What inspires me?
by RaeAnne Thayne
I just finished my 40th book last month. That number still astonishes me! Regardless of the varied conflicts, characters and plots, I have discovered a common theme that runs through each book. My core story is that we’re all here on earth to learn how to take care of each other.
Caretakers come in so many different forms. Grandparents raising their grandchildren, wives helping husbands through chemotherapy, mothers racing from soccer games to gymnastics class to the piano lessons.
In WOODROSE MOUNTAIN (April 2012, HQN), that lesson in caring comes to my heroine, Evie Blanchard. Still grieving after the death of her adopted special needs child, Evie has created a new life for herself in Hope’s Crossing, Colorado, the fictional town I first introduced in BLACKBERRY SUMMER (June 2011, HQN).
Evie has walked away from her life as a pediatric rehab therapist and is perfectly happy working in a bead store and selling her jewelry creations at summer bead fairs. But when business mogul Brodie Thorne pleads for her help in the recovery of his brain-injured daughter Taryn (injured in a car accident in BLACKBERRY SUMMER) Evie feels obligated by her friendship to Taryn’s grandmother to overcome her own reluctance and offer what assistance she can. She doesn’t want to allow herself to care for Taryn – or Brodie! – but in the process of helping this courageous girl recover from her severe injuries, Evie is astonished to discover healing and hope within herself.
I loved writing WOODROSE MOUNTAIN. Probably more than in any of my other forty books, I relied very heavily on my own experience while writing about Taryn, Evie and Brodie. You see, I’m a caretaker as well, to my 14-year-old son who has severe disabilities. He was born the very week I sold my fifth book and I’ve walked two sometimes disparate journeys in that time – parenting a child with special needs and writing happily-ever-after romance novels.
I leaned heavily on my own world view while writing WOODROSE MOUNTAIN. Wheelchair vans, lift systems, even seizure protocol are all things I’m knowledgeable about. I also know very well how vital good therapists can be in the rehab process – and also how important a strong, supportive community can be for those who struggle with challenges.
As the parent of a child with special needs, the key lesson I’ve learned is the inherent goodness of most people. We have been embraced and supported by our community from the day he was born. Even strangers often reach out to us. I’m always having people stop me in the grocery store when I’m juggling both a cart and a wheelchair to ask if they can help me (I always appreciate the offer but I’m an old pro at pushing a wheelchair with one hand and pulling a cart with the other! The trick is not to try this at a crowded Walmart on a Saturday afternoon LOL!).
The overriding message I hope readers take from WOODROSE MOUNTAIN is that even when life seems difficult and entirely too hard, moments of grace and beauty can be found in abundance!
Thank you Rae for stopping by today! I have a profound respect for parents who care for special needs children. Ive seen first hand the dedication, hard work and heartbreak that go's with it. Congrats on your new book and wishing you the best!!
Giveaway
Today I have one brand new copy of Woodrose Mountain to giveaway to a reader at TBR's. To enter please just leave a comment and a way to get in touch (email, link to profile) Winner will drawn March 14, 2012.
Evie Blanchard was at the top of her field in the city of angels. But when an emotional year forces her to walk away from her job as a physical therapist, she moves from Los Angeles to Hope’s Crossing seeking a quieter life. So the last thing she needs is to get involved with the handsome, arrogant Brodie Thorne and his injured daughter, Taryn.
A self-made man and single dad, Brodie will do anything to get Taryn the rehabilitation she needs…even if it means convincing Evie to move in with them. And despite her vow to keep an emotional distance, Evie can’t help but be moved by Taryn’s spirit, or Brodie’s determination to win her help—and her heart. With laughter, courage and more than a little help from the kindhearted people of Hope’s Crossing, Taryn may get the healing she deserves—and Evie and Brodie might just find a love they never knew could exist.
40 books!!! Holy moly!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice message though, I think we all forget there is so much awesome around because of all the negativity that surrounds us daily!
