LitChat: Rebecca Brewster StevensonThe following is the #LitChat conversation held through Twitter on September 19, 2016 with Rebecca Brewster

Stevenson, author of HEALING MADDIE BREES. #LitChat was founded in 2009 and is moderated by Carolyn Burns

Bass @LitChat). www.litchat.com.

by LitChat 15 days ago

LITCHAT @LITCHAT · 15 DAYS

AGO

Welcome to #LitChat. We're here today with Rebecca Brewster Stevenson @rbstevenson1. Join us!

pic.twitter.com/tlomw1QMcU

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

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So glad to be here! #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

LitChat@LitChat

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While #LitChat is underway with moderated chat between 4-5pmET, please don't use the hashtagunless contributing to topic. Thanks.

LitChat@LitChat

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The easiest way to participate in #LitChat is through @Nurph. Just login at nurph.com/litchat,authorize and you're in the chat.

LitChat@LitChat

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#LitChat was founded in 2009 and is moderated by @CarolyBurnsBass (@LitChat). Visit ourwebsite at litchat.com.

LitChat@LitChat

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While everyone is gathering, please introduce yourself and let the convo begin. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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I'm Rebecca Brewster Stevenson, newborn author (as of Tuesday) of Healing Maddie Brees.#LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

LitChat@LitChat

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AGO

Today's guest, @rbstevenson1, is author of HEALING MADDIE BREES and a popular blogger.Please welcome Rebecca to #LitChat. #LitChat

Donna Kozik@DonnaKozik

15 DAYS

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Hi Rebecca! I'm curious if you went through a number of character names before settling onMaddie Brees? #litchat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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I did, actually. For some reason, I called her Laura for the longest time. Can't explain it. But I likedMaddie better (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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because it has other versions: Madelyn, Mads. It gave other characters other things to call her.#LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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And as she goes through a transformative experience, I liked the link to Magdalene, of MaryMagdelene. It's a remote link. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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AGO

The Brees was something my husband picked for Point Breeze, a neighborhood in Pittsburgh.#LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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Let's get some background from @rbstevenson1. What did you want to be when you grew up?#LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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A teacher. I used to make my younger sister and cousin play school on rainy summer days. Poorsouls. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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Oh, I loved playing school. Especially when my older sister would come home and teach me whatshe learned. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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I'm not sure my sister and cousin enjoyed it! But I did. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

LitChat@LitChat

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Did you become a teacher, @bstevenson? #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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Yes, I taught middle and high school English for years. I loved it. #LitChat

Bill

Stevenson@bstevenson

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I think you meant to direct that to @rbstevenson1 not @bstevenson #LitChat

Bill

Stevenson@bstevenson

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I'm just watching #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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But teaching great novels just made me want to try my hand at writing one! Or several. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

LitChat@LitChat

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Yes! The r fell off. Thanks. RT @bstevenson I think you meant to direct that to @rbstevenson1 not@bstevenson #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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If you majored in English, you probably took quite a few writing classes, as well as lit criticismclasses, @rbstevenson1. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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I did. I was terrified of them, certain I wouldn't be very good at what I hoped to become. (1/2)#LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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What was your favorite book or era of lit that you enjoyed teaching the most @rbstevenson1?#LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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I knew by the time I was in college that I wanted to write, but it seemed like a pipe dream. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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I loved the American novel. The classics. Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird. Separate Peace.great books! #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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Did you ever find those novels going stale after teaching them over and over, @rbstevenson1?#LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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I loved the rich characterization in these books. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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No, not at all, because the students were always discovering the books for the first time. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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And it's exciting to find new ways to help students see a character, a passage, a book. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

LitChat@LitChat

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Isn't that a great thing about teaching, @rbstevenson1? Introducing students to something newand seeing it bloom in them? #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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Absolutely. Teaching is a wonderful profession. So many chances for a fresh approach. Everyschool year is a beginning. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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Let's get into HEALING MADDIE BREES and then we'll talk some about craft and process.#LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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I especially loved when students would think they wouldn't like a book, and then found out theydid. That was the best. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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Yes! I'd love to. thanks! #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

