So today,
I’m hosting Heather Norman Smith and her new book, Where I Was Planted. Leave a
comment on the blog for a chance to win this fascinating story.
So let’s
start with the basic question: What’s it all about?
In the
spring of 1961, ten-year-old Nate "Weenie" Dooley has a revelation—his
father is not a good one.
Inspired
by National Geographic, his favorite thing next to the Bible storybook his
mother gave him before she died, Nate plans to leave his father and their home
in the Smokies to set out on adventure. When he discovers that his father has
left him first, it will take the help of a stray dog, some kind neighbors, a
one-man-band, letters from a long-lost-aunt, and a new understanding of God to
figure out he isn't really alone.
Will he
find that Copper Creek is where he's always belonged? Or will his wanderlust
keep him from ever coming back?
This story
demonstrates that while fathers may leave, our Heavenly Father is faithful, and
He has a plan for all of us.
What was the inspiration for this story/what led
you to write it?
I don’t
remember a specific inspiration. As with my first book, the story seemed to
just show up in my brain one day, and it surprised me. The general concept
comes from my heart for orphans, though. My husband and I are foster parents,
and my desire to bring awareness to the needs of these children drives a lot of
my writing.
What made you want to focus on a ten-year-old
boy for your main character?
Telling
the story from Nate’s perspective, a boy who has been abandoned, helped bring a
lot of emotion to the book, I think. I wanted readers to be drawn into the
story out of their concern for him, and I hope they will find themselves
rooting for this child and eager to find out what happens to him.
Your love for North Carolina shines. What one
assumption about your state would you like to disprove?
By writing
about the beauty found across the state—including in the people—perhaps readers
will agree that one region of North Carolina isn’t necessarily better than any other.
There’s so much more to the argument of “mountains or beach.” There are natural,
historical, and cultural assets, in both the cities and in the country, all
across the state.
In what way does your faith encourage your
writing?
My writing
centers around my faith. Sometimes if I’m struggling with a project, I realize
it’s because the spiritual application isn’t strong enough and I have to fix
that. I’m not nearly as motivated to write until I’ve honed in on a Biblical
application or how the Gospel will be presented. Although I love the stories
and the writing process in general, it’s the opportunity to show Jesus that
makes it worth all the effort.
If Nate were a real person in your life, what
advice would you want to share with him?
I would
probably tell him to slow down and enjoy being a kid, because childhood passes
by so quickly. (I try to tell my children that, though it’s probably impossible
to grasp until it’s too late.) I would also tell him not to worry about what
the other kids think or say about his appearance, and that he is fearfully and
wonderfully made (another thing I tell my children.)
What’s your next book?
My third
completed novel is set in a retirement community, so I went in the opposite
direction of Where I Was Planted with the ages of my main characters! I’m not
sure when this book will make its entry into the world, but it’s set in
Southport, North Carolina, and features a wealthy, prank-playing grandmother
who winds up facing criminal charges because of her jokester reputation. It’s
full of humor and a surprising romance, and of course, has a strong faith
message, too.
I’ve got
three other books started, and I’m anxious to see which one pulls at me to
finish it first.
So how do people find you online?
Now…where
can they buy Where I Was Planted?
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