Deborah Raney’s first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she’s still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. A RITA® Award winner and three-time Christy Award finalist, Deb is represented by Steve Laube of the Steve Laube Agency. She is a Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, time with their family, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard.
Visit Deborah Raney online
Gifts of the Season
Two Christmas novellas span almost two centuries, illustrating the timelessness of this season that celebrates the birth of the Savior of the world—then and now. THEN: Inspired by a family Christmas tradition of the author’s family, "Circle of Blessings" is set in Dakota Territory in 1864. Stella Bradford is determined to win the love of James Collingwood, her English professor at the university where Stella is studying to be an architect. But the object of Stella’s affection hides a dark secret from his past. And even if Stella could capture James's attention, she is certain her father would not approve of the match. But neither James nor Stella has an inkling that his secret is woven into her own past in a way that will ultimately bring blessing to them both—if only he dares to reveal it. NOW: “Measured with Love” is a contemporary tale set in a Mississippi River town in Southeast Missouri. Benjie Gabriel believes the chef’s position she’s just taken at an award-winning bed and breakfast is temporary—only a stepping stone to greater things. The B&B’s owner, Trevor Keye, thinks the same and—given the haughty attitude of his new chef—that’s fine with him. Will five months be long enough for them to figure out that what they’ve each been longing for, praying for, is right beneath their noses?
- ISBN: B0CKVJ4TVK
- Publisher: Raney Day Press
Interview with Deborah Raney
For your book Gifts of the Season, was it hard to do research for the THEN novella? Which story, THEN and NOW, was easier to write?
The historical novella is perhaps one of the hardest things I’ve ever written! The amount of research needed just to write one sentence almost did me in. I do love how the story came out, but after writing that short historical novella, I vowed I would never write historical again! (Much as I love to read it!) I have such admiration for those who do the research necessary to write a historical novel!
Does any Christmas growing up particularly stick out to you?
Christmas was magical when I was a kid growing up on a farm in Kansas. There is one particular Christmas that I remember as if it were yesterday and I’m really not sure why. The memory is a brief snippet. It was Christmas Eve and we’d had a beautiful snow. I walked through it, my boots crunching, heading to the car to go to our church’s Christmas Eve service. I was the first one out and I looked up into a clear night sky with uncountable stars in it. I just remember feeling perfectly at peace in that moment and so grateful for my loving family, the beauty of this earth, and the joy of the season.
Do you have a Christmas family tradition that you do each year with your kids?
When the kids were all at home, we had a Snowflake Party every year early in December. We’d make hot chocolate and everyone would sit around the table and cut snowflakes from white paper. I would iron them and we’d hang them in the window as part of our Christmas decorations.
Any Christmas food you have each year?
Potato soup! When I was growing up, we always had potato soup for supper on Christmas Eve. We went to the Christmas Eve service at our church after that, then came home and opened our presents. I’ve always loved potato soup and the warm memories it evokes. My mom made it milky and buttery, I make mine buttery, but thicker.
Do you have an idea who you will dedicate your books to before you actually start writing it?
Sometimes I do, but occasionally I’ve thought I would dedicate it to a certain person and then a new grandbaby or a new in-law came into the picture and I change my dedication. Ken has had more than his share of my books dedicated to him, since he is the inspiration for every hero I write.
I love your coffee bar. Does that mean coffee is your choice vs tea? Do you drink from a different mug each day? I love the wooden spaces for the cups. It's a lovely way to begin your day.
I enjoy hot tea, but if given a choice, I usually prefer coffee. As for a different mug each day? Ha! I drink from two or even three different mugs each day! After all, I have over 100 to choose from in my collection!
You recently went on holiday to Europe. Did you find inspiration for a new story while there?
I sure did! Our time in Paris perfectly lent itself to the novella I’m currently writing, a sequel to one I wrote more than ten years ago. I’m having such fun sending my characters to the City of Lights!
Has a reader ever gifted you anything special in particular?
Oh my! My readers are so very generous. Many of the items in our home were gifts from readers and Facebook friends. One I especially like is a blackboard framed in my favorite turquoise color. Our youngest daughter chalked a Scripture in beautiful calligraphy on it, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Recently when I mentioned on Facebook that I’d ruined a coffee tin that had been my dad’s, an old friend happened to have one identical to my dad’s and mailed it to me from Kansas. That was so touching!
Do you receive letters and emails from readers? It must be a great affirmation to keep writing.
