I’ve admitted before I’m weird, but here is further proof: I awaken almost every morning with a song playing in my head. It might be a hymn. A song I was thinking about the previous day. One tied to my book in progress. On random occasions, the song will be a blast from my past. A song I haven’t heard or thought of in ages.
One Thursday morning, I woke up to find myself humming “I Can See Clearly Now,” by Johnny Nash. In case you aren’t familiar with it, it’s a great song that released in 1972.
I got ready for the day, still humming that song, turned on my computer, and began reading through my emails to discover one of our Pink Pistol Sisterhood authors had to drop out of the project. I was so sad by that news. She’d planned to write a book set in the 1970s.
Huh.
Was that a bit of a coincidence the song I woke up to that very morning happened to be one from 1972? One I hadn’t thought of in years and years.
I don’t think it was. I think it was one of those Godwink moments that just gives me goosebumps every time I think about it.
Within minutes or reading the email, I could hear a little voice whispering in my ear to offer to write a story during that era.
That voice was nuts!
I already had far too much on my plate. I’m way behind in my writing schedule. I couldn’t possibly consider writing this book. If I did, I’d have to jump into it with both feet and whip it out ASAP.
I couldn’t do it.
Or could I?
That little voice was very persistent throughout the day. It kept whispering “write the book,” and I kept trying to bat it away. Then I talked to Captain Cavedweller about it. I prayed about it. When I turned in for the night, I knew what I wanted to do. The next day I started writing Lucky Shot.
The story is set in the Boise, Idaho, area (the small town of Star is where our hero lives), and takes place during the summer of 1972.
Although I was a baby then, it was an amazing stroll down memory lane for me as I looked at the fashions from that era (thanks to an online Sears catalog I found from the spring of 1972), listened to music from 1972, dug out my grandma’s old 1960s vintage Betty Crocker cookbook and got down to the business of writing this story.
Writing Lucky Shot really did come at a perfect time for me, not because I had time to write it, but because I was working on it as I approached the three-year anniversary of my mom’s passing and immersing myself in all these things that reminded me of my early childhood made Mom feel so near. I almost cried the day I found a dress I remember her wearing often in that Sear’s catalog. It was just such a sweet thing for me to have that connection to her in a time that is before my memories.
So, although this book was unexpected and written on a fast timeline, it was definitely a joy and a blessing to me to have the opportunity to write it.
I hope you’ll enjoy reading it, dear reader!
What’s a girl to do when her aim is true?
As a registered nurse at the Boise VA Hospital, Grace Marshall is devoted to her patients, but some wounds require more than medical care. A patient too stubborn and angry to accept the help he needs storms out of her exam room, ruffling her feathers. Yet, when the man returns to apologize, something about him tugs at her heart.
Levi Gibson left for war young and idealistic but returned from Vietnam with physical scars and a haunted soul. He tries to banish the darkness brewing inside him with hard work on his family’s potato farm, but it’s a young nurse’s kindness that brings unexpected light and joy into his life. If Levi can open up to Grace and let her see his pain, could she be the key that unlocks a future full of hope instead of mere survival?
After her father sends Grace a legendary pistol, target practice provides an excuse to spend time with Levi during the summer of 1972. As his shadows overwhelm him, it will take far more than a lucky shot for Grace to hit love’s mark.
What about you?
Has anything unexpected every popped into your life and brought you joy or blessings?
After spending her formative years on a farm in Eastern Oregon, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield turns her rural experiences into sweet historical and contemporary romances filled with sarcasm, humor, and hunky western heroes.
When this USA Today bestselling author isn’t writing or covertly hiding decadent chocolate from the other occupants of her home, Shanna hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.
Oh, what a wonderful start for the beginning of writing a book! So many things happen for the best! We might not even be aware of them at the time! For me, it came after a struggle to leave my current job. After much worry over it, I finally gave it to the Lord. That’s when no doubts or regrets came when I resigned. It’s a blessing to have a peaceful feeling about a decision that will affect our life and those we care for. Three months later my father died suddenly. Since I didn’t have a full time job, I helped my mother, my handicapped brother, and my grandmother when needed. We never know what is in store or what lies ahead. And what blessings will come from grieve and loss.
