Kristen Ethridge | Why I Love Writing Stories in a Texas Beachside Town

I’m so excited to be here on Fresh Fiction, celebrating the release of my latest Port Provident story, THE DOCTOR'S UNEXPECTED FAMILY, featuring a doctor who can’t wait to leave town and a city councilwoman who is determined to save her home after a hurricane has come ashore. When I first started writing these books, I knew I wanted to create a dynamic community that readers could come back to visit again and again—because as a reader, I love series books myself. It’s fun to come back to a place you know and love. And reading the story of a secondary character who gets their own book—or getting to check in on characters from stories you’ve read before —is one of my favorites. It’s like visiting with old friends.

Port Provident is a Texas beachside town that you’ll fall in love with. Of course there’s the beach, but there’s also historic homes, shops, restaurants, family dynamics and much more—just like those beachside communities that capture your heart when you vacation there.

One of the reasons I love beachside communities so much is because I was born in one—Galveston, Texas—and Port Provident is modeled after Galveston. But that’s not the only reason I love continuing to create stories that take place by the beach… here are some of my favorite reasons:

There’s always something going on
Most beachside towns have a tourist-based economy, and Port Provident is no exception. From sandcastle competitions to Easter egg hunts on the beach, to Christmas festivals, to busy holiday weekends, there’s always something to generate the interest of visitors (and residents) in town.

There’s always someone new in town
When you’re a town that tourists love, there’s never a shortage of short- term visitors. But there are also people who come to town because they want to live on the beach, open a business…or maybe run as far away as they can and still be on dry land.

But there’s also plenty of history
Like its inspiration of Galveston, Port Provident has been a pirate hideaway. There are also Victorian homes from the town’s heyday as a turn-of-the-century trading port. And of course there are families who have lived in town for generations—which creates interesting dynamics between both old alliances and detractors and new residents and long-term island dwellers.

Diversity abounds
With so many different people pursuing different dreams, Port Provident reflects a diverse community. Their backgrounds give so many options for stories and the backstories that make them who they are.

And of course, everything’s more romantic with a walk on the beach
What more is there to say? Sand, surf, a breeze and seagulls make for the perfect way to end a day—or get a first kiss—as the sun melts in a palette of fiery red and yellow into the streaks of blue sky and surf where they all converge at the horizon.

Thanks for having me today! I hope you’ll pick up a copy of THE DOCTOR'S UNEXPECTED FAMILY and spend these last few days of summer at the beach with me and the residents of Port Provident, Texas.

GIVEAWAY

What's your favorite beachside community? Leave a comment below and be entered for a chance to win a copy of SECOND CHANCE SWEETHEARTS.

About Kristen Ethridge

The writing bug bit Kristen Ethridge around the time she first held a pencil. A 2012 Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award Finalist, Kristen was discovered by Harlequin through their 2012 So You Think You Can Write contest.

She writes contemporary inspirational romance for Harlequin's Love Inspired line, as well as sweet contemporary romance. Her favorite stories are filled with love, laughter, and happily ever after--and her favorite happily ever after is the story of God's love. Although she has fun creating characters, Kristen's favorite people are her family. She lives in Texas with her husband, children and a self- important poodle. Visit her online.

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About THE DOCTOR'S UNEXPECTED FAMILY

GRACE FINDS YOU IN THE MOST UNEXPECTED PLACES…

Dr. Pete Shipley is on a mission to save lives and he’s ready to move to another corner of the world where his skills are needed. City Councilwoman Angela Ruiz is a single parent fighting to save her hometown after Hurricane Hope tears through Port Provident, leaving destruction across the community she has sworn to serve. Together, they team up to found The Grace Space, a Christian-based community gathering spot in the heart of Angela’s district, where residents can get food, household goods, and basic medical care while Port Provident rebuilds after the storm.

When Pete’s appointment to an international medical mission comes, will the doctor follow his lifelong dream and leave Port Provident, The Grace Space, and Angela and her daughter—or will he stay with the family he didn't expect to love and realize he can change the world without leaving home?

Hurricane Hope: One storm changes Port Provident forever...and for good

Buy THE DOCTOR'S UNEXPECTED FAMILY

 

 

Comments

22 comments posted.

Re: Kristen Ethridge | Why I Love Writing Stories in a Texas Beachside Town

south haven, michigan
(Tammy Thayer 4:05am August 7, 2015)

ocean xity, md
(Marissa Yip-Young 5:56am August 7, 2015)

I love Tawas, MI
(Lorelei Frank 6:58am August 7, 2015)

I love Galveston and the old homes. I am from Monahans in West
Texas so far from the beaches. We do have the sandhills
somewhat like the beaches have. Your book sounds great and I
bet, emotional.
(Leona Olson 9:24am August 7, 2015)

Without giving my exact location away, other than stating that I live in Michigan, my favorite beach location is exactly where I'm living right now. Although my location is in the country, or farming area, the beach is just a mile away, at one of the Great Lakes, and we always have something going on up there, just as you stated in your posting!! It can be a bit congested at times for my taste, so I prefer to be kicked-back and quiet where I live, and be with the birds and the rest of the wildlife, and watch the farmers work their fields. I'm sure I'll be able to relate to your book, and am looking forward to reading it. Congratulations on what I'm sure is going to be a big hit!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:24am August 7, 2015)

south haven, michigan
(Emily Stemp 3:00pm August 7, 2015)

Jones Beach. The area is pretty and relaxing.
Marilyn
(Marilyn Collins 5:23pm August 7, 2015)

Lake Tahoe
(Sandie White 12:54pm August 8, 2015)

Hilton Head Island.
(Pam Howell 12:21pm August 8, 2015)

Virginia Beach
(Jeri Dickinson 1:57pm August 8, 2015)

Virginia Beach
(Emily Stemp 4:00pm August 8, 2015)

Pompano Beach Resort , FL . also I would go to Dolphin Island ,AL . again are any of them ,all are exciting places . Thanks for this giveaway .
(Joan Thrasher 9:42am August 9, 2015)

Virginia Beach always
(Jeri Dickinson 1:24pm August 9, 2015)

Holland and Saugatuck, Michigan
(Heidi Ingalls 3:00am August 10, 2015)

Palm Coast, Florida!
(LaCinda Jameson 3:04am August 10, 2015)

Santa Rosa Beach, FL
(Dianne McVetty 11:49am August 10, 2015)

Orcas Island, WA
(Denise Austin 1:26pm August 10, 2015)

Dolphin Island, Alabama
(Anna Speed 1:32pm August 10, 2015)

any I can get to.
(Mary Hay 2:27pm August 10, 2015)

I love this type of book, hope I win it.
(Wilma Frana 3:02pm August 10, 2015)

My favorite beach community is either Corpus Christi, TX, or Galveston, TX.
(Alice Hunter 3:22pm August 10, 2015)

Santa Barbara, Calif.!
(Valri Western 11:20pm August 14, 2015)

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