Today I’m pleased that Janet Ferguson is sharing a little about her newest release The Art of Rivers. She is giving away an ebook copy of her book Magnolia Storms to one commenter!
When God Gives You Laughter- Janet W. Ferguson- The Art of Rivers
I set out to write a book that dealt with family tragedy and addiction. I interviewed many people who’d dealt with addiction whether in themselves or a beloved family member to prepare. I attended an opioid symposium and read stories of loss and overdoses and death. Good times, right? It was tough going wading through all that pain with people.
But once I started writing, God surprised me! He gave me a funny secondary character!
The minute I started writing dialog for Davis who is a resident in a sober living house, he jumped off the page with his own personality. Every goofy saying I’ve ever heard rolled out him. Then I began collecting goofy colloquialisms I heard while out doing life. It was a blast and gave the book just enough levity (in my humble opinion) to counter all the angst.
For example:
“I don’t mean to get up in your grill or break man-code, but you got eyes for that Rivers girl. It’s as obvious as a dead skunk on a highway, and I’m worried. Is she in recovery?”
~~~
Clapping his hands, Davis made a silly grin, similar to a donkey in a petting zoo begging for a carrot. “Did I ever tell y’all about how the seven worst years of my life were in high school?”
~~~
Their oldest female resident, a meth addict, spoke up. She was the most recent intake but seemed to have settled well into the group so far. “No color here. I’m a natural redhead.”
“That’s a big ole baloney sandwich right there,” Davis spouted, and everyone laughed. Maybe even a snicker came from Rivers.
Now Davis is going to have to have his own story, even if it’s just a novella. Yes, he’s a goofball, but the character reminds me that I need to find humor in my everyday life. Especially when life is too heavy. I believe laughter is a gift from God.
Has God ever reminded you to laugh?
After the tragic drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more complicated.
Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if they take a chance on love.
Thank you for having me as your guest! I hope your readers enjoy!
You’re welcome! Always know that you’re welcome to come back!
My children help me laugh. The way they look at things, full of innocence, and then spout off something they think they heard us say, but different…it’s priceless.
Janet, sounds like you have another amazing book.
True. I believe the Lord uses children to remind us how to laugh. Glad you stopped by, Amy!
Thank you, Amy! Kids are so funny!
Oh, I love David from Art of Rivers! I’d love to read more about him. Laughter is such good medicine. My husband is goofy and silly; my children have a way of making me laugh. Thank God for all of them.
I have this book on my Kindle, and I plan to read it soon. It sounds so good!
Thanks! I hope you enjoy!
Your family sounds great! What a blessing!