Category Archives: The Secret Life of Becky Miller

Mother’s Day Treat

Mother's Day

Mother’s Day

This week I’ve been having fun pulling out quotes from my two novels that take a whimsical look at the challenges of trying to be a Supermom. My fictional friend Becky Miller showed me a lot about my tendencies to stress out about doing things for God, instead of simply accepting His love and letting that love change me.

Mothers'Can you relate? Have you ever struggled with “mommy guilt”?

Mothers'

In the midst of all you juggle, treat yourself to a little escape with The Secret Life of Becky Miller and Renovating Becky Miller

Available today as e-books for only $3.99!

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Several years ago, I was tossing around ideas for a novel about a woman longing to be “more” than she believed she was. I remembered a short story by James Thurber: “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” Perhaps we studied it in high school, or even earlier. (Thank you to all my wonderful English teachers over the years!)

The very brief story clearly made an impact, because after so many years, I still remembered the image of a hen-pecked husband escaping into adventurous daydreams.  That concept inspired The Secret Life of Becky Miller, my first published novel.

Becky loses herself in grandiose daydreams, but finds herself in the trials of her real life. She grapples with spiritual questions, laughs and cries with her quirky friends, and pours her heart into her family.

I was delighted to hear that a new movie inspired by “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” has been released. I haven’t seen it yet (I’m a “wait for Redbox” sort), but have heard good things.

Hearing about the movie’s release also reminded me that I’d been procrastinating about getting my Becky Miller novels available as e-books.

I’ll be officially launching the e-book versions soon, but you can get a sneak peek of the first book now.
 

Order The Secret Life of Becky Miller on Kindle here.

Order The Secret Life of Becky Miller on Nook here.

I love that Becky dreams big. But I also love that she finds her real life–loved by God, and able to share that love with others–is a grander adventure than any that her imagination can create.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

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Black Friday Book Specials

I’m so excited to be holding a shiny new copy of The Restorer – Expanded Edition. And I’m excited that I figured out how to use “photo booth” on my computer to take this picture.

If you want to treat yourself or others to a book (which is still one of the best, most enduring entertainment values around in my humble opinion – hooray for books!) I wanted to alert you to some “Black Friday and Beyond” specials.

Be sure to check out Marcher Lord Press – If you order The Restorer-Expanded Edition (at their discount price!) you’ll get two free gifts. But visit soon, since it’s a limited time offer. And check out all their other books by terrific authors. Huge discounts for two days only.

*****************************************************************************************

AND if you want a gift under $5 – take a peek at . . .

The Secret Life of Becky Miller (a would-be super mom struggles with her spouses job loss)
Renovating Becky Miller (coping with a disability while juggling a home remodel and more)
Symphony of Secrets (musical mystery with a touch of romance)
Stepping Into Sunlight (inspiring novel of a woman’s emotional healing)

Those aren’t used books, either. Those are new, autographed, and will be personalized to you, or whomever you wish to give the book to.

Happy gift giving and happy reading!

Sharon Hinck

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Unemployment

Job loss is hitting several of my friends and their families. It stirs fears I’ve tried to bury – of the challenge our family has gone through several times with long stretches of unemployment. The experience is so potentially isolating and frightening, that when I wrote my first contemporary women’s fiction story a few years ago, I chose unemployment as the major dramatic conflict for the family.

The Secret Life of Becky Miller is full of Becky’s whimsical day dreams and desire to do something big for God as she tries to hold together her “super mom” ideal. But some of her bravest scenes involve quiet choices to support her husband after his job loss, instead of give way to panic.

If you have friends who have been “downsized” or are fearing lay-offs, or if you are job-searching and wondering if this journey means you’ve “missed God’s will” somewhere, I suspect that The Secret Life of Becky Miller might provide some encouragement, and a fictional character you can relate to.

Right now, Christian Book Distributors is offering copies of the novel at their site for $2.99! Now that’s a great gift in a time of tight family budgets.

Here’s an excerpt:

We continued to pray as December moved along. I’d always been good at pinching pennies, but now I had to squeeze them and wring them out.

Selling the van brought in some money and lowered our car insurance. Kevin swallowed his pride and admitted to broader circles of friends that he needed a job. He called it networking, but I knew he believed it was begging. I saw the strain growing in him as each day passed.

My fear grew at the same pace as our pile of bills. Kevin swung between honest discouragement and a more frightening self-containment and withdrawal.

My attempts at cheerleading sometimes slipped into nagging. “Have you checked the bulletin board at the unemployment office again? Did you go through today’s paper? What about the Internet? Did you submit your resume to companies that way?” No wonder he seemed more irritable every day. I hadn’t realized how much strain his job loss could put on our marriage.

No matter how much I reassured him, he admitted he felt like less of a man.

No matter how confident his swagger as he headed out for another interview, I worried we’d lose the house and end up in a cardboard box on skid row.