LitChat@LitChat

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Would you give us a few tweets of summary of HEALING MADDIE BREES, @rbstevenson1?#LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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The novel is the story of a marriage and the trials that work against it. Frank and Maddie havealways had what they believe to be #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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a very "honest" and open relationship, in that they tell each other everything. This includes theirhistories, and Maddie has told #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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Frank that she once dated a boy who seemed to be able to heal people--but she realizes that wasa misunderstanding. The trouble is #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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that Frank thinks the stories of Vincent's healings sound believable. But differences of opinion areeasily overcome, until #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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perhaps one is diagnosed with breast cancer. Then perhaps you want to rethink whether or notVincent could heal. That's the impetus #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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for the book. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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HEALING MADDIE BREES is really two books in one, isn't it, @rbstevenson1. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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Yes, I think it is. The novel tells the story of how Frank and Maddie relate to one another over thecourse of her illness, but it #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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also relates the year in Maddie's life when she dated Vincent and wrestled with his gift of healingand its impact. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

LitChat@LitChat

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There's the contemporary arc of Maddie's cancer and life as a wife/mother, #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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and a woven-in story of Vincent and her relationship with him as high school sweethearts. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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Yes, precisely. Twice over the course of the book, the narrative shifts to a prolonged look at thatyear in Maddie's youth. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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This is your debut novel. A very powerful theme. Your prose reminded me of Marilynne Robinson.Have you read her, @rbstevenson1? #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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That is an enormous compliment. I am a great fan of Marilynne Robinson. Yes, I have read herHOUSEKEEPING and GILEAD. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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I think she is an incredibly talented writer and a deep thinker. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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HEALING MADDIE BREES isn't just about curing breast cancer. It's about faith, finding it, losing it,finding it again. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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Yes. Most definitely. In truth, the breast cancer is the vehicle for wrestling with faith in this book. Itwasn't an arbitrary #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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How long did you work on HEALING MADDIE BREES in all of its versions, @rbstevenson1?#LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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choice, however. I chose an illness that would touch on Maddie's sense of her sexuality. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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Well. A very long time. I think I began work on the ideas around the novel almost 20 years ago, butthe novel as it stands (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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took shape in the last five years or so. I think for much of those earlier years, I was learning towrite. #LitChat

Summer Kinard@Somemyrrh

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@rbstevenson1 What were some ways you developed your writing? #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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Did you ever feel like giving up on the work, @rbstevenson1? As if it were greater than your abilityto serve it? #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

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I think my writing developed best in writing my blog, actually. Small, finish-able pieces that I couldcraft and hone. Very helpful #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

No. I never felt like giving up on it. I did definitely feel afraid of it, because it most definitely feltgreater than my (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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ability, but I loved it too much. I would have been crushed if I'd had to abandon it somehow.#LitChat

Light Messages@LMpublishing

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You said that you had began thinking about it 20 years ago. What made you decide to write it now?#LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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Let's talk about some characters in HEALING MADDIE BREES. Tell us first about Maddie. Is sheanything like you, @rbstevenson1? #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

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Well, the 'now' is the tricky part, as I always felt I was working on it. But I was able to finish itbecause I left teaching (1/2 #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Summer Kinard@Somemyrrh

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@rbstevenson1 Can you link to a recent blog post for us? #LitChat

Donna Kozik@DonnaKozik

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@rbstevenson1 Have you ever dreamed about your characters in your sleep? #litchat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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and so was able to give myself fully to the project. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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Good question! RT @DonnaKozik @rbstevenson1 Have you ever dreamed about your charactersin your sleep? #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

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I think that Maddie is very much like me in that she is hard on herself. She doesn't give herselfpermission to say (1/2) #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Bill

