Callie Hutton | So Where Do You Get Your Ideas?
GIVEAWAY: choice of a Marriage Mart Mayhem novel
August 23, 2016
That is a common question I’m asked when I introduce myself to someone as an
author. And, although it sounds vague when I answer “everywhere,” that is the
truth of the matter. I started making up stories in my head when I was a young girl. Long road trips
(no iPads, iPhones, or portable DVD players in those days) were the perfect
place to imagine myself in all sorts of interesting situations. I also used that
same method when I was falling asleep at night. I would climb into bed and
refresh my memory on where the story stopped the previous night, then pick it up
from there. Much to my parents’ amazement, some nights I was anxious to go to
bed, just so I could continue my story. Years later, when I worked in Manhattan, I took a train from my home in New
Jersey, and most times the same people would be on the train each day. To amuse
myself, I made up stories about them. I had a lengthy story going one time that
covered weeks, concerning the woman next to me, who had a husband—sitting on my
other side, who was cheating on her, with the woman in the seat across from us,
and the man’s mother, sitting two rows over, knew about it and didn’t know what
to do. That was fun, and then one day on my lunch hour, while I wandered the streets of
New York city I saw the woman with the (pretend) cheating husband and almost
asked her (with a great deal of sympathy) how she was getting on. I had to pull
myself up short with a reminder that I had made that story up. What trouble that
would have caused! As you can see, I get my ideas from everywhere. In line at the bank, when I hear
words from a song, scenes from a TV show, or movie. In fact, my book, THE ELUSIVE WIFE, came
about from a church service. The pew in front of me held a family of five. The
youngest child, a little girl in a ruffled dress, white stockings, patent
leather shoes, and a pretty ribbon in her curly hair, crawled away from her
mother in the pew. The mother whispered, “Olivia, come back here.” Once that name popped into my head, I envisioned a Regency woman named Olivia,
and her story came to me. Scribbling on the back of a blank check, I outlined
the entire book. I also asked God’s forgiveness for not listening to the
sermon—which I’m sure was wonderful, uplifting, and soul-saving. I’m a people watcher. Everywhere I go I observe how they interact with each
other, and how they conduct themselves. Restaurants are my favorite place, but
now with everyone’s eyes glued to their cell phones, I don’t get as much
material as I used to. Malls are great, too. Another way I get ideas is by asking questions. While that drives my daughter
crazy—“mom is the inquisition over yet?”—I learn a lot about people, how they
live, where they go, what type of work they do, and what their dreams are. All
fodder for my next book. And it helps pass the time on airplane flights, too. As you can see, it turns out the answer to that question is
simple—living is what gives me my ideas. Giveaway
What was the highlight of your summer? One reader will get a signed printed
copy of any of the Marriage Mart Mayhem books (USA addresses or ebook for
international addresses), the reader's choice. Just leave your answer below!
USA Today best selling author of THE ELUSIVE WIFE, Callie
Hutton writes both Western Historical and Regency romance, with “historic
elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). She also pens an occasional
contemporary or two. Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs, two
adult children, and daughter-in-law (thankfully all not in the same house), and
her top cheerleader husband of thirty-eight years. She also recently welcomed
twin grandsons to her ever expanding family. Callie loves to hear from readers,
and would welcome you as a “friend” on Facebook. You can contact her through her
website.
If you would like to keep informed on sales, contests and new releases, sign up
for her newsletter or join her street team, Callie’s Cohorts, where fun, gossip,
contests, and general mayhem lives and flourishes.
Marriage Mart
Mayhem #7
London, 1819. Four years ago, Darius, the Earl of Redgrave fled London
two weeks before his wedding to Lady Mary’s sister and married another woman.
Now a widower, he has returned to seek a new wife.
One woman catches his eye . . .
At first, Lady Mary doesn’t recognize the handsome lord as the cad who ran
out on her sister. After giving him the cut direct in a London ballroom, she
finds herself running into him everywhere she goes, and fighting a forbidden
attraction. Not only has Mary sworn off men, Redgrave is so very wrong for her.
But she cannot stop thinking of his kisses. Redgrave means to stay away from
Mary but it is impossible. Passion between two people who can never be together
is a dangerous game.
Romance Historical
[Entangled Scandalous, On Sale: August 22, 2016,
e-Book, ISBN: 9781633757400 / eISBN: 9781633757400]
Marriage Mart Mayhem
Comments
34 comments posted.
Re: Callie Hutton | So Where Do You Get Your Ideas?
