Words have different meanings depending on the setting. This adorable sign would probably have an entirely different meaning if placed in the downtown district of a busy city. However, this particular sign is placed on the side of a country route in a small town. And it means exactly what it says – pick up your chicks here. The soft, fuzzy, yellow pets sold at a country feed store to parents wanting to surprise their children at Easter.            

I do love the marketing appeal from the sign and I giggle every time I drive past it. But it is a reminder to me how setting really does have a major part in our stories.

How do you develop setting for your story?  

How do you weave appropriate description without becoming boring?

Remember, we must choose our words carefully. 😉  

When I started to read this book, I wasn’t sure where the story was going or if I wanted to continue reading.  I couldn’t grasp how two seemingly different stories would connect and bring forth a theme that made sense.  I underestimated the author’s ability.

Seitz brilliantly weaves a tale full of meaning and purpose, skillfully bringing it to a satisfactory ending. A story of prejudice, friendship, love and loss and the beauty of God’s hand making the impossible come full circle to great possibility.

The three main characters: Ally, a world traveling flight attendant carrying her own set of baggage, Vesey Washington, her neighbor and best friend while growing up in low country south and the mysterious Sunila, working in slave labor in the stone quarries of far off Nepal.

The fragility and strengths of the characters are beautifully portrayed and one is drawn into their lives, hoping for a happy ending after all the hardships they walk through.   I confess when I reached the ending where everything finally came together – I wept. At the amazing grace of God, a recurring echo throughout the story. Somehow the message gets across with barely a mention or touch of preaching. Kudos to Nicole for an amazing story.

Barnes & Noble Book Signing  March 25, 2012  

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times                                

A special thank you toAshley, Merchandising Manager from the Niskayuna store who set everything up for a successful event. Sharing a few photos of old and new friends who stopped by…