Beautiful Books 2017 // A Soldier's Story

Good day, friends and relations! 

You probably thought I'd abandoned this blog entirely when I failed to post for nearly three weeks. Fortunately for all concerned, that is not the case. I was already planning to take time off from blog during the visit of a dear friend, and then I didn't blog the rest of last week as well... xD  

However, I am back today with a writing-related post. Showcasing my current WIP – which I may or may not be trying to finish this month. *distant screaming* 

Beautiful Books, the November/NaNoWriMo version of Beautiful People, has some awesome questions that I'll be answering. I'll not be doing the actual NaNoWriMo next month, but I'm stealing the questions anyway. :D (Actually, concerning NaNo, I'm hoping to edit 50k of War Tears instead. We'll see.)

1. What inspired the idea for your novel, and how long have you had the idea?

A YouTube video. No, I'm serious! A ten minute YouTube video along with a prompt from Pinterest initiated what is now a 51k-and-counting novel. 

I've had the idea for over a year, and the first words were typed in July of 2016. 

2. Describe what your novel is about!

*silence* *Faith glances to her right* *then left* 

OKAY SO. If I was one of those awesome writer humans who followed all the rules, I would probably have a blurb/summary/synopsis/whatever-it-is-called for this book by now. But I don't... 

*leaves Blogger* *comes back like 30 minutes later* Feel special, friends! I finally wrote a not-perfect-but-passable blurb for this WIP. :P 

Having just returned to American soil from the desert sands of the Middle East, James Greene is done with his life. 'Double amputee' doesn't seem like a strong enough phrase to label the physical and emotional pain he bears. Add the lack of love and communication with his family members, and he can find nothing worth living for. Ending it all is the only way out. 

Alexandria Lorance is a not-so-ordinary physical therapist, content with aiding in her patients' recoveries. Her work gives her fulfillment, but alone in the silence, she still feels the hurt of hidden scars from a past unhealthy relationship. Reminding herself that true healing is found in Christ alone, she seeks to show kindness and love to everyone she meets.

When these two broken ones' paths intersect, the spark of friendship is ignited, bringing hope and joy to both. Would it be wrong to move forward to more than just friendship? 

A soldier, broken by war. A therapist, scarred by words. A chance meeting on a rooftop bonded them together. But can love grow in these two hurting hearts? Or are they truly too broken to ever find lasting happiness? 

3. What is your book’s aesthetic? Use words or photos or whatever you like!

*tosses out a few of my favs from the Pinterest board* 

4. Introduce us to each of your characters!

*grins* Okiedoke, this'll be fun. I'm gonna give a few words about each of the top three characters. (Ya know, like a social media bio...except few are really this honest. XD)

James Greene >> USMC Retired. Double amputee. Suicidal. Intrigued by talk of God, coming from Alex, Joe, and Kellon (Alex's brother). Funnier than I think I am. 

Alexandria Lorance >> Physical therapist assistant. Blonde in hair color only. 21st century patriot. Sarcastic. Queen of nicknames. Wanting to be a light in the darkness. 

Uncle Joe >> Vietnam veteran. Married to Gloria. Uncle and top-adviser to Alex. Operating a ministry for returning service members. 

5. How do you prepare to write? (Outline, research, stocking up on chocolate, howling, etc.?)

This is one book that I do have a semi-decent outline for. I didn't start it until I was 40-50% done with the book, buuutttttt.... ;) Also, chocolate – definitely. And some research. 

6. What are you most looking forward to about this novel?

Finishing it!! No, seriously. I'm super excited to write the ending. Hope and redemption and beautifulness and... *clamps mouth shut and hopes that wasn't spoilery* 

7. List 3 things about your novel’s setting.

Ehh...the setting is definitely something that needs work here. 

1 – City. It might be somewhere on the coast – like New England – but I'm not sure yet. 

2 – Hospitals. I don't think I need to explain this one. 

3 – Sidewalks. Lots of sidewalk scenes. xD 

8. What’s your character’s goal and who (or what) stands in the way?

James' goal is to regain as much independence as possible. What stands in his way? Um...well...he kinda lost two limbs, so there's that. 

9. How does your protagonist change by the end of the novel?

*legit had to google 'protagonist' to make sure it means what I thought it means which it does* 

Uhhh....I feel like answering this question would be giving away the ending? I'll just say that God can do something awesome in an individual's life when you invite Him in...and I'll leave it at that for now. :) 

10. What are your book’s themes? How do you want readers to feel when the story is over?

Hope. Redemption. Brokenness. I want readers to feel inspired, encouraged, and hopeful. <3 

Sound interesting? Did I intrigue you? Would anyone like to see a post of music that I relate to this story? Thanks for reading! <3 

~Faith 

**A Soldier's Story is a working title that will change someday...when I make a definite decision. xD