We both put our best faces on for each other, but the effort was pushing us apart.


Whatever job situation you are facing today, I pray that God will send you reassurance that He cares about you deeply and is absolutely capable of providing for you.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

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The Christy Awards

The photo shows me (on the left) with my remarkable Aussie friend Lisa McKay, in the interview room after the Christy dinner. It was a joy to reconnect with her. We met in Camy Tang’s LONG book-signing line a year ago at ICRS.

Here’s my impressions of my first experience at the Christy dinner.

I hadn’t planned to attend ICRS this year, but when I received the delightful shock of learning The Restorer was named a Christy finalist, I wanted to show my respect for the honor by trying to get there. My agent also encouraged me to attend, and said it was a very special experience.

Then my church small-group all chipped in and gave me a check to send me. So I went with a sense of all of them experiencing this with me. They have believed in this book since the first manuscript and prayed over it for many years. So I enjoyed celebrating this for all of us.

The warm camaraderie in the room was energetic and sincere. Authors, editors, publishers, publicists and agents greeted each other and buzzed from table to table. I was delighted to get to meet my author relation’s contact, Kris Wallen, in person for the first time.

I also enjoyed seeing familiar faces. Looking around the room, I felt surprised by how many people I’ve gotten to know in the last two years since my first book, The Secret Life of Becky Miller, released. I kept thanking God for the dear friends and acquaintances that have enriched my life.

All too soon, we had to take our seats. I wanted many more hours of chatting. 🙂

Phyllis Tickle made a beautiful presentation of the Christy Legacy Award to honor Carol Johnson who has semi-retired from her position at Bethany House. It was a beautiful tribute and heart-warming to see the whole room give her a standing ovation for all she has contributed to Christian fiction in our lifetime.

Somewhere early on (it’s a bit of a blur) all the nominees were asked to come stand by the side of the stage. Each was called on stage to receive the finalist medal. Amazing how gawky a person can feel standing in front of so many people in your field that you admire and respect. I loved how they made each of us as finalists feel special as we dipped our heads like Olympic athletes to receive the ribbon and medal.

The dinner was delicious, but each time I’d take a bite, someone new would come over to say hello, and I’d forget all about food in the joy of interacting. Someday I need to learn how to eat and fellowship at the same time.

Karen Ball, Carol Johnson, Dave Lambert, and Michelle Rapkin did a sort of panel discussion, answering questions about Christian fiction, about their own experiences (projects they passed on, some they fought for that didn’t do well financially, but they were still proud of). It was a great behind-the-scenes peek into the Christian publishing industry. As they discussed the history of key events, authors, and books that have been significant, it was like a retrospective of my own life. When CBA stores had one shelf of fiction (Grace Livingston Hill, Eugenia Price, Catherine Marshall, and a few others) I read those books. Then Jeanette Oke, then Frank Perretti, Bodie Thoene, Jan Karon. And I felt incredibly grateful to be a very tiny piece of this ministry of stories.

They announced the top winners quickly, and speeches were brief and heartfelt. I had expected Stephen Lawhead to win in the Visionary category, and could only feel that it was appropriate when it was announced. He has been the inspiration to so many for decades. As my adult son said, “Mom, I’ll always respect you for being on a list with Stephen Lawhead.”

After a prayer, quick photos and chats with friends, the finalists were all directed upstairs to do a few media interviews. I was having so much fun, I once again forgot all about decorum and being concise. I babbled like the giddy person I was.

Altogether an uplifting and fun evening, including sitting in the hotel lobby chatting and giggling with a large group of writing friends afterwards. My tap shoes remained comfortable. (Those of you who read my blog know that since I haven’t found any high-heel shoes that are comfortable except my tap shoes, he kindly removed the taps for me so I could wear them). I felt relaxed and at ease most of the time. (Thanks, I’m sure, to the prayers of my friends). And the evening was everything an awards event should be — a celebration of God’s goodness and hand in our lives, and the multiple and diverse talents He has given the Body of Christ.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

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The Secret Life of Becky Miller in Holland

Today’s mail brought a great treat:

the Dutch-language version of The Secret Life of Becky Miller.

I love the cover they did – and hope that women in the Netherlands will enjoy reading about a North-American mom and her imaginative daydreams.

I’m doing a happy dance (wearing wooden clogs, of course). Now if my tulips would just come up (spring is late here in Minnesota) I could get in the spirit of Holland even more!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Sharon’s Books

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Becky Miller in Indonesia

Today a package arrived with books that looked vaguely familiar. It took me a minute to figure out what they were: the Indonesian-language edition of The Secret Life of Becky Miller.