Stevenson@bstevenson

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Blog is at rebeccabrewsterstevenson.com @Somemyrrh #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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is hard for her. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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@DonnaKozik , No, I never have. Now I feel cheated somehow. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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AGO

You must be @rbstevenson1's section. RT @bstevenson Blog is atrebeccabrewsterstevenson.com @Somemyrrh #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

Is that a thing? Do writers dream about their characters? @Somemyrrh, have you? #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

LitChat@LitChat

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You probably found in your research and writing that perfectionism isn't a blessing,@rbstevenson1. Even for a fictional character. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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Some do, I've heard. RT @rbstevenson1 Is that a thing? Do writers dream about their characters?@Somemyrrh, have you? #LitChat

Donna Kozik@DonnaKozik

15 DAYS

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@rbstevenson1 Maybe tonight! ;-) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

rebeccabrewsterstevenson.wordpress.com/2016/09/17/mor… This is a very recent blog post, justa meditation on schools and the people who inhabit them. #LitChat

Betty Turnbull@BettyTbull

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AGO

Other than Maddie, which character did you most enjoy creating. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@LitChat Indeed. Perfectionism is the enemy. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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@DonnaKozik That would be great! Stay tuned.... :) #LitChat

Summer Kinard@Somemyrrh

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@rbstevenson1 I dream of houses, and I know some of the people I them-all me-are also mycharacters. (Writer's answer) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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Yes, @LitChat, I never thought of Maddie as a perfectionist, but I think she is. I think of how hardshe is on herself when (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

she doesn't know how to receive the Eucharist at the Catholic church. She's pretty unhappy aboutthat. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@Somemyrrh Wow. That is fascinating. I wonder if I would like that?--with my characters, I mean.#LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

I would say that Maddie is like me, too, in that she was raised in a church like the one I was raisedin. We share that experience. #LitChat

Summer Kinard@Somemyrrh

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AGO

@rbstevenson1 You might like a full nights sleep better. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@Somemyrrh truth. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

@rbstevenson1 Did you see @BettyTbull's question? What other character did you enjoy writing?#LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@BettyTbull Sorry I didn't see that. My favorites were probably Frank and Vincent, but I liked thePriest, too. And Justine. (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

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Oh my. I guess I liked them all. But my very favorites were Frank and Vincent. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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One thing I loved about writing Vincent is that you never get inside his head. There is precedentfor this (1/2) #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

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I liked Father Tim. I'm fascinated by priests and the relationships they have with their parishioners.@rbstevenson1. #LitChat

Betty Turnbull@BettyTbull

15 DAYS

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@rbstevenson1 I liked Justine a lot! Her honesty saying what she thought was refreshing. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Summer Kinard@Somemyrrh

15 DAYS

AGO

@rbstevenson1 Do you watch your characters in your head like movies? How do you "see" them?#LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

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Yes, @BettyTbull , Justine is great that way. In truth, she might be the most transparent of them all.She and Frank. Dear Frank. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Good question! RT @Somemyrrh @rbstevenson1 Do you watch your characters in your head likemovies? How do you "see" them? #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@Somemyrrh That's a great question. I don't think so. I try very hard to think what they would thinkin a given situation (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

I don't see them so much. I don't know what they look like, for the most part. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@Somemyrrh Do you? #LitChat

Summer Kinard@Somemyrrh

15 DAYS

AGO

#LitChat talking with @rbstevenson1 about her debut novel. Come get a writer's eye view of hercreation. twitter.com/litchat/status…

Light Messages@LMpublishing

15 DAYS

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Did you know everything that was going to happen from start to finish, or did your book evolve asyou began writing? #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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@LMpublishing The book definitely evolved for me. Of course, when one is writing something forsuch a long time, that's bound #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Very interesting, @rbstevenson1. Your prose is heavy with character's inner world, may thisexplain why you don't "see" them? #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@LitChat Yes, I think that may be it. The only character who gets a good physical description, Ithink, is The Priest. #LitChat

