I’m really not sure when I discovered Beth Pensinger’s blog. I know it was more than a year ago and I know the first time I saw her website, I decided it was one of the coolest looking sites I’d seen. Still is. She is a fabulously fun writer and blogger…and I love her sense of humor.
So when I heard Beth would be releasing her book Let Me Fall under her own publishing company, I knew I wanted to help promote it however I could. And I’m thrilled to have Beth here today answering questions!
So when I heard Beth would be releasing her book Let Me Fall under her own publishing company, I knew I wanted to help promote it however I could. And I’m thrilled to have Beth here today answering questions!
Now I already apologized to Beth for today’s lack of intro video like what I’d normally do for a Wednesday guest. My persnickety webcam and out-of-control schedule combined forces to derail my video efforts this week. But I’m totally going to make up for it with a giveaway! Leave a comment below for a chance to win Beth’s book. I will use a random number generator to determine the winner next Tuesday, April 9, and will then contact the winner to see whether you’d prefer a hard copy or e-book.
I’d love to hear about why you decided to write Let Me Fall…
The short answer? 🙂 I feel like God told me to. And I’m pretty sure this is how He made the decision to assign me the job:
He’s sitting at His minimalist desk—the same idea He gave to an Ikea designer—flipping through my life chart.
“Hmmm. She’s timid, awkward, and passed high school English. Looks like the perfect fit.”
You started your own publishing company…which is way cool. Can you describe that process?
Challenging and insane. Deciding to start the company was the easiest part.
Some of the best words of encouragement I received in the writing process were found in a rejection letter from a literary agent. She affirmed my writing ability but went on to say that my book’s concept and structure (I mix allegory with non-fiction) was “so different they thought publishers would have a hard time knowing what to do with it.”
I knew if I had difficulty explaining the genre as the author, she was probably right. So why waste time trying to convince anyone? Self-publishing was my only other option. It didn’t take long for me to become dissatisfied with the companies I was researching.
And since my husband is entrepreneurial-minded, it wasn’t hard to convince him to start from scratch with our own company. Come to think of it, I think he was the first one to suggest it.
What has been the most exhilarating part of writing and/or publishing Let Me Fall?
Falling in love with God. Hands down.
What do you hope readers gain from your book?
For readers who don’t yet have a relationship with Jesus Christ, I hope my book makes them want to experience their own love story with Him. For readers who already do, I hope they’re encouraged and emboldened to fall even more deeply in love with Him—no matter what shape their journey takes. But at the very least, I hope readers are entertained and got in a good laugh or two.
And just because we’ve had some fun with this question in past weeks, if you had to create a soundtrack for your book, can you name a few songs that would make the list?
I am excited that you asked, because I seriously wish I could’ve made a soundtrack for it! Here are a few of my top choices:
Ikes Mood I, by Visioneers
You Would Love Me Too, JJ Heller
Hole Hearted, Extreme
Ghostwriter, RJD2
That New Car Smell, Michael Giacchino
*****
Beth Pensinger is an awkward, semi-colon abusing nobody who smiles too much. She is the author of four—make that four and a half—journals and untold scores of napkin-notes. She lives near Myrtle Beach, SC with her husband, dog, and human-hating chameleon. Visit with her at www.bethpensinger.com, where she blogs about dirty microwaves, infertility, and the fine qualities of Faramir of Gondor.
Book Blurb:
Let Me Fall is the love story between God and His dimwitted daughter. I’m the dimwit in case you were wondering.
As a grown woman, it pains me to admit that the catalyst for this story was my obsession with Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga, and the despair immediately following my reading it. If my despair were merely of the lighthearted, “oh darn I chipped a nail” variety, you wouldn’t be reading this book description. But it wasn’t, and you are. As in most tales of woe, I hit rock-bottom, which meant all my nails got chipped. Fearing the savage state of my cuticles as well as my heart, I finally called out to Father God for help. Spoiler Alert: He showed up with a spiritual defibrillator.
Let Me Fall is where my literal world figuratively collides with God as He shows me more of who I am and who He is. My story isn’t a formula for falling in love with God. But I would be thrilled if it is a catalyst for others to do the same.
