Fun Facts About "Finding Beth"

I love to read about things that influence a writer in the making of the story. So, I thought I'd share a few of Beth's behind the scenes.


1) Beth is short for Elizabeth - the middle name of the daughter I never had. It means: consecrated to God. Her middle name, Anne, is named for my mom - Joyce Ann, and Anne of Green Gables. "Anne" means: grace.

"The Lake of Shining Waters"
Honeymoon on
Prince Edward Island, 1992

2) I named Adam for two reasons - while he is as human as the first man who represents every man, he strives to exhibit the love Christ shows toward us...to be the man Jesus, who is the second Adam, calls him to be. His last name is Blythe, inspired by the name "Gilbert Blythe" in "Anne of Green Gables" as well as portraying something of the personality of him and his family. Will he follow through or will he allow painful experiences to embitter and harden him?

Belton Memorial Park

3) Kyle isn't named after anyone, though his last name (Heinrich) is a strong name with the intention of showing him to be a strong character with an unbending personality. Will he remain unbending? Will he use his  strong character for good?

The World War Monument

Kansas City Skyline

4) I've lived thirteen years of my life in the Kansas City metro area and wanted to share my love and appreciation the area, as well as favorite haunts.

Battle of Westpoint

MO Ozarks on the
Current River
Cousins Grandsons

5) I grew up in the Mark Twain National Forest in the Missouri Ozarks. When I visited the Smoky Mountains on a family vacation in 2004, I totally fell in love and felt right at home in the giant replica of the Ozarks.

Blue Springs, MO

At that time, Pigeon Forge was a little spot in the road with not much more than the Old Mill with the little shops nearby. I found it to be the perfect place for Beth to run to and a perfect place for a southern-boy-next-door to hale from. Many places named in the book are real and hold precious memories for me.

Old Mill District Entrance

Old Mill Restaurant

Since then, Pigeon Forge has grown to be unrecognizable to me. The Old Mill and Old Mill Square are still there, however, along with the beautiful Smokies, so I'll simply adjust my story to portray the area correctly. There is still the 'small town' feel beyond the Parkway, so that helps.

Old Mill Shopping

Pigeon River Pottery

I'm contemplating what to do with books two and three. Originally, Pigeon was going to play a huge part of Tiffany's story. However, only time will tell.

Charleston

Charleston

Known as "The Pond" by the Mullin Family
Lexington, SC

As to book three? That's a ways off, yet. Who knows? Maybe it will take place in South Carolina. ;-)