The cover is remarkably similar. Instead of brown hair, Becky has black hair with a white streak (hmmm, a forecast of gray hair ahead?) a gray skirt instead of khaki capris, and purple high-heeled boots instead of white tennis shoes. The child clinging to the cape has orange hair instead of blonde. The title “Kisah Rahasia Sang Supermom” sounds intriguing. The overall look is more angular than the English-language version.

I giggled like a three-year old. God is so full of surprises. Who would have imagined my middle-American mom-lit could travel in my stead far across the globe? I certainly never dreamed of this when I was writing the story. I pray the book will bring laughter, hope, and truth to everyone who finds it.

Also in the Becky Miller vein, did anyone else watch Extreme Makeover Home Edition last night? It was the 100th episode, and the home they built was here in Minnesota. I mention it because my hubby and I love the show. If you, or someone you love, enjoys Extreme Makeover, consider getting them Renovating Becky Miller for Christmas. It’s a novel that plunks Becky Miller into an Extreme Makeover situation, complete with deadlines, disasters, and the heartwarming power of people coming together with love.

Blessings and gratitude!
Sharon Hinck

The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Bethany House, June, 2006)
Renovating Becky Miller (Bethany House, February, 2007)
The Restorer (NavPress, May 2007)
The Restorer’s Son (NavPress, September 2007)

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Help with Your Christmas List

I want to give an early Christmas gift to my readers as a way to show my gratitude.

If you’re like me, you sometimes struggle to find unique, personalized, inexpensive gifts for some of your Christmas list.

To help you out, I’m offering a special service during December. You can go to Signed By the Author and order a copy of The Secret Life of Becky Miller as a Christmas gift. I’ll hand-write a personalized greeting and signature to the recipient (Signed by the Author will ask you who the book should be personalized to). AND I’ll include a FREE beautiful hand-stamped book mark, and a lovely hand-stamped Christmas gift card and envelope for you to use when you give the gift.

Who might appreciate a signed book for Christmas? Do you know anyone who could use a humorous story that offers reassurance that their life has value and that they are making a difference?

Friends in Bible study groups.
A Secret Santa gift exchange.
Your daughter’s dance teacher.
Your son’s piano teacher.
Your child’s classroom teacher.
A neighbor expecting her third child.
A new mom.
Church youth group leader.
Your pastor’s wife.
Your sister or sister-in-law.
Your church’s Women’s Ministry co-ordinator.

BLESSINGS!
Sharon
www.sharonhinck.com

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Thanksgiving Gift to Book Group Leaders


The past several months have been a blur of speaking engagements, signings, visits with store managers, and interviews – all to support my publisher’s efforts in getting word out about The Secret Life of Becky Miller.

It’s time for me to focus more energy into my writing, so I’ll be staying home and writing for the next two months.

However, I still want to continue spreading the word about The Secret Life of Becky Miller, because I know her story speaks to so many women who feel overwhelmed and doubt that their lives are making a difference.

So, I’m offering a special Thanksgiving gift to any Book Group Leaders (neighborhood, church, library, women’s organization, or whatever!). If you are a Book Group Leader and your group has not already discussed The Secret Life of Becky Miller, please contact me:

s.hinck@comcast.net

Tell me about your book group, and give me your mailing address, and WHILE SUPPLIES LAST, I’ll send you a FREE copy of The Secret Life of Becky Miller AND a discussion guide.

Happy Thanksgiving, Book Group Leaders!

If you aren’t a Book Group Leader, but know one, please tell them about my blog so they can contact me before I run out of books.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
www.sharonhinck.com

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Becky Miller in Wal-Mart


Fellow Bethany House author, Allison Bottke emailed me today. She was speaking in Spartanburg, SC and one of the event planners took her to Wal-Mart to see her book, A Stitch in Time, on the shelf. Allison sent me a picture because there beside her book was The Secret Life of Becky Miller. Thanks so much, Allison!

I love seeing Becky Miller in Wal-Mart. Here in Minnesota I’ve found her in Borders, Barnes & Noble, Northwestern Bookstores, and some small independent stores, but not yet in Wal-Mart.

I also got exciting news last week, that The Secret Life of Becky Miller is now an audio book. The narrator has read some New York Times bestselling women’s novels, so I’m tickled to imagine her reading Becky’s tale.

For any of you in the Minnesota area, I’ll be speaking at the Minnesota Christian Writer’s Guild meeting on Monday, October 9, 2007, 7-9 p.m. (my part is at 8 pm). I’d love to see you!

Coming soon on my blog: the CSFF blog tour for Kathyrn Mackel and a visit with Mary DeMuth.

My next free Book Buddy ezine will come out October 15. If you’d like a brief inspirational article, behind-the-scenes info on the writing life, recommendations on books I’ve read recently, and info on special gifts and prizes for Book Buddies, be sure to leave your name and email at the “contact Sharon” page of my website.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
author of The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Bethany House 6/06)
and Renovating Becky Miller (Bethany House, 2/07)

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