Happy New Year, Inspy readers. I’ve a confession to make. I had completed writing my blog for Inspy today and was about to upload it when I decided to blog about something else instead. If you want to read the blog I would have posted, I’m using it at International Christian Fiction Writers on January 11th . One good thing, I killed two blogs at one go—a rare occurrence for me.
So, rather than tell you about what 2016 held and what 2017 will hold, I decided you might be more interested in learning about the novella I’m currently trying to complete. I’ve never tackled a story where the main characters are in their sixties, but I have to tell you that I am having SO much fun with this story and all the characters in it—the Dunhams and their neighbors, the Stansons.
There’s a saying that says ‘Life begins at 40’, but for my hero and heroine, Brian and Elizabeth Dunham, life literally begins at sixty. When you read the blurb you’ll quickly guess why.
Here’s a short excerpt from the opening scene with Elizabeth and JoAnn:
ARMS STILL extended on the Vortex Spin Bike’s handles, Elizabeth Dunham sat back down on the narrow seat. She leaned forward and rested her sweaty, silvery head on the bar between her arms. She stopped pedalling, and the flywheel soon came to rest. The slow warmup to the voice of Robbie Williams and the old classic Mack the Knife had been easy and fun, but the upbeat tempo of Radar Love that followed quickly sapped her energy.
The day after Elizabeth’s sixtieth birthday, her newfound friend and neighbor, JoAnn Stanson, had signed her up for this Over Sixties spinning class, and dragged her along to classes ever since. Twice a week.
“You need something to replace the activity of running that orphanage and looking after all those African children,” JoAnn had said.
And before Elizabeth knew what was happening, she was sweating over a bicycle going nowhere, legs on fire and her chest about to explode.
I’m writing A Time to Laugh for a romance comedy box set due to release early March, although I think we’re going on pre-order way before then. This is the first book in a new collection (not series) that I’m planning titled Under the Sun. I don’t have any plans to connect the stories in this collection, but who knows what will happen between the publication of Book 1 and Book 2. All the books will, however, be based on a line from Ecclesiastes 3.
If you do happen to read my blog on ICFW on the 11th, you’ll soon come to the conclusion that the earliest Book 2 in this collection can be written and published is during 2018. My initial thinking was to write Books 2 and 3 for the box sets I’m in this year, but then I realised my readers would probably never forgive me if I kept them hanging until 2018 for the rest of the Seven Suitors for Seven Sisters series. So I chose to write those first instead.
Here’s the blurb and cover for A Time to Laugh, and I certainly hope when you do get to read this story, that it’ll bring a smile to your face and tears to your eyes…tears of laughter that is, maybe a few of the others, too.
I got this message from a friend of mine (who I’m using as my muse and have named my characters after her and her Brian). She’s reading the story for me as I go. Thought I’d share her thoughts on A Time to Laugh with you:
Just sat and read the first four chapters—unable to set my tablet down. The story’s amazing. I had tears in my eyes several times…an indication as to how you sucked me into the story. The descriptive writing conjuring up both images of the characters and their surroundings is fantastic. This is a hit my friend. Definitely can’t wait for the next instalment.
And now, if I don’t get back to writing this story, it’s not going to be ready for my deadline!
For thirty years, Brian and Elizabeth Dunham have served on the mission field. Unable to have children of their own, they’ve been a father and mother to countless orphans in six African countries. When an unexpected beach-house inheritance and a diagnosis of an occupational lung disease coincide, they realize that perhaps God is telling them it’s time to retire.
At sixty, Elizabeth is past child-bearing age. She’d long ago given up wondering whether this would be the month she would conceive. But when her best friend and neighbor jokes that Elizabeth’s sudden fatigue and nausea are symptoms of pregnancy, Elizabeth finds herself walking that familiar and unwanted road again, wondering if God is pulling an Abraham and Sarah on her and Brian.
The mere notion has questions flooding Elizabeth’s mind. If she were miraculously pregnant, would they have the stamina to raise a child in their golden years? Especially with Brian’s health issues. And the child? Would it be healthy, or would it go through life struggling some kind of disability? What of her own health—could she survive giving birth?
Will what Brian and Elizabeth have dreamed of their entire married life be an old-age blessing or a curse?
Wemble says
Sounds like an interesting story- it is rare to read romances that feature people over a certain age! My sister in law and her husband are travelling the road of infertility at the moment- multiple miscarriages and failed IVF attempts. It is heartbreaking, so it will be interesting to read Brian and Elizabeth’s story.
I have read through the Seven Sisters books that are available- we did a lot of driving over the holidays, travelling about 3000km round trip. That means I had lots of reading time! and you are correct, I would be a little disappointed if I had to wait until 2018 for the rest of that series:)
We spent the day with friends from South Africa, they are from Durban and are out visiting their daughter and family. Made us want to visit sometime:)
Renate says
Happy New Year, Marion! As a over sixty retiree, I look forward to reading stories about couples or people over sixty. While there are many cozy mysteries with elderly sleuths, not so many romances.
