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Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

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When Life Throws a Curveball & Giveaway

October 13, 2022 By Cara Putman

I’m not a baseball fan, but sometimes life throws a curveball and you get to decide how to handle it.

Last week, I was ready to write the next chapter in the book due December 1st, when and event happened locally that mirrored the plot. Almost exactly. Like too much.

The next morning I texted my editor and then spent 20 minutes brainstorming with her what we needed to do. This book will get written, but not be next. It’s the absolutely write thing to do. It’s also really hard because now I have to find a plot very quickly for a book that was supposed to be due December 1st, but is now due January 1st.

Ten thousands words evaporated (not really), and I get to start from scratch.

Fortunately, I already had an idea for book two that I was excited to dive into, but there’s a mile of difference between and idea and the plot and characters that turn the idea into a fully fleshed out, page turning novel.

Isn’t this like life, though? We have a good plan…and then life happens. It’s not necessarily bad…it’s just unexpected. Or as we like to say in writing…PLOT TWIST.

God’s reminding me to stay flexible and be grateful for the deadlines.

Now for fun. As often happens, I have an extra copy of a new book and want to give it away to a reader.

I loved Toni Shiloh’s new book To Win a Prince so much, I bought an extra copy to share with you. (I also just noticed it’s on ebook sale for $4.99 right now on Amazon.) All you need to do is use the form below to log your interest and enter. Here’s more about the book.

“Shiloh has penned yet another adorable and charming royal romance!”–MELISSA FERGUSON, bestselling author of Meet Me in the Margins

Can she stop herself from falling before she’s too far gone?

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Ọlọrọ Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a sustainable clothing line to help citizens in impoverished areas and honor the country’s resources. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo–the man who betrayed her best friend–will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his fellow Ọlọrans. To pay for his actions against Ọlọrọ Ilé, he’s forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely–but he can’t allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

Though they come from vastly different worlds, Iris and Ekon are both determined to reach their goals, and the only way to do that is to work together–if they can just keep their hearts from getting in the way . . .

Toni Shiloh invites you into . . .

“A romance populated with characters you can truly root for.”–OPRAH DAILY on In Search of a Prince
“A royal journey of love, faith, and all things Africa that will leave your heart longing for more.”–VANESSA MILLER, bestselling author on In Search of a Prince

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Cara Putman

An award-winning author of more than 40 books, Cara is a Clinical Associate Professor in business law and ehtics to graduate and undergraduate students at Purdue University. She lives with her husband, four children, a perfect cat, and a sweet yet rambunctious shelter puppy in Indiana.
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Filed Under: Assorted & Sundry Tagged With: cara putman, giveaway, plot twist, plotting, reading, writing, Writing Life

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