My husband is the editor-in-chief of our publishing company. I don’t have much to do with that part of our world. I just write. But occasionally I have to take a more active role, especially when he’s publishing a romance novel.
A couple of years ago, he was working with Amanda Tru on the second Crossroads Collection, Yesterday’s Mail, and they lost an author six weeks out from the publication date. The book was already on preorder, so time was of the essence. They came to me (they actually woke me at 2 in the morning) and asked if I would write the replacement story because both of them knew I could write fast enough to meet the deadline.
I do write fast…once I have my characters developed. I spend a good week looking at pictures, growing characters, placing them in rooms and outfits and tattoos — it’s not an instant process. I had to come up with a story about a piece of mail that was lost. In typical Crossroads fashion, Amanda Tru wrote the last story and tied all of the books together — her story was about an employee in the post office who finds all of these lost mail pieces and delivers them.
I didn’t have the benefit of extra time to develop my characters, so I got out of bed and started working. I decided I would place the story in the Jewel Series world, because I’d built that world for years and knew every nuance of it. I made the male character the son of the couple from Emerald Fire, Chase Anderson. When last we’d met Chase, he was a quarterback for Texas A&M. Now he was a military officer in a newly formed cybersecurity branch of the military (not unlike my husband.)
In a feat of desperation, decided the female character, Violet Pearl, would be me. Now, her name isn’t Hallee. She wasn’t raised as an Army brat. She doesn’t look like me and hasn’t had my life experiences. But she is me in the essence of me. She is an author. She writes mysteries set in 1940’s Brooklin, New York. She is an introvert, filled with imposter syndrome and doubt, has a really hard time making small talk, and only feels like she’s navigating life properly when she’s interacting with her close family or going into her imaginary world in her head.
I have to say, that was certainly an adventure to write! I never hesitated over how she’d act or react. I locked myself in my office and wrote as hard as I could for two weeks, then edited as painfully as I could for another week, and handed them one of my favorite books of all time. Chase Anderson stayed in the same Inn his grandfather Chase Sr. stayed in during the winter of 1940 on his way to Pearl Harbor. In 2018, a Christmas package sent from Chase’s long-deceased grandmother is delivered to the Inn – addressed to “Chase Anderson.” Only, the box had a 1940 postmark on it. This brings Violet out of her super shy shell and she is able to engage with Chase beyond uncomfortable surface conversation and into topics that mean the world to her. It was SO.MUCH.FUN to write.
I even often get asked by readers to write Violet’s books – the murder mysteries set in 1940s Brooklyn. Which is fun because it means that the readers were engaged in a story within a story.
What would be one trait in a character based on you? One commenter will receive an autographed paperback of Chasing Pearl. This is open to everyone, globally. Winner will be picked Friday, March 27th at 5pm EST.
I know we’re all home right now, self-isolating in this uncertain time. Because of that, I would like to give you an ebook of Yesterday’s Mail. To get your copy, go to this link at Bookfunnel. There is absolutely no obligation. It will ask for your email, but I won’t receive it.
Here is the blurb:
Five of today’s Best-selling Christian Authors weave five unique, connected stories where lost mail finds unexpected purpose.
Sleepless in Seoul by Alana Terry
When Derek leads his church on a short-term mission trip to South Korea, he’s definitely not expecting to find out the woman working with him is the same woman who broke his heart over twenty years ago.
Like Ships Passing by Cynthia Hickey
One transposed number threatens to sink love before it gets started.
Chasing Pearl by Hallee Bridgeman
A package lost in the mail since 1940 brings a modern couple together in a miraculous way.
Operation Posthaste by Chautona Havig
A nine-year-old boy finds a bag of mail from WWII in the attic of their new house and makes it his personal mission to deliver every piece before his mom finds out.
Yesterday’s Mail by Amanda Tru
A Christian post office clerk uses her police officer background to investigate lost mail and solve a mystery that has plagued her small town for years.
With over half a million sales, Hallee Bridgeman is a best-selling Christian author who writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real-world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshing to heart-stopping exciting and edgy. Hallee loves coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. Subscribers to Hallee's newsletter get her bestselling contemporary romance COURTING CALLA for free! Sign up by clicking the newsletter icon below or going here: http://www.halleebridgeman.com/newsletter
What an amazing story about writing an amazing story! I have always heard authors should write what they know and this epitomises that.