Readers, have you ever felt led by God to take on a big challenge? Have you thought much about a book’s genre? And, be honest, have you read Twilight? : )
Be sure to leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Let Me Fall: the love story between God and His dimwitted daughter.
Readers, have you ever felt led by God to take on a big challenge? Have you thought much about a book’s genre? And, be honest, have you read Twilight? : )
Be sure to leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Let Me Fall: the love story between God and His dimwitted daughter.
Comments 45
Love, love, love that description – and I think that might be the best subtitle I have ever read!
God has led me to take up, oh, one or two big challenges in my time. Each one seems bigger. Guess that is how He operates!
And no, never have I ever read Twilight!
I loved the subtitle too! 🙂 I haven’t read Twilight either.
Thank you. 🙂
And I agree, I think that is the way God operates!
Okay, first: I read Twilight on a dare.
Didn’t like it — although I understand why it was such a big hit.
And I want Beth’s book. Not just because she has such a wonderful first name (hee hee) but because I love her book blurb. I mean, come one! If the gal can write back cover copy that good, the book’s gotta be a great read!
I know, isn’t her blurb fabulous? I love her bio too. I love anyone with a bio that mentions Faramir.
Thanks Beth. 🙂 I think anyone who can rock out a Princess Buttercup look at a writers conference is pretty cool.
And Melissa, I appreciate that you appreciate my Faramir reference. If I didn’t already like you, that would’ve sealed the deal.
Three words. Must know more.
I already popped over to Beth’s blog (impressed) and I’m sitting here thinking I want to know more!
Isn’t it a great blog?!
Yay! Thank you! Seriously.
So excited that you introduced Beth today. I am very intrigued by the book! It looks wonderful. Totally read Twilight 🙂
Yeah, I agree, her book looks wonderful. I can’t wait to start reading it.
Nice to meet you Lisa! Thank you.
Beth’s book looks really good! And I never read Twilight, but I did watch part of one of the movies recently when I was visiting friends- but only b/c they were already watching it!
I haven’t read Twilight either and I made it through most of the first movie. But I wasn’t a fan. I don’t understand the love for Edward…I think he’s creepy. And I think Bella is the worst example to girls today ever. However, I realize how unfair that is of me to say considering I haven’t read the books and only saw most of one movie. Hahaha! Possibly I should read the books before becoming hypercritical. LOL! That said, I am so totally intrigued to see how the books led to Beth’s despair…and then on to her book!
Thank you Laura.
I’m compelled to say that, as you might expect, the books are waaaaaaay better than the movies. You’re inside Bella’s head, so you understand why she’s so drawn to Edward. I think if I had only watched the movies, I would’ve thought it was the dumbest story ever. Er. Maybe. 🙂
Yes, great book blurb, and the fact she & husband started own book company, which I’ve done, too. Interesting how God can make a complicated process easy. My now 16-year-old granddtr. informed me that she knows my tastes and I should not read Twilight–and I listened–and we had great discussion.
Oh yeah, you can probably share in the knowledge of the challenges and excitements of starting your own company!
Wow! I’m interested in your story …
Beth, this interview was so much fun! You’re hilarious. 🙂 Melissa, thank you for introducing us to another great author! Wednesday are so much fun on your blog…but come to think about it, so are Mondays and Fridays. 🙂
Oh thanks, Gabe. I hope this is a fun blogging community. That’s the goal!
Thanks Gabrielle! Melissa made it fun. She’s good like that. 🙂
This sounds AMAZING! Thanks for sharing about it, Melissa. Too often I miss out on great books, so glad you pointed us to this one. Beth, love the sense of humor you show. Definitely want to pick this up:)
I know, there are SO many good books out there and no way to keep up with all of them. But I love getting to promote both well-known names and new names. Beth’s is one I’ve been looking forward to ever since she announced her book plans.
Thank you Susan! I appreciate that very much.
Beth, your book sounds amazing..can’t wait to grab a copy & read it:-)
Yes! I was Twilight obsessed (team Edward!) and I think I can relate to what your talking about…book 1 had me in a dreamy I LUV Edward state, book 2 my mood was soooo down, but I just kept reading & loving this series….why do I torture myself sooo???