Fun jolly cover for your book. I haven’t quiet embraced the silver look, thanks to my faithful beautician. Our youngest son will be 27 on Monday and I was almost 40 when he was born. I can’t imagine having a child later in life than that, even though I know just last month an entertainer had a child at 59. As a high school teacher, students with elderly parents often felt jibbed out of having a close relationship with their parents. As a grandmother, I can’t imagine not having the experience of seeing my children married and developing a relationship with grandchildren. A relationship with grandkids is special, fulfilling, and fun. Can’t wait to read another inspirational story, especially since Ecclesiastes 3 is a favorite scripture. For everything there is a season.
Also looking forward to the remaining Seven Sisters stories. Still trying to figure out the remaining occupations. Marion, you keep your readings pondering your next stories. Happy Writing and Best Wishes. Enjoy your summer. It is frigid and snowy in SW Michigan this morning.
Jill Weatherholt says
This sounds like a great story and definitely one I’d be interested in reading. I love older characters, but we often find then in secondary roles. Great cover! Happy New Year, Marion!
Elizabeth Maddrey says
How fun, Marion. And I love the idea of a collection titled from Ecclesiastes.
Linda Rainey. says
Marion,I am going to love this story.Being over 60,I can relate.As,always I look forward to every word you write.
Linda Herold says
I love the idea of a book that centers around the “older generation”. It gets monotonous reading about twenty-somethings!!
Autumn Macarthur says
Looks like an amazing story! :)
Margaret Nelson says
I agree that it sounds very interesting, as I too get tired of reading about young (and usually clueless) kids barely out of their teens :-)
Merrillee Whren says
Marion, thanks for sharing the excerpts. Sounds interesting.
Gail Hollingsworth says
Very few books have been written with characters over sixty as the main ones. This will be interesting.
Ann Ellison says
Sounds like a fun read. I can hardly wait to read it.
Marylin Furumasu says
This story is going to be great! I can relate to the age thing. But OH….the thought of the possibility of being pregnant at this age really tires me out. I don’t think my body would be able to handle it, YET whenever I see those sweet little baby photos and think about one day holding our grand-baby I get all gushy. Have fun writing this story!
Tina Radcliffe says
I love, love, love that you have a couple in their prime. Go you!!!! Can’t wait to read it.
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks so much. Glad you got to read the Blume sisters’ stories. A Time to Laugh’s storyworld is situated probably a half hour to an hour north of Durban :) Hope you get to visit SA sometime.
Marion Ueckermann says
I’m looking forward to adding more books to my Under the Sun collection, Renate. Just not sure when LOL. It’s pretty cool in South Africa at the moment. We’ve had almost non-stop rain this weekend, but it’s good, we desperately need it. PS. Poppy’s occupation is revealed in book 1 and I think Clover’s is, too (although it’s revealed in Book 2). I think Lily is the only one who has had NO occupation reveal :)
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks, Elizabeth. Of course there are a LOT of stories that can be written from the titles available in Eccl. 3.
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks, Linda. I look forward to the release of this story.
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks, Linda. Autumn Macarthur also has a novella (Least Expected) available with a 50 something couple as the main characters.
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks so much, Autumn.
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks, Margaret. It’s good to get such great responses to the concept of my older hero and heroine :)
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks, Merrillee.
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks, Gail. It’s something totally different for me. Looking forward to how it’s received by readers.
Marion Ueckermann says
Thank you, Marilyn. I am having such fun with this story :)
Marion Ueckermann says
Awesome, Tina! So glad you’re excited for this story.
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks, Jill. I am having a great time with these characters. Glad you love the cover. I love it, too.
Marion Ueckermann says
And, oh yes. those grandkids are such fun. I love mine to bits.
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Marion, fascinating concept! My uncle was 62 when my youngest cousin was born (my aunt was in her forties). I have an appreciation for why childbearing years end when they do. It’s not easy being an older parent and I’m glad my children were born when I was younger.
Terrill R. says
Marion, I would forgive you if you delayed the Seven Suitors for Seven Sisters Series, but I wouldn’t like it. haha! Regardless, I welcome any of your stories and I’m looking forward to this older hero/heroine romance. I’m in my 40’s and crazily enough, I really enjoy stories with main characters even older than than me. I am one of those females who struggles with the idea that I’m getting older and how society views (or doesn’t) older women. Trust me, I’ve prayed about it. Anyway, I find it encouraging to read wonderfully told stories about people finding love (or other meaningful pursuits) later in life. Side note: That is one gorgeous couple on the cover of the book. Great job! Best wishes, Marion,
Marion Ueckermann says
That’s so interesting, Narelle. And yes, it’s tough enough work being a grandparent at that age, and you can still hand them back. LOL.
Brenda W says
This sounds like a very unusual story. My parents were in their 40’s when I was born.
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks, Brenda. Hope you get to read A Time to Laugh.
Marion Ueckermann says
Terrill, I just couldn’t do that to my readers :) I just keep reminding myself that my heroine is only 4 years older than myself … makes it easy to write :) And yes, I fell in love with that couple the moment I spotted them!