When I first began writing, all reader mail came by snail mail, usually in a packet from my publisher two or three times a year. Now snail mail letters are much more rare and most of my reader mail comes via e-mail. And yes, I always say that hearing from readers is fuel for a writer’s engine! I made it my goal when I first started writing to answer every letter I receive, and I think, almost 30 years later, that I’ve met that goal.
Speaking of affirmation...When A Vow To Cherish was turned into a movie...that must have been amazing. How did you feel about that?
It was pretty heady stuff for this little Kansas farm girl to get to fly to Hollywood and attend the movie premiere with members of Ken’s family who lived in California at the time. I also got to meet several of the actors from the film, including the late Ken Howard and Ossie Davis, along with Barbara Babcock, David Denman, and others. Such a dream come true!
Steve Laube is your agent. He is such a man of great integrity. How did signing with him come about?
That’s a fun story! Steve was actually at Bethany House when my first novel went to pub board to be considered for publication. I met him via ACFW conferences and had a ton of respect for him, but I had been successful placing my first several manuscripts and I continued to agent myself for nine years. But when all the Christian publishers started being bought out by the larger New York houses, and consequently my contracts became dozens of pages of legalese, my husband said, “Maybe it’s time you got an agent.” Just about that time, Steve put his shingle out and I approached him about becoming my agent. He said yes, and the very first contract he negotiated for me was for exactly 15% more than I’d ever gotten before. So I always joke that he represents me for free. I can’t say enough good things about that man. Truly a blessing in my life and to the entire Christian publishing world!
Tamara Alexander is your critique partner. What a gift. How has this relationship shaped your writing?
We’ve been critiquing each other for over twenty years now, and I don’t even want to think about a time that I might not have Tammy’s eyes on every word I write. I so appreciate her insight into excellent writing, but more than that, I appreciate her spiritual maturity and her friendship, which is such a gift to me. If you haven’t yet discovered her novels, you’re in for a treat!
Do you have a writing routine?
Sometimes I do. :) When our kids were still in school, I kept a very constant routine of writing the minute the kids left for school, until they got home after sports practice. Now that Ken and I have the house to ourselves, I actually find it harder to discipline myself to keep a good routine. But when I’m on deadline, my routine, in a nutshell, is to take care of household chores, email, and research in the morning, and write for several hours in the afternoon. I used to write in the evenings too, but found that was a ticket to burnout, so I now try to keep my evenings free for reading, watching movies with my husband, and spending time with our grandkids.
Do you have a favorite author?
I have dozens! It would be so hard for me to name even my top 10, but Tamera Alexander is a favorite, partly because she’s such a dear friend, but mostly because she is a fabulous writer. A favorite new writer is Katie Powner. I’ve loved every book she’s written so far.
I love reading the acknowledgements in books. It gives more insight into the author. I read you lost your sister to a car accident. I'm so sorry. What a tremendous loss. You know emotional heartache. I've read enough of your books to know that you use your experiences to really write real life. You were made to write. How do you balance writing such emotional scenes and then come back to real life? It has to take a toll …??
I think one reason I’m able to write emotional scenes without taking on the heaviness in real life is that my real life is incredibly happy and carefree. Yes, into every life, some rain must fall, and like every family, we have had some tragedies and trials, but Ken and I both grew up in happy families and we have been blessed with great kids who are such a joy. Those blessings do make it easier to dive deep into sorrow in a story because I know I’m resurfacing into sunshine and roses. Still, whenever trials happen, like most writers, I do take notes and glean what I can for future scenes in novels.
I've read many authors got rejection letters-enough to wallpaper rooms-before getting the YES. Did you get a lot? Any words of wisdom regarding that?
Thankfully, I didn’t get enough to paper a room. Not even a closet. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t had my share of rejections. Those are never easy, but several times in my career as a writer, a rejection has led to something even better than what I was hoping for. I try to remember that and trust God whenever things don’t work out as I originally hoped.
Do you have writing word goals? How long does it take for you to write a book?
Generally, my goal is to write 1000 words every weekday (and sometimes on Saturday). But as I near my deadline, I usually need to write more than that. As the story comes to a close, it’s easy to write 2000 or more words a day. I like to have nine months to research, write, and edit a novel, but I have done it faster on occasion.
What would you like to be remembered for?