When I read the character trait question, the first thought I had was tenacity, though my grandmother used to call it contrariness and stubborness, but it’s all in how you view it and about making it work for me. Thanks :)
Hi Hallee! Thanks for the back ground on Yesterday’s Mail. I have enjoyed each unique boxed set. Here is my review for Yesterday’s Mail: An unique diverse interactive boxed set where lost letters and packages solve a mystery. International settings, diverse characters, twist and turn plot in each story and romance, with believable resolutions (even though Sleepless in Seoul had an abrupt ending). Operation Posthaste had me at the edge of my seat, worrying about the safety of a nine old. Yesterday’s Mail brought the stories together in I did not see the ending coming. Great cooperation between the five authors. A few typos that did not hinder the flow of the stories. Always enjoy stories that makes the reader think and explore new avenues: The North Korean Underground Railroad and what causes mail not to be delivered, ending up the Dead Letter Office – transposed numbers or changes of street names or lazy workers. Contemporary stories with a historical WW2 twist. Bargain price. (Only 99 cents on Amazon – if readers want to support the authors during these trying times. ) Thank you. Safety and Health to all.
Hallee, except for the author part, your description of yourself fit me pretty much to a T. I have such a hard time in social settings that I avoid many of them. Even church is a trial. This time of social distancing really hasn’t changed my lifestyle at all except to provide a good excuse for it! ;-)
I also relate to this introverted character. I wrote myself into a character like this in my first novel, which turned out to be my Christian romance series. Morgan is basically me in background and reactions, just not current circumstances (for instance, my husband was never my boss). It was really interesting to see myself from the reviewers’ and writing coaches’ eyes.
Thanks for the giveaway
Oh, wow! Thanks, Hallee!! I love your Jewell series, it was how I found you! My Mom says I’m stubborn, so I’m sure any character like me has to be stubborn!! Also, they’d have to be a Christian!
Stubborn – lol
I’m happy you found me! <3
You’re welcome! I hope you’re able to take advantage of it!
It really is!
I am enjoying the ability to video chat, but I’m finding I’m as tired after as if in person.
What a wonderful review! Thank you!
Tenacity is a great trait, I think!
Thank you so much for sharing! I think a trait of mine that would be good in a book, especially now, is being more than fine with social distancing. I like to keep my distance even when things are “normal”.
Wow, Hallee, that’s impressive that you can write so fast :)
Speaking about traits – I would think my character would be perfectionist ;)
Blessings to you and your family!
Hmm. Great post. I think my story character would be one of contrast. Skilled (even socially) yet insecure, concerned about whether he will be seen as good enough. Yup, feeling really awkward expressing the idea, must be right :)
I have read everything you have written and love your books tremendously!
I tend to as well!
It’s impressive that you could write that fast and not fuss at 2am. God bless!
There are so many areas in life where being a perfectionist would be such an ideal!
I love that – contrast. Very cool.
Thank you. <3
Wow! I’m too am impressed the how fast you write. I couldn’t think at 2AM in the morning.
Thanks for the free download. I love how you put yourself in the book. I wonder how often this works. I have seen a friend who’s an author model an extra on a child with autism. (I picked it up due to friends children with the same condition where as many just thought this character (very minor part in the book) was rude and didn’t think when he spoke.)
I wonder if it’s easier to write what you know as in parts of your own character as apposed to someone the complete opposite to you.
Any character based on me would definitely have to be an introvert who loves chocolate and ice cream (and also likes animals).
caring
I take chances. It doesn’t mean I’m risky. It means I will put myself out there if I believe in something. Say yes when others say no. Put my heart on the line.
Sometimes, I get burned, but most of the time, the reward is worth the risk.
Hi Hallee!
I’ve heard you say the character in Chasing Pearl is based on your personality, so I’m really looking forward to reading it. ❤️ Thanks for sharing the e-book in this post! For my answer, if I gave a character something from my own life, it would probably be music or art related.
I love this post! This story sounds AMAZING! If I were to base a character on myself she would definitely be bookish, pay close attention to details, and overthink almost everything! 🙂
It was a special circumstance – lol.
I think it’s easier in some ways, but can get in the way if you try to overtake your character.
<–loves chocolate and animals – lol
I love that. :)
That’s wonderful. I like that!
I love seeing your talent. :-) I have always wished I had music abilities.
Overthinking is something I struggle with!