Summer Kinard@Somemyrrh

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AGO

@rbstevenson1 I usually experience them rather than watch them. I'm working on giving more tovisual readers, though. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@Somemyrrh That's good. It might be fun, too, to try to consider what they look like. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Let's talk a bit more about The Priest and Frank, @rbstevenson1. Did this arc evolve organically,or did you plan it all along? #LitChat

Summer Kinard@Somemyrrh

15 DAYS

AGO

@rbstevenson1 @LitChat In my tradition, the priest is supposed to be an icon of Christ. Verysuitable that he's the one you see. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

This was definitely an organic evolution, but at the same time, I knew their relationship was vital.#LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@Somemyrrh Fascinating. I like that, especially in this book that explores the line between bodyand soul, the incarnation. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@LitChat I think that Frank's experience with The Priest needed to be profoundly informative forhim, but the distance (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

between them was definitely something that developed as the story took shape. Frank has todistance himself from The Priest. (2/2) #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

HEALING MADDIE BREES is about faith, healing, growth from a Christian perspective, but it's notpreachy. Comments, @rbstevenson1. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

Yes, I wanted to write about Christian belief, but I wanted readers to be able to engage the ideaswithout being told how to (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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AGO

think. In any tradition, we fall into patterns of talking about things. I wanted to say things freshly, soto speak. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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AGO

Graham Greene was among the first writers to show me that this could be done well. He is a biginfluence for me. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

The novel is not classified as "Christian," and I was glad of that. It is meant for a broader audience.#LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

I think, too, that most people have had enough of "preachy," yes? #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

This is why, at the novel's conclusion, the conclusion is somewhat ambiguous. I do intend somethings here, but they are (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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AGO

meant for readers to conclude on their own. Those are the kinds of books I like to read, so that'swhat I tried to write. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Unfortunately, Christian fiction is plagued with the notion that every novel must have an altar calland a salvation experience. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

I have read very little Christian fiction, truth be told, but I fear that what you're saying is true. Mythoughts on that are (1/2) #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Absolutely. RT @rbstevenson1 I think, too, that most people have had enough of "preachy," yes?#LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

that those scenes would be difficult to write in a genuine way and therefore would be alienating toreaders, and that it's an (1/3) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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AGO

understandable hope, for some. People want certainty. They are uncomfortable, sometimes, withthings left unsaid. Hence the (3/4) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

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AGO

need for the salvation experience, I think. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

(Sorry that I'm not using the "page numbering" system very well!) #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

The Christian fiction I'm referring to is sold almost exclusively through the CBA channels toChristian bookstores. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

Yes, I remember seeing the book covers in Christian book stores when I was younger. I like astory with teeth, though. They (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

never looked like they had any teeth. I didn't read them. But some don't like teeth, right? (2/2)#LitChat

Summer Kinard@Somemyrrh

15 DAYS

AGO

@LitChat Don't you think that Christian fiction has to point to redemption in order to earn thename? #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

What books like HEALING MADDIE BREES and Marilynne Robinson and Graham Greene arenecessary to open a Christian dialogue. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@Somemyrrh I would imagine it does, but I think there are lots of ways to write redemption, youknow? #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@LitChat Not sure I understand that last question. Sorry. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

@Somemyrrh I think calling it Christian fiction could include characters living as Christians inordinary situations. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

Which @Somemyrrh does to great effect. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

@rbstevenson1 Oops... I don't know which question you're referring to. Sorry! #LitChat

Summer Kinard@Somemyrrh

15 DAYS

AGO

@LitChat That's a helpful clarification. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

That's fine. The one about Marilynne Robinson and Graham Green and HMB? #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Yes! RT @rbstevenson1 @Somemyrrh I would imagine it does, but I think there are lots of ways towrite redemption, you know? #LitChat

Laura Whitfield@ncbeachgirl75

15 DAYS

AGO

Hi @rbstevenson1! Joining late but enjoyed reading the feed. Interesting that blogging helped yourwriting - my experience, too. #litchat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