Thanks for stopping by with this story! I actually can’t wait to read this book! As you know, I’m not much of a contemporary reader. However, 1972 was a while back! Heh. I was 12 at the time. Just old enough to question why this war? Why were there protests? Why were they spitting on our American soldiers?! We have learned a lot since then about this war, But, at the time, I remember beginning to feel very patriotic and have been so ever since. Congrats on finishing and starting this book Shanna! I’m sure it will be another great book!
Oh, how wonderful the timing was perfect for you to leave your job and be there when your family needed you. What a blessing to them – and you!
And thank you. I had such a great time writing this book. I hope you’ll love reading it!
Vietnam war vets were not treated very nicely when they came home. Some war vets are still not being taken care of. The book sounds very good. As the saying goes, in God’s perfect time. Things happen for a reason.
They sure do, Ann.
And it is so sad how the Vietnam vets were treated – and still are being neglected. Makes my heart hurt for them.
Thank you for stopping in today!
OH MY!! This brought the goosebumps all over me just reading it – God does work in very mysterious ways to get us to do what he says needs to be done!!
He certainly does! I’m so glad I listened to that little voice whispering to me to write the story!
I guess I’m weird too, because I wake up with snatches of music going through my head pretty much every day. It’s usually because I was practicing that song & it’s playing in repeat mode, but sometimes a tune does just appear out if the blue. I’m a musician, so music is a huge part of my life!
I know that if I pay attention to the little thoughts & impressions that come to me throughout the day, I have been blessed & protected! This has happened time & again. Often, the thought to call a friend or make a batch of cookies will “intrude” on my day, but when I follow through, it is a blessing to me & to the other person. For me, this is what I call personal revelation. It’s important for me to see & acknowledge these little glimpses of God’s hand in our life… I know God is real & he loves all of us!
I love what you shared, Ami! It’s amazing what joys and blessings come to use when he listen to God’s nudges and whispers. Have a beautiful day! (And so cool about you being a musician! Love that!)
so very cool. my mom was one of these people that wake up with a song on her heart. and she had five children. the first four in four and half years. five years later my little sister came along. but she would always wake up like this and get us kid involved in her song of the morning. and yes it is so a God thing. He knows who is willing to do this/or can do this. thanks for sharing
I love that your mom always woke up with a song. That is so fun she involved all of you in it too! God’s timing is always so, so perfect.
My husband is a Vietnam vet who has dealt with PTSD and now has Parkinson’s Disease from agent orange. The long term effects of armed conflict can last the vet’s entire life span. This book sounds like it could be very enlightening for some to read dealing with the lasting effects of Vietnam. I’m looking forward to read it.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s healthy issues due to his time in Vietnam. I’m so grateful for his service – and sacrifices. Thank you!
I hope you’ll enjoy the book!
I was in junior high during that period. Lots of interesting memories.
Thanks for stopping in today, Kim. I bet you do have a lot of interesting memories!
Unexpected blessings are the best.
They are the very best! <3
I always wake up with a song in my head!! Sometimes its the same for days and days, and other times it’s a one and done. Rarely its a song I’ve (consciously) heard recently so I’m always amazed at how random it is!!
You have such an amazing writing gift, I’m glad you were able to work it out to get this one written!
Hi, my friend! I love that you also wake up with a song in your head. And thank you so, so much for your kind words! <3
Hi Shanna, wow, your book sounds like a great read, and Thank you for listening to God’s nudging. I love your book cover. I graduated in 1972 and yes there were alot of goings on at that time. My mom would always sing Good Morning little Yellow bird to my siblings and I in the mornings, so I did the same for my 2 now adult grown children when they were little. Have a Great day and a great rest of the week. God Bless you and your family. God’s timing is the Perfect timing for everything.
What a beautiful tradition to sing that song to your children after growing up with your mom singing it to you. I love that! And you are so right – God’s timing is always so incredibly perfect!
