me.
I feel protective of Isadora. Like, if I knew her in my real life, I would stand up for her and keep her safe at all costs. She just has such a tenderness about her, and I’m so thankful for all the lessons she taught me.
I don’t tend to lean into finding happiness, so going on this journey with Isadora as she let herself out of her comfort zone. . .there was something healing about that for me. She reminded me that sometimes it’s okay to play. It’s okay to do things you’re not good at the first time. It’s okay to let other people in. And I’m grateful for those lessons and the way they changed me.
The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley is available now, and I’d love to give away a copy to one of you. Simply leave a comment letting me know what is one thing that makes you happy, and I’ll choose a winner in a week! [UPDATE: Congrats to Gayle H, winner of this giveaway!]
In the meantime, I’d love for you to join my Reader Room on Facebook or come be my friend on Instagram!
Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theatre director, and playwright. She writes small town romance and women’s fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns and runs with her husband. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category, and her contemporary romance Just Let Go won the Carol Award in 2019. A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Becky Wade
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My condolences to Deb and her family.
Something about Isadora is appealing to me. I can identify with being socially awkward and introverted.
It’s hard to name just one thing that makes me happy, but I’ll say reading. I read a lot of nonfiction, but I love being caught up in a story that’s hard to put down and has me thinking about it even when I can’t read. I can’t imagine a day without reading.
Thanks so much, Barbara.
OOOOOOH, this one is high on my to-read list for fall! (And I need a cute little green top!)
This sounds like a fun, cute story. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity! One thing that makes me happy is dancing.
ritamarshall08@icloud.com
sounds like a good read …I love to read ❤️
Books and naps make me happy!
Would love to read this one!
One of my favorite things that make me happy are my grandchildren.
Spending time with my grandkids makes me happy.
Would love to win this I love to read and it looks like a great book thank you for the opportunity
My garden and my flowers make me happy, especially my peonies ❤️
Something that makes me happy is that I’ll get to meet my new 1st grade friends soon and start a whole new year of firsts!!
One thing that makes me happy is the arrival of a new book by a favorite author, and Courtney Walsh (and Becky Wade) are favorites!
One thing that makes me happy is a “just checking in” text from a friend. Thank you for the chance to win!
Books make me happy! 🙂
I love the feeling of coming home to my dog. If you have a dog, you know what I mean. I’ve had a few dogs in my lifetime and every single one is so excited to see me when I get home. I can’t help but give them some love when this happens.
Spending time with family and friends!
My girls make me happy.
Congratulations, Courtney!
And my heart is with you, Deb.
Thank you, Shelli. It was a warm and blessed time with family, despite the sadness at losing our beloved nephew Brennan to cancer.
Reading with a large cup of tea always makes me happy.
This looks like a book I need to read.
That one is easy. Hanging with my children and grandchildren makes me very happy. And when they leave, reading a book in my happy place.
Family
I always enjoy reading Courtney’s books. Isadora and I have some similarities so that really makes me want to read her book.
I have found nature makes me happy! Such an immediate peace comes when I spend time in it.
This book is something special!
Many things make me happy, for example, chocolate, a visit with a friend, or creating something new.
Putting on my pedometer and going on a walk makes me happy. If it’s on a nature trail in the woods even better.
Your books make me happy, Courtney!😉Truly! If I don’t win a copy, I’ll be purchasing one! I’ve had it on my list since it’s release on June 13th. My husband and I met on that day 10 years ago, and that also makes me TREMENDOUSLY happy!❤️
I’ve read almost all your books, Courtney and I’m looking forward to reading
The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley!
Visits from my grandchildren make me happy!
I have read Courtney’s book and I can’t recommend it enough!!! I laughed AND cried. Honestly, I felt all the emotions. I would like to win this book so I can donate it to my library so that others can enjoy it.
Books make me happy!
This new book sounds so good! Hearing from my two adult daughters makes me happy!
Thank you SO much for filling in for me, Courtney. And thank you, Becky for taking care of the posting duties. You’re both so kind!
Courtney, I can’t WAIT to read you new book. It sounds delightful!
Can’t wait to read this one!
I would love to read this one!
Books, family, chocolate, and quite time makes me happy.
My condolences to Deb Raney.
I have this book on my TBR list. Sounds like an enjoyable read. I’m excited to read it. Thanks for the opportunity!
I LOVED this book. I was the first reader at my library and since then have bought my own copy. Isadora is precious. In your words “sh is someone I would stick up for”. I wanted to read more of her story. This was my first book of yours I had read and I too love them all. Thank you for keeping it clean but not preachy.
Reading books written by authors like you, Deb and Becky make me Happy.
Cross-stitching special occasion gifts for my family, friends and retiring teachers makes me Happy. I am looking forward to reading Isadora’s story.
Thank you.
Going hiking with my family makes me happy.
This sounds like such an original story…I would love to read it!
Mmm chocolate pudding.
My sympathies, Deb. I read this book, and Isadora is my new hero! It’s such a joyful, happy book. One thing that makes me extra happy right now is getting to spend time with my itty-bitty granddaughter Azalea. She is a delight!
Reading makes me happy but so does my family and my cats and chocolate.