As far as genre, I typically, almost always stick w Christian (I maintain a Christian only book review blog http://www.jojosutiscorner.wordpress.com
But I’d heard Twilight was pretty clean compared to typical YA of our day…so I jumped on the bandwagon:-)
And yes, God is always asking me to get out of my comfort zone…I’m really super shy, but God doesn’t mind…LOL
Jojo, I’ve checked out some of your video review. So cool! You never would’ve guessed you’re super shy!
Okay, so, I need to understand the love for Edward. I find him creepy. But then, I haven’t read the books and I only watched a portion of one movie. I have heard, like you said, that Twilight is pretty clean and that’s a great thing.
Jojo, I totally understand where you’re coming from with the obsession aspect. It’s no fun!
I completely resonate with Beth’s answer to the first question on why she decided to write the book. That’s exactly how I feel about my novels. Following the pursuit of becoming an author (and all that goes along with that journey) is one of the biggest challenges He’s asked me to take on.
I do think about genre; though, the characters are always more important to me. If an author can connect me with the characters, the genre becomes irrelevant.
And yes, I own all the Twilight books. As with most things, you learn to take the good with the bad. There are some good thematic elements in her books that are worth acknowledgement.
Maybe I should try reading the books. I think I made a mistake in watching a portion of one of the movies without ever reading the books. Movies are never as good as the books anyway, right? 🙂
And yeah, pursuing writing and publication, definitely a huge challenge…I love that God gives us big dreams, but sometimes they feel too big. Although, the fact that they feel too big is a) probably proof that they’re from him in the first place and b) good for growing our dependence on Him.
Cool Crystal!
I am fascinated that Beth started her own publishing company–way to take control! The cover is amazing–thanks for sharing Beth with us today, Melissa!
Happy to share my excitement. Can’t wait to read it myself!
Thank you Jill! 🙂
I LOVE stories like this. Fitting into the CBA is HARD…esp. if you write stuff that’s quite different. I’m thrilled to see authors who launch out on their own and get their stuff OUT THERE to readers. This book looks totally intriguing. Yes, I’ve read TWILIGHT. I was struck by how much Edward reminded me of a guardian angel–always there, protecting, always doing the right thing…but not like any REAL husbands I’ve known. So the fantasy element was strong there. I’d love to hear more of your post-TWILIGHT thoughts, Beth. Going to hunt you down on twitter/FB/blog and everywhere now.
Yeah, fitting into CBA can definitely be a challenge…however, it’s been cool to see CBA take on some crazy and cool new stuff. Like Jim Rubart’s newest series. Tosca Lee’s stuff. People like Anne Elisabeth Stengl (not sure I spelled that right)…still though…I love how Beth took the feedback she received from agents, prayed about it and decided on her course of action. And now…we get to benefit in the form of a great read!! I haven’t started reading Let Me Fall yet, but I already know from Beth’s blog that she’s a fabulous and funny writer. I can’t wait to read it! (I think I’ve said that like 50 times already today…hehehe!)
Thank you Heather!
And thank you again Melissa. You’re making me blush.
Never read Twilight or even saw the movies.I almost did when I saw all the kids in school reading them, but resisted. But your story sounds intriguing!
Pat, I’m almost in the same boat as you with Twilight, but I’m excited to see how it prompted Beth to write her book. I love that it sparked that desire in her.
Thanks Patricia! 🙂
Nice to meet you, Beth! Congrats on your new book. And best of luck with your publishing company. That has to be challenging. Wishing you only good things with this endeavor. 🙂
Hey, Melissa! As always – thank you for all your lovely visits to my blog! You are too kind. 🙂
Thank you Rissi! It’s nice to meet you too. 🙂
Yay, Beth! So intrigued to read your story. I’m glad we met at BRMCWC last year, but wish it would’ve been earlier in the conference. I knew you’d be a cool person to get to know. 🙂 Now, I’ll get the chance, through your writing.
All the best,
Marney
And yes, I did read the Twilight series. I now rationalize it as studying how to create a page-turner. 🙂
Thanks Marney! I’m glad we met too. I like your rationale for reading Twilight. 🙂
Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making
my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any points or suggestions? With thanks
Check out my site; diet plans that work
It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve learn this
submit and if I may just I wish to recommend you some fascinating
things or advice. Maybe you could write subsequent articles referring
to this article. I want to read more issues about it!
Feel free to visit my web site :: how much should you weigh