The premise of this new series is fascinating--three woman who buy an old inn that used to be part of the Underground Railroad. What an opportunity for mysteries to be solved!
From beginning to end, these mysteries are a joint effort, from the Guideposts marketing team to the editorial staff to the authors, and more.
For you, as an author, how has this collaboration impacted your writing? How does writing Guideposts continuities differ from writing other books?
I’m finding this collaborative writing both a challenge and a lot more fun. The writing life can be lonely—just the author alone with all the imaginary people in her head. I’m really enjoying working with other writers who know the characters in the same way I do. The challenge comes from needing to know what those characters have done in every book leading up to the one I’m currently working on. We have a Facebook group for posting questions and comments. Almost every day someone pops in with things like: “Is Paige’s baby going to be a boy or a girl?” “What time do they lock the inn doors at night?” “Did Prudence have any siblings?” If I get stuck on a plot point, it’s wonderful to have the rest of the team to help in the brainstorming process.
What is your favorite thing about writing for the "Secrets of Wayfarers Inn" series?
When I write a stand-alone book or even a short series, along with the celebration when I write the final word is always some sadness. I hate saying good-bye to characters who have become friends and settings that feel like home. In a continuity series, I get to hang out in this happy, familiar place with my “friends” for so much longer. Add in the benefit of hashing out ideas with seven other authors and using their stories as springboards for mine, and it’s just a wonderful, stretching, fun experience.
These books take place in present time and in the past. Do you write both contemporary and historical books?
I generally write contemporary stories. Though I’ve never written a purely historical novel, I do have a three-book time-slip series. (My Lost Sanctuary Series is currently out of print but I’m working on a re-release that should be available this fall.) I love writing stories with contemporary and historical threads running side-by-side—especially when both stories are set in the same location and are connected by a mystery that needs to be solved by the present-time characters. Imagining our historical character, Prudence Willard, touching the same mushroom-shaped newel post our present-day characters admired on their first visit to the inn, sparks so many intriguing questions.
Have you written any other books in other Guideposts series?
This is my first experience with Guideposts. I feel so blessed to be involved in this project and couldn’t be happier with the close relationship we have with the editors. They are always available and willing to offer advice. And it’s been such a joy getting to know some of the Guideposts’ readers.
What is your favorite thing about the location? Have you visited this location? If so, please tell me a little bit about it.
My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful visit to Marietta, Ohio in October. I fell in love with the historic downtown with its cobblestone streets and redbrick buildings. We took a sternwheeler riverboat ride, enjoyed coffee and a delicious gluten-free sugar cookie at Jeremiah’s Coffee House—an inviting, eclectic place with delightfully mismatched furniture and wonderful aromas. We had lunch at the Levee House Café, a restaurant (sadly now closed) with a pressed tin ceiling and incredible food located in the historic building that served as the inspiration for Wayfarers Inn. I was honored to spend a morning chatting with Harley Noland, the owner of the building. His knowledge of the town’s rich heritage made Marietta’s history come alive. I could so easily imagine sitting on a porch swing in front of Wayfarers Inn, sipping tea and leisurely observing life on the Ohio river with Tess, Janice and LuAnn. We hope to return to explore even more of the town’s history and mystery.
Note: we've included some pictures below of Marietta, Ohio that Becky took on her trip.
What are your favorite things about the main character(s) of the Guideposts books you write?
I really love writing about women in the same life season I’m in. A woman in her sixties has worked through a lot of the things that trouble us in our younger years and is often free to be a bit bolder and more adventurous. LuAnn, Tess, and Janice are allowing God to reinvent their lives. Though two are recently widowed and living with a backdrop of grieving, they are open to taking on a new adventure. Though Janice deals with a lot of fears and phobias, I love how she forces herself to step out in faith in spite of anxiety. LuAnn is the list-maker and loves being organized. She’s learned to laugh at herself when the others call her out for being a bit too much of a planner. Tess has a feisty streak. I envy how easily she speaks her mind. Though the women sometimes wrestle with regret and the “what ifs” we all deal with, they share a determination to not be stagnant, to be true to a pledge they made to each other in college—“We will never act our age and never be bored or boring.” I love writing women who are flawed and human but amazing role models.
What other books have you written?
I have written eighteen titles to date, some co-authored and some solo. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working on a few novellas in collections with other authors. My books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christianbooks.com. Anyone interested in the updated version of the Lost Sanctuary Series can sign up for updates on my website.
Do you have a website and/or Facebook page where people can find you?
Come and visit me at www.beckymelby.com. I’m on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Becky-Melby-Author-Page-147542291976020/ or https://www.facebook.com/becky.f.melby
Thank you, Candice, for the opportunity to talk about "Family Secrets" and the "Secrets of Wayfarers Inn" series.
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