Many years ago, I wrote a mission statement for myself to help me say yes to the right things and no to things that, while good, weren’t necessarily the best for that time in my life. I hope that mission statement answers the question of what I’d like to be remembered for:
In all my roles (wife, mother, “Mimi," daughter, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, and writer) I want to reflect Christ in the way I behave and in the way I think. I want to enjoy, without guilt, the fun parts of life as a child of God, to be faithful in the not-so-fun parts, to always be open to anything God might ask me to do, and to be a blessing to everyone whose life I touch for even a brief moment.
______________________
Gail Helgeson writes split-time fiction with a passion for leaving the legacy of a well-steeped life. She is a member of ACFW. Gail loves (okay, obsesses) all things England and can be found every afternoon sipping a cup of English Breakfast tea and nibbling on a biscuit. She and her husband share an empty nest in Wisconsin. You can find more information about her at https://gailhelgeson.com/.
The historical novella is perhaps one of the hardest things I’ve ever written! The amount of research needed just to write one sentence almost did me in. I do love how the story came out, but after writing that short historical novella, I vowed I would never write historical again! (Much as I love to read it!) I have such admiration for those who do the research necessary to write a historical novel!
Does any Christmas growing up particularly stick out to you?
Christmas was magical when I was a kid growing up on a farm in Kansas. There is one particular Christmas that I remember as if it were yesterday and I’m really not sure why. The memory is a brief snippet. It was Christmas Eve and we’d had a beautiful snow. I walked through it, my boots crunching, heading to the car to go to our church’s Christmas Eve service. I was the first one out and I looked up into a clear night sky with uncountable stars in it. I just remember feeling perfectly at peace in that moment and so grateful for my loving family, the beauty of this earth, and the joy of the season.
Do you have a Christmas family tradition that you do each year with your kids?
When the kids were all at home, we had a Snowflake Party every year early in December. We’d make hot chocolate and everyone would sit around the table and cut snowflakes from white paper. I would iron them and we’d hang them in the window as part of our Christmas decorations.
Any Christmas food you have each year?
Potato soup! When I was growing up, we always had potato soup for supper on Christmas Eve. We went to the Christmas Eve service at our church after that, then came home and opened our presents. I’ve always loved potato soup and the warm memories it evokes. My mom made it milky and buttery, I make mine buttery, but thicker.
Do you have an idea who you will dedicate your books to before you actually start writing it?
Sometimes I do, but occasionally I’ve thought I would dedicate it to a certain person and then a new grandbaby or a new in-law came into the picture and I change my dedication. Ken has had more than his share of my books dedicated to him, since he is the inspiration for every hero I write.
I love your coffee bar. Does that mean coffee is your choice vs tea? Do you drink from a different mug each day? I love the wooden spaces for the cups. It's a lovely way to begin your day.
I enjoy hot tea, but if given a choice, I usually prefer coffee. As for a different mug each day? Ha! I drink from two or even three different mugs each day! After all, I have over 100 to choose from in my collection!
You recently went on holiday to Europe. Did you find inspiration for a new story while there?
I sure did! Our time in Paris perfectly lent itself to the novella I’m currently writing, a sequel to one I wrote more than ten years ago. I’m having such fun sending my characters to the City of Lights!
Has a reader ever gifted you anything special in particular?
Oh my! My readers are so very generous. Many of the items in our home were gifts from readers and Facebook friends. One I especially like is a blackboard framed in my favorite turquoise color. Our youngest daughter chalked a Scripture in beautiful calligraphy on it, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Recently when I mentioned on Facebook that I’d ruined a coffee tin that had been my dad’s, an old friend happened to have one identical to my dad’s and mailed it to me from Kansas. That was so touching!
Do you receive letters and emails from readers? It must be a great affirmation to keep writing.
When I first began writing, all reader mail came by snail mail, usually in a packet from my publisher two or three times a year. Now snail mail letters are much more rare and most of my reader mail comes via e-mail. And yes, I always say that hearing from readers is fuel for a writer’s engine! I made it my goal when I first started writing to answer every letter I receive, and I think, almost 30 years later, that I’ve met that goal.
Speaking of affirmation...When A Vow To Cherish was turned into a movie...that must have been amazing. How did you feel about that?
It was pretty heady stuff for this little Kansas farm girl to get to fly to Hollywood and attend the movie premiere with members of Ken’s family who lived in California at the time. I also got to meet several of the actors from the film, including the late Ken Howard and Ossie Davis, along with Barbara Babcock, David Denman, and others. Such a dream come true!
