My new novel released last Tuesday, the third in the Chicory Inn Novels series from Abingdon Press. I HOPE by the time you’re reading this, that I have finished edits (and rewrites) for the fourth novel in the series, and am back to working on the fifth and final book.
I’ve written several sequels, and two three-book series, but this is the first time I’ve ever written a five-book series. I wasn’t sure whether I could sustain five intertwining storylines for this long, whether I might grow bored with the characters, (or worse, whether readers might grow bored!) But I’ve loved writing these books about the Whitman family, and I admit, I’ll be really sad when I write “the end” on Book 5, sometime early next year.
These are the characters as I pictured them. (But don’t look too close because you’ll find “spoilers” for the books you haven’t read yet, looking at these photos!)
The idea for my Chicory Inn series came when my friend (and wonderful author!) Courtney Walsh and I were talking late into the night at a conference a few years ago. We’d started telling family stories, and at some point, Courtney said, “Deb, you have such a great family, and so many fun family stories. You should write a series about a family like yours.”
Courtney and I got to hang out again this past September at the ACFW conference. Alas, she gave me another great idea for a new series—and neither one of us can remember now what it was!
I don’t know why the idea had never crossed my mind. My grown kids will tell you that they do see our family in my books. I’ve even fictionalized a few Raney family stories into my novels. (My kids’ favorite is the one in A Nest of Sparrows where “the mom” tossed the blue Tupperware cup in the trash because the kids wouldn’t quit fighting over it. Yes, that happened in real life! And yes, I know those Tupperware cups aren’t cheap. And no, I’m not sorry.)
Anyway, Courtney’s idea took hold, I wrote a proposal, pitched the stories, Abingdon bought them, and I’ve been having a blast ever since, wreaking havoc in the lives of the Whitman family from Missouri.
Why Missouri? Because that’s where 3.5 of my real-life grandkids live and I figured it would be great to have an excuse to go do “research” as often as possible! In fact, as you’re reading this, Ken and I are driving home from a long weekend with our daughters and their families near Cape Girardeau.
P.S. We’re bringing something really fun home with us, which I’ll tell you about next time it’s my turn to blog here!
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How fun to use your family as the basis for your series! I’ve used a few real-life incidents in my books too, and my family gets a good laugh when they recognize themselves. Congratulations on your new release!
Wow! I love that big collage of inspiration pictures you posted. It gives us a sense of just how many characters a five book series can support! Big families are great fun to read about.
I loved the photos of your characters. Some are the same as what I thought they should look like.
Thanks so much!I’ve really enjoyed and been inspired by the character photos.
Loved your first Chicory Inn novel, Deb (Home to Chicory Lane) and now I *must* get caught up and read the next 2, so I’ll be ready for 4 and 5! 🙂 As you already know, being a huge Deborah Raney fan I LOVE anything you write.
And I think I know what you brought home from Missouri, so I cannot wait to read your blog post next time (and I hope there will be photos!!). 😉
Hugs, Patti Jo
My wife and I have been enjoying your Chicory Inn series. I’m so excited that she just received an email today from Trish Perry that she won “Another Way Home”. I can hardly wait to read it. Then I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next two books.
Thanks again for the comments and encouraging words!
I’m starting ‘Another Way Home’ tonight (right after I catch up on my blog reading). I LOVE having the pictures of the characters as you picture them. Makes the story come to life in my head. Thank you!
Thanks, Karen! I hope you’re enjoying the third book in the series! It may be my favorite so far. 🙂