Discovery in the Small Things
This week, guest author Andrea Renee Cox shares some information about her upcoming short story, Melting-Pot Thanksgiving.
Have you ever noticed that the biggest impact can come from the smallest of things?
This is one of my favorite things about writing. It’s the tiniest details that bring a story to life, and they’re such fun to discover as well.
I loved this aspect of Melting-Pot Thanksgiving, my story in the new Novelists in November anthology. So many small things came together to bring to life not only the story but also the setting and characters. It was the little things that made me laugh and cry and happy sigh.
Here are a few of the things I enjoyed discovering about Melting-Pot Thanksgiving:
Food
Two different members of Sarah’s family had particular preferences about the topping on her sweet potato casserole. I’ve personally had both, and I’ve got to say, I have a preference, too. It was fun exploring the tension this detail created within the family.
Friend
Kayla was the best friend of the leading lady, Sarah Jones. It was Kayla’s photography that made a big difference. One particular picture of an owl came into play in a key moment. It was mentioned only once or twice, yet it brought levity to a difficult moment.
Family
Sarah’s brother surprised me in many ways, but the detail I’m perhaps the most delighted about is that he loved dorky printed pullovers. I was not expecting that at all. It made him all the more endearing.
Faith
The faith thread wasn’t the thickest in this story, but the moments Sarah leaned on it the most were pretty key. I liked that she prayed over the story she was writing, her tumultuous relationship with her mother, and the well-being of her children. Even the conversational tone of her prayers set the atmosphere of Sarah’s lifestyle.
The discovery in the small things made a huge difference for the cast of Melting-Pot Thanksgiving, but they also make a big impact in my own life. Wearing a cozy sweater during autumn gives me all the comfy vibes. Choosing just the right verse of Scripture to contemplate throughout a particular week can alter my entire mindset. And selecting the right songs for my writing sessions can encourage a quicker flow of words for the scene I’m working on, on any given day.
In storytelling and life, it’s important that we take time for discovering the small things that make a big difference. In what ways have you found this to be true in your life?
How do small things impact your outlook on life?
What is your favorite article of clothing in autumn?
About the Book
Novelists in November
a Wild Blue Wonder Press anthology
Novelists in November is a Christian short story collection featuring eleven emotional tales of authors finding their calling in Christ and pursuing hope, joy, and inspiration. This anthology contains touching stories from contemporary and historical fiction authors with a mix of romance, women’s fiction, and mystery!
Andrea Renee Cox: “Melting-Pot Thanksgiving”
Bethany Willcock: “And As She Talked”
Hannah E. Gridley: “Reasons to Be Thankful”
Katja H. Labonté: “Act in the Living Present”
Faith D. Cox: “My Heart Still Sings”
Kellyn Roth: “Tollemache House”
Katie Zeliger: “Finding Beauty in the Suffering”
Shira J. Rodriguez: “The Lost History of Lavender Lockbourne”
Heather Flynn: “Pages of Grace”
Avrie Swan: “The Sound of Healing”
Kelsey Bryant: “Between Moor and Mountain”
About Melting-Pot Thanksgiving
Melting-Pot Thanksgiving by Andrea Renee Cox
Can she create the Imperfect Perfect Thanksgiving?
Sarah Jones has many responsibilities on her plate, but Thanksgiving wasn’t supposed to be one of them. When asked to host the holiday, she can’t push aside the task, even if it means dealing with her mother’s interference. As Sarah juggles meal preparations, a tight writing deadline, and guiding her two foster children through difficult life events, she must also find the courage to buck high expectations and family traditions.
Will the trials of strained communication, disappointment, heartache, and altered plans strengthen Sarah’s God-given novelist dreams? Will this imperfect yet dutiful daughter find a way to craft the perfect Thanksgiving dinner?
Book Links
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7KX58NB
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215022493-novelists-in-november
Wild Blue Wonder Press Shop: https://wildbluewonderpress.com/product/novelists-in-november-paperback-preorder/
Preorder Goodies + Giveaway
Novelists in November comes out on November 19, 2024, so there’s still time to sneak in some preorders. Everyone who preorders a copy of the book (ebook or paperback) may claim digital preorder goodies PLUS an entry into an exclusive giveaway that is only for the folks who preorder the book.
More information and the form to fill out to claim preorder goodies and a giveaway entry may be found here: https://wildbluewonderpress.com/preorders/
About Andrea Renee Cox
Texan author Andrea Renee Cox is a born-again child of God who enjoys writing stories that inspire, copyediting fiction manuscripts, tutoring middle school students, and going on road trips with her family. Whether she’s working on historical, contemporary, women’s fiction, romance, or romantic tragedy, she uses her skills in research and writing techniques—as well as guidance from God—to produce the best story of her ability every time. Her books may be found on her website, and readers are welcome to follow her blog and subscribe to her newsletter for the latest updates in her journey.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/andreareneecox
Blog: https://andreareneecox.com/blog/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/andrea-renee-cox
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/andreacox
Newsletter: https://andreareneecox.com/newsletter/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/andreareneecoxauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/screenwriter87
Website: https://andreareneecox.com