This sounds like a fantastic book, I will be adding it to my 'to be read' list.
ReplyDeleteI should have said I'm a caregiver, not a caretaker. LOL.
ReplyDeleteBookish Brunette, thank you! I think it's sometimes human nature to focus on the bad instead of the good. We have to force ourselves to see the beauty. Thanks for your comment!
ReplyDeleteThanks Llamacheeks. I hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI love all your books! I can't wait to read this one!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved the first book in this series and I am eagerly awaiting Woodrose Mountain. After I read Blackberry Summer, I knew I had found another favorite author. Can't wait for Woodrose Mountain!
ReplyDeletePeolpe do make the world go round. This book seems to be a great read!
ReplyDeleteI loved Blackberry Summer & am sure I will enjoy your new book--I have several challrnged nieces & nephews--autism, Down's Syndrome, more severe autism & just mentally challenged so I salute you
ReplyDeleteAnnette Jenkins is anonymous because I did not know how to blog evidently!!!LOL! I do not know what URL is
ReplyDeleteCiNdEe, thank you!
ReplyDeleteStephanie, thank you! I've been so touched with reader response to this series.
ReplyDeleteBlanche, exactly! Thanks for your comment.
ReplyDeleteI loved Blackberry Summer and am so looking forward to this story. I have never dealt with special needs kids but had a friend in a wheelchair once and saw some of the things she had to go through. I lost her quite a few years ago but will never forget her for her strength. I love your books and am an avid fan. email- [email protected].
ReplyDeleteAnnette, LOL. I don't either. I can't believe I said caretaker when I meant caregiver. Takers vs. Givers. Big difference! Thanks for your comments :)
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ReplyDeleteThank you so much Diana. I'm astonished daily at the strength I see in the children with special needs we associate with, both our son and others. They're amazing. When I was young, "those" kids went to special classes and we rarely interacted. I love how they're more a part of the school experience now. Seems like the other young people in my son's school have far more accepting hearts than my generation did because they're used to it. Thank you for your lovely words.
ReplyDeleteI promise you WILL want to read this book!!! This triolgy has really been excellent. Look for my review right here on Tina's book reviews..... this book ended way too soon for me!
ReplyDelete"...we’re all here on earth to learn how to take care of each other."
ReplyDeleteThat is my feelings as well. That and learning to love each other. When mankind reaches that point then we will have reached Nirvana (as the Eastern religions say)
I would love to try your books. Have you written under another name?
annfesATyahooDOTcom
Tonya, thank you so much! I'm so happy you enjoyed the book. FYI, there's an epilogue to the book that for some reason wasn't included in the print ARC. If you didn't receive it with yours, let me know and I'll email it to you :)
ReplyDelete[email protected]
All my books are under my own name. Many of them are category romances for Silhouette/Harlequin ... the Intimate Moments and Special Edition line. I also have a freebie on Kindle/Nook, Dancing in the Moonlight, which was written for Special Edition.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with your point about Nirvana. Don't you think we learn best how to love each other by taking care of each other? That's been my experience, anyway. Thanks for your comments!
Great post.Enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to reading Woodrose Mountain.I loved the first book.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Wow, 40 books? Congratulations. That is a wonderful milestone. I really like the message in your book. I do think there is grace and beauty in life's most difficult times. Sometimes it can be hard to see but if you surround yourself with people who love and support you, it can make it easy to see. Thank you for the chance to read your book.
ReplyDeleteCambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
I enjoyed reading about the inspiration for your book. It sounds like good.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I am very excited about the book. May all the Gods be in my favor, maybe I'll win it :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your writing and post. best wishes
[email protected]
Congrats on 40 books! Loved this book. But, very funny thing! After page 256, it went to page 353 and all new characters. I thought,what the heck? Realized that there were 31 pages from another book inserted. It then continued on page 289. So I missed out on over 30 pages of the story???? Still enjoyed the book, but will flip throught
ReplyDeletethem before buying from now on.