We're running out of time, but can you answer a couple of other questions, @rbstevenson1?#LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@ncbeachgirl75 Welcome! @LitChat I'd love to! yes! #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Okay, first of two last questions: What are you working on now that HEALING MADDIE BREES is(almost) out, @rbstevenson1? #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

I'm at work on CHURCH+MAIN, a novel named for a building project in Durham. It's the story oftwo schools--one public, one (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

private, and the "vision" that is education. Both schools mean well, but the students bring needsthat they struggle to meet. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Oops... I'm falling behind. HEALING MADDIE BREES was released September 13. It's availablenow! #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Wow, @rbstevenson1, that sounds fabulous. I will look forward to CHURCH+MAIN. How far areyou into the process? #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

I would say I'm in an exploratory phase. Doing research, but also writing those bits and pieces thatI now know from (1/2) #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Summer Kinard@Somemyrrh

15 DAYS

AGO

@LitChat @rbstevenson1 Buy link where we can find it? #LitChat

S★sha K★narski@sashakanarski

15 DAYS

AGO

@rbstevenson1 what made you want to title it after the Durham building project? #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Final question for @rbstevenson1: What did you learn about yourself while writing HEALINGMADDIE BREES? #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

experience will shape the book. It's an exciting place to be. But it also takes faith in the process.#LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Yes! That is part of the wrap-up. RT @Somemyrrh @LitChat @rbstevenson1 Buy link where wecan find it? #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@sashakanarski , the novel is about a Christian school and a public school. I felt that the Durhamproject's name lent itself (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

well to that subject. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

rebeccabrewsterstevenson.wordpress.com/how-to-buy/ #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@Somemyrrh @LitChat Here's how to buy: rebeccabrewsterstevenson.wordpress.com/how-to-buy/ #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

You can learn more about @rbstevenson1 from her websiteathttps://rebeccabrewsterstevenson.wordpress.com/ #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

and Thank you for asking! #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@LitChat You asked what I learned about myself from this project. I discovered that I can write,that I can create (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

believable characters in believable situations, and that there's no way to finish other than to keepgoing. #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

You can by a copy of HEALING MADDIE BREES by @rbstevenson1 at all of the regular onlinespots: rebeccabrewsterstevenson.wordpress.com/how-to-buy/ #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@LitChat Thank you so much for this conversation today! #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Thank you so much for spending this hour with us @rbstevenson1. We wish you the greatestsuccess with all of your writing projects. #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

Thank you so much! #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Let's give @rbstevenson1 a HUGE round of THANKS for being with us today: {{{APPLAUSE}}}#LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

(curtseying) #LitChat

Bill

Stevenson@bstevenson

15 DAYS

AGO

woo hoo! #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Ross Crum@rosscrum

15 DAYS

AGO

you go girl #LitChat

Laura Whitfield@ncbeachgirl75

15 DAYS

AGO

RT Final question for @rbstevenson1: What did you learn about yourself while writing HEALINGMADDIE BREES? Great question @LitChat! #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

@ncbeachgirl75 I learned that I could do it, in truth. What an amazing experience. You don't knowuntil it's over whether (1/2) #LitChat

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

these people you have fostered and studied and written will be believable to anyone else. Thatpeople care about and like (2/3) #LitChat

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Be sure to return next week when @jennycolgan comes to us from #Scotland to chat about hernovel THE LITTLE BOOKSHOP ON THE CORNER. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson

Rebecca

Stevenson@rbstevenson1

15 DAYS

AGO

them is amazing. And to know that they like the story is tremendous. Thanks for joining me,@ncbeachgirl75 ! Thank you, @LitChat ! #LitChat

Light Messages@LMpublishing

15 DAYS

AGO

Huge compliment, and one that is well-deserved! #LitChat twitter.com/LitChat/status…

LitChat@LitChat

15 DAYS

AGO

Have a great week everyone. #LitChat

https://storify.com/LitChat/litchat-rebecca-brewster-stevenson