The highlight of my summer? Gosh...it has to be seeing our grandchildren. We live in FL and they live in OK. We drove and spent a month with them and it was wonderful! Nothing better than time with family!!!! (Bonnie Capuano 8:25am August 23, 2016)
Oh, I truly get the grandchildren thing.I have two adorable twin grandsons. Just had their 2nd birthday party last Sunday. (Callie Hutton 10:50am August 23, 2016)
The highlight of my summer was spending a week at the beach. (Bonnie H 11:10am August 23, 2016)
My highlights of the summer were spending time with family and getting in a bunch of reading time! (Colleen Conklin 12:43pm August 23, 2016)
Hi Bonnie, thanks for coming by. I love the beach, and always get to dip in the water when I visit family in New Jersey. (Callie Hutton 1:42pm August 23, 2016)
Thanks for saying hello, Bonnie. Summertime is great for getting in a bunch of reading. But then, so is fall, winter, spring . . . . (Callie Hutton 1:43pm August 23, 2016)
We didn't do a lot this summer, so I'd say the highlight was watching fireworks with my grandkids. (Janie McGaugh 10:00pm August 23, 2016)
Hi Janie. Grandkids time is the absolute best. Thanks for stopping by. (Callie Hutton 10:47pm August 23, 2016)
The highlight of my summer was getting to see Riverdance. (Tanja Dancy 3:33am August 24, 2016)
Reading lots of books and spending time with Papa and the grand kids. Several grandchild birthdays in the summer. (Peggy Collins 9:22am August 24, 2016)
Hi Tanja, Mty sister saw that, and loved it. (Callie Hutton 9:23am August 24, 2016)
Hi Peggy, My family is riddled with summer birthdays. I'm sure you had fun. (Callie Hutton 9:24am August 24, 2016)
The highlight of my summer is playing with my children. Thank you!! (Beth Shepherd 11:16am August 24, 2016)
Our highlight this summer was our roadtrip up north to South Dakota from Florida. We traveled by car to explore South Dakota's Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse memorial, Deadwood, Wall Drug, Corn Palace, Black Hills. What a beautiful state, we had a grand time then traveled home through Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico to get to Arkansas where we spent time with grandkids and then home. 6,000 miles on the car and we enjoyed every minute. (Sandra Stipins 2:36pm August 24, 2016)
The highlight of my summer was being able to take a trip to see my aunt, whom I hadn't seen in 8 years. She is 84. (Sharlene Wegner 8:33pm August 24, 2016)
I've had a pretty low key summer - trying to beat the heat (tho the last few days have been very nice). Did get to visit family for a long weekend early in the summer and got in some pool time. (Diane Sallans 11:27am August 25, 2016)
The highlight of my summer was the birth of my first great-grandchild. I love having a baby in the family again. (Anna Speed 7:51pm August 25, 2016)
The highlight of my summer was just getting lot's of down time to catch up on reading and sleep. I decided to home school my kids last year, though it was very enjoyable, it was very demanding and draining. (Robin Tindle 10:06pm August 25, 2016)
My highlight is any time I get to spend with my grandson and all of my family. Also just celebrated my aunt & uncles 75th wedding anniversary where I got to see family I hadn't seen in years (Julie Parrish 8:27am August 26, 2016)
The highlight of my summer was going to the beach for the weekend. (Ron Frampton 11:25am August 26, 2016)
Hi Callie , I'm not an author but I am a 'people person '. I could watch people all day in the mall or the comings and goings in front of Walmart . You see all kinds of people and some are very entertaining and interesting . I always wonder what their life is like . When I'm traveling late at night and go by these houses with the lights on , I'm wondering what's going on in that house . Are they getting ready to go to work ,did they just get home from work , did they just kill someone ??? OR are they afraid of the dark ? You never know .OH , you want to know my summer highlight . Well , I have six grandchildren , three girls three boys that I adore ages 21 down to 5 and 6. They keep me busy and I line dance with a great group of ladies , then I people watch and at the end of the day I enjoy going to bed with a good book and read till I fall asleep . That's my highlight for the summer and everyday . Love it ... Thanks for this chance to win your book. (Joan Thrasher 12:37pm August 26, 2016)
Spending time with the grandkids is precious and unforgettable. (Sharon Berger 12:38pm August 26, 2016)
I got out of hot Arizona and enjoyed the beaches in La Jolla (Joy Isley 2:17pm August 26, 2016)
The highlight of my summer so far has been our trip to the Jersey Shore. We had a blast! (Nancy Marcho 3:55pm August 26, 2016)
Spending several weeks with my son and grandchildren hiking, crabbing and barbecueing. (Irene Menge 5:56pm August 26, 2016)
Our highlight of the summer was actually right at the beginning right before school was. They had a grandparents day, so we made a trip up to northern Indiana and had a few days with the family. The school has a program for the 2nd graders with their grandparents. It was real special along with the rest of the time with the grandchildren. We don't get to see them often so it was real nice. (Nancy Luebke 8:28pm August 26, 2016)
The highlights of my summer all took place this past June. First, my cousin got married and I helped with some small things during this period. Then my eldest sibling with spouse & in laws came for a week-long visit, filled with trips and not enough sleep for me.
I liked the daydreaming aspect of inspiration. In some way, I do some daydreaming, too. Though my inspirations are different. (Ela Raymundo 5:14am August 27, 2016)
Reading on the beach! (Elizabeth Hyatt 3:15pm August 27, 2016)
The highlight of my summer is going to see Noah's Ark with my husband, daughter and granddaughter. This is an exact replica of the Ark that is described in Genesis and it is an amazing sight! (Connie Saunders 4:05pm August 27, 2016)
Noah's Ark is in northern Kentucky (Connie Saunders 4:06pm August 27, 2016)
The highlight has definitely been the family vacation! Just being able to join everyones crazy schedules to find time together away from everything at home was really nice. It was peaceful and void of technology so everyone really got a chance to relax and connect with one another! (Lily Shah 5:08pm August 27, 2016)
The highlight of this summer for me has been going to the farmer's market with my grown children, and finding a couple of new coffee vendors that have amazing coffee! I love to read a good book with an amazing coffee to drink. (Sandy Fielder 6:16pm August 27, 2016)
Oh dear. This summer wasn't exciting. The highlight of my summer was FINALLY being able to drive again. I had 2 surgeries in the late spring on my right foot. After 4 months, I was finally able to safely get in a car and drive by myself again. Very liberating!! Thank you for the opportunity! (Marcia Berbeza 1:53am August 28, 2016)
Enjoyed reading your post about where you get your ideas. I'm still waiting for the highlight of my summer. :) Carol L Lucky475&0 (at) aol (dot) com (Carol Luciano 5:11pm August 28, 2016)
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