To keep my mind from doing too many things at a time – ie writing more than two novels at a time – I put part of my mind to singing. I never remember all the words, but I usually get the chorus right. For several years, it was I Did It My Way. I found that the words pretty well held my own sentiments. There have been others in my 75 years, but I always go back to that one. Love to all…susan
How awesome about the song, Susan. Love that!
I often awake with a song in my head. My favorite is Oh What a Beautiful Morning! Even on a grey and gloomy day I know all is going to be good!
That is such an awesome song. What a great way to begin the day!
Shanna this is a lovely post! I’m so glad you decided to write this story!
Me too, Cheryl! Thank you! <3
Shanna, what a touching thing it was to find the dress your mom wore from the Sears catalog. And maybe because it was unexpected, that made it more precious. I love you, my Filly Sister.
It was so precious and sweet, Linda. Thank you!
I’ve had more blessed moments than I can begin to name.But I think there are certain books an author knows she’s mean to write, and this was of one of yours.
It was meant to be, Janice! Thank you for stopping in today!
I know how music can pop into the mind sometimes. With me I sometimes get the music from Zulu popping into my head when tasks get difficult and other music when things are better.
’72 was a very special year. I got married and my husband headed back to Vietnam 5 weeks later. Actually it was the result of something, or rather someone, unexpected popping up in my life. My husband and I had gone to high school together, he one of the many kids from the local Air Force base that attended our school. We were casual friends and sat near each other in a few classes. His father died our junior year and his mother moved the family to Florida the end of the school year. He was one of several “base kids” I kept in touch with exchanging a few letters a year. After high school I attended college in Northern N Y and he attended in Florida. I left for the Peace Corps in the Philippines about 4 weeks after graduation and he joined the Air Force. I extended for an extra year in the PC and was given a 4 week leave which I used to go home for Christmas. He happened to be stationed at the same base in CA as my cousin’s husband. I stopped to visit her and recover a bit from jet lag. She invited my now husband over for dinner and he took the 3 of us out for dinner the next night. I flew out the next day. I will say that I felt he was someone I wanted to get to know better but wasn’t sure how that was going to work. He evidently felt the same. He showed up in the Philippines 5 months later and proposed.
So yes it was an unexpected popping into our lives, but certainly felt like it was meant to be. Our re-meeting after 7 years has definitely brought blessings and joy.
What an amazing story, Patricia. So neat you met again and love prevailed!
Thank you both for your service! And thanks so much for stopping in. I so enjoyed reading what you shared. Those unexpected blessings are the best!
I graduated from high school in 1970. I went to work at a car dealership as a secretary. One of the customers turned out to be my unexpected future husband. We have been married now for 51 years.
Aww, Shanna! This is so truly awesome! Our God is SO amazing and His timing is always right. We can never really “get” it, until something like this happens to us, personally! I’ve had LOTS of those unexpected moments throughout my life, Shanna. I’ll only name a couple, because my posts are always too long…First one I thought of was our youngest daughter. We had no thought about having another baby. Or shall I say “she wasn’t even a gleam in her daddy’s eyes”? Lol I had gone to see the doctor to see why I had been being sick so much. They CALLED me back, and said, We’ll, you might want to sit down for this!” We were using birth control, but I had gotten a sinus infection and had been on an antibiotic and we know wha that does to birth control products. I didn’t, but I did after that call! Hahaha She has been such a huge blessing In our lives, she is a wife, teacher, mother of three of the smartest, most beautiful children in the world, and is a pastor’s wife! She told me one day, while we were picking up pecans in my Daddy’s pecan orchard, and the song Earth Angel started playing, that she knew why God had given her to her Dad and me-because she was our Angel and that she would always take care of us, even when we were old! Second, I’d always wanted to be a missionary, but didn’t get to be one. My pastor said God gave you your family, church, and community to be your mission field. But, one year, my daughter and I DID get to be missionaries in Africa for 10 days. It changed our daughter’s life forever and fulfilled my lifelong dream, although I would love to go back! I felt like I was in the center of His Will.
Those are amazing moments you shared, Lana. What a blessing your unexpected daughter has been to you. And how awesome you made that trip to Africa! Wishing you all continued joy and love!