Steve Laube is your agent. He is such a man of great integrity. How did signing with him come about?
That’s a fun story! Steve was actually at Bethany House when my first novel went to pub board to be considered for publication. I met him via ACFW conferences and had a ton of respect for him, but I had been successful placing my first several manuscripts and I continued to agent myself for nine years. But when all the Christian publishers started being bought out by the larger New York houses, and consequently my contracts became dozens of pages of legalese, my husband said, “Maybe it’s time you got an agent.” Just about that time, Steve put his shingle out and I approached him about becoming my agent. He said yes, and the very first contract he negotiated for me was for exactly 15% more than I’d ever gotten before. So I always joke that he represents me for free. I can’t say enough good things about that man. Truly a blessing in my life and to the entire Christian publishing world!
Tamara Alexander is your critique partner. What a gift. How has this relationship shaped your writing?
We’ve been critiquing each other for over twenty years now, and I don’t even want to think about a time that I might not have Tammy’s eyes on every word I write. I so appreciate her insight into excellent writing, but more than that, I appreciate her spiritual maturity and her friendship, which is such a gift to me. If you haven’t yet discovered her novels, you’re in for a treat!
Do you have a writing routine?
Sometimes I do. :) When our kids were still in school, I kept a very constant routine of writing the minute the kids left for school, until they got home after sports practice. Now that Ken and I have the house to ourselves, I actually find it harder to discipline myself to keep a good routine. But when I’m on deadline, my routine, in a nutshell, is to take care of household chores, email, and research in the morning, and write for several hours in the afternoon. I used to write in the evenings too, but found that was a ticket to burnout, so I now try to keep my evenings free for reading, watching movies with my husband, and spending time with our grandkids.
Do you have a favorite author?
I have dozens! It would be so hard for me to name even my top 10, but Tamera Alexander is a favorite, partly because she’s such a dear friend, but mostly because she is a fabulous writer. A favorite new writer is Katie Powner. I’ve loved every book she’s written so far.
I love reading the acknowledgements in books. It gives more insight into the author. I read you lost your sister to a car accident. I'm so sorry. What a tremendous loss. You know emotional heartache. I've read enough of your books to know that you use your experiences to really write real life. You were made to write. How do you balance writing such emotional scenes and then come back to real life? It has to take a toll …??
I think one reason I’m able to write emotional scenes without taking on the heaviness in real life is that my real life is incredibly happy and carefree. Yes, into every life, some rain must fall, and like every family, we have had some tragedies and trials, but Ken and I both grew up in happy families and we have been blessed with great kids who are such a joy. Those blessings do make it easier to dive deep into sorrow in a story because I know I’m resurfacing into sunshine and roses. Still, whenever trials happen, like most writers, I do take notes and glean what I can for future scenes in novels.
I've read many authors got rejection letters-enough to wallpaper rooms-before getting the YES. Did you get a lot? Any words of wisdom regarding that?
Thankfully, I didn’t get enough to paper a room. Not even a closet. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t had my share of rejections. Those are never easy, but several times in my career as a writer, a rejection has led to something even better than what I was hoping for. I try to remember that and trust God whenever things don’t work out as I originally hoped.
Do you have writing word goals? How long does it take for you to write a book?
Generally, my goal is to write 1000 words every weekday (and sometimes on Saturday). But as I near my deadline, I usually need to write more than that. As the story comes to a close, it’s easy to write 2000 or more words a day. I like to have nine months to research, write, and edit a novel, but I have done it faster on occasion.
What would you like to be remembered for?
Many years ago, I wrote a mission statement for myself to help me say yes to the right things and no to things that, while good, weren’t necessarily the best for that time in my life. I hope that mission statement answers the question of what I’d like to be remembered for:
In all my roles (wife, mother, “Mimi," daughter, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, and writer) I want to reflect Christ in the way I behave and in the way I think. I want to enjoy, without guilt, the fun parts of life as a child of God, to be faithful in the not-so-fun parts, to always be open to anything God might ask me to do, and to be a blessing to everyone whose life I touch for even a brief moment.
______________________
Gail Helgeson writes split-time fiction with a passion for leaving the legacy of a well-steeped life. She is a member of ACFW. Gail loves (okay, obsesses) all things England and can be found every afternoon sipping a cup of English Breakfast tea and nibbling on a biscuit. She and her husband share an empty nest in Wisconsin. You can find more information about her at https://gailhelgeson.com/.
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