Carmen Schober and Breana Johnson

Author Carmen Schober on HGTV and Naming Babies

This fall, I had the chance to meet and get to know Carmen Schober, contemporary Christian romance author of After She Falls and Pretty Little Pieces, releasing in December!

Carmen writes gritty, edgy romance with Cuban-American characters–stories you are not going to want to miss!

I asked Carmen to share a little bit about her writing process for Pretty Little Pieces.

Pretty Little Pieces

1. The protagonist of Pretty Little Pieces was called the next Joanna Gaines. I’m curious how much HGTV-watching went into the research of this book…and which shows are your favorite? 

I used to live on HGTV-style shows! I don’t watch much TV anymore (looking at you, kids) but those shows are perfect for days when you just want something in the background, but you can also get super engrossed and have cozy day-in marathon.

I had a brief Fixer Upper phase, but my absolute favorites are Rehab Addict and While You Were Out (with the OG cast, not the new one.)

Carmen Schober Breana Johnson
Hanging out with Carmen at the ACFW conference

2. Naming novel characters (like naming kids) is HARD. You chose really cool names in Pretty Little Pieces. What’s your process? For novel characters and for kids, too!

They honestly just sort of come to me.

But I am a pretty avid Pinterest user and online shopper, so that gives me some good ideas (brands these days often name their products after women) but I usually start with a name that inspires me and then I use Nameberry to find names that sound like they belong in the same world. 

Pretty Little Pieces Characters
Cassidy and Georgina from Pretty Little Pieces

3. Cara Putman’s review on Goodreads called Pretty Little Pieces “A story I kept coming back to because I cared about the characters.” Which character in the story do you love the most, and why?

I really do love Cassidy and Georgina individually and as a couple. Poppy was a joy to write too, and I so relate to Savannah in some ways, but Cass and Georgie stole the show…and my little hopeful romantic heart.  

Pretty Little Pieces is the featured novel in my December Wings of the Morning book box. Get yours here! Use coupon BLACKFRIDAY for $5 off all weekend.

Burundian woman hold up an African coil basket made at a refugee camp

How to Make an African Coil Basket: Africa Day 7

In Burundi, coil baskets are used for everything: food storage, transportation, traditional wedding gift wrap, even offering at church.

While I was vising my husband’s brother’s family in Burundi, I had the chance to learn how to make a coil basket from a local expert.

Mama Violette crafts these baskets using what my 11-year-old niece calls “goat rope” (rope made of fibers processed from sisal, a yucca-like plant), grass that grows near the river, and the plastic fiber from coffee sacks.

I asked Mama Violette where she learned to make these baskets. I expected a heartwarming answer about sitting long afternoons with her grandmother. However, she told me that she learned during her time in a refugee camp while Burundi was suffering through a civil war.

Burundian woman making a coil basket Gisuru, Burundi

She takes apart the sacks and straightens the fibers. Most of them are white, but colorful plastic is also available for designs. The durable, waterproof plastic replaces traditional organic materials in most baskets I saw.

Recycling at its finest!

Burundian woman making a coil basket Gisuru, Burundi
Mama Debo helped teach us to weave the baskets.

The basket starts with an inch or so of wrapping the plastic around the rope and grass. Coil the plastic-wrapped rope, thread the plastic through a needle, and stich the coil in place.

coil basket Gisuru, Burundi

The rest of the basket is pretty simple–keep wrapping, putting a stitch through the last round each time. I noticed that Mama Debo and Mama Violette placed one stich evenly though each wrap on the coil below.

Burundian woman teaching American woman to weave a coil basket Gisuru, Burundi

Making a basket takes a lot of time–a full day even for someone experienced. Later during our trip, I purchased a few small baskets from a roadside stand.

Can you guess how much one costs?

Two dollars. That’s all these women make from a day of hard work. That’s a typical wage for people in rural Burundi.

 coil basket Gisuru, Burundi

Mine wasn’t quite so neat, but it looked a lot better than my first attempt at a coil basket, which I tried to make with agave fibers from a plant in my yard. If you want to take a peek and laugh, visit this post.

coil basket Gisuru, Burundi

One of my nieces added some color to her basket. I was endlessly impressed by her creativity and knack for crafting. Aside from her new skill of basketry, she actually processes “goat rope” from sisal herself, dyes it using natural pigments she makes from nature, and weaves them into bracelets.

Burundian woman making a coil basket Gisuru, Burundi

Making a full basket would take a beginner like me days–even this little bit was the result of a couple of hours of work. So I decided to stop and turn it into a keychain.

Mama Violette helped me finish it off.

She and Mama Debo inspected my work, saying “Ni sawa.” I thought that meant I had not a fantastic job, but apparently it means. “That’s alright.” Hey, for a first attempt, I’ll take it!

Burundian woman making a coil basket Gisuru, Burundi

Now, I carry around this little souvenir on my keys wherever I go!

However, my main takeaway from this project wasn’t a physical item, or even a new skill.

Even though I couldn’t have a conversation with Mama Debo or Mama Violette, they were content to sit on the porch with me and communicate however we needed to, patiently helping me learn each step of basketmaking. Despite the many differences in our lifestyles, experiences, and backgrounds, they did not make me feel like an outsider.

Instead, we enjoyed a project together, connecting over a shared interest.

No matter the differences between us, we have more in common than we might think.

Africa Day 1: 30 Hours in Transit

Africa Day 2: Crossing Burundi

Africa Day 3: A Dowry Ceremony

Africa Day 4: A Burundian Wedding

Africa Day 5: Gisuru School for the Deaf

Africa Day 6: How to Make Mudbricks

historical romance author Ashley Clark

Historical Romance Author Ashley Clark on Flowers and Falling in Love

Who knew you could meet an author in an elevator and end up being a huge fan of their books? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me when I ran into Ashley Clark at the ACFW conference this year.

I read her book Where the Last Rose Blooms in a single sitting. It was that good.

So I thought I’d invite Ashley to do an interview here so we can share this book with you and talk about some of the little-known historical facts behind its plot and characters!

Breana Johnson and Ashley Clark
Did you notice that her dress matches the dress on the book cover??

Hi Ashley! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions.

Thank you so much for having me, Breana! It was such fun to meet you at the ACFW Conference. I’m looking forward to chatting on the blog today.

Ashley Clark

I learned a lot about the messages of various flowers in Where the Last Rose Blooms. I had no idea a bouquet can actually be a secret code–which is exactly what ends up happening in your story!

What is your favorite flower, and what is the meaning behind it? 

I had a great time researching flowers for Where the Last Rose Blooms, and I have to confess… I even bought my own flower dictionary! 

Honestly, I love all flowers, but if forced to pick a favorite I’d probably choose peonies. I think their intricate petals are so stunning. They typically symbolize love, romance, and beauty, which makes them the perfect flower for weddings! Alice in Where the Last Rose Blooms probably sells a lot of them. 🙂

Ashley Clark with a stack of Where the Last Rose Blooms

You named one of your characters “Ashley,” which was very Jane Austen of you. What’s the story behind giving a character the same name as yourself? 

I am so glad you asked about Ashley’s character because there is a story behind this one!

Rose and Ashley are actually based on real people, who were named… you guessed it… Rose and Ashley!

History has left us very little information about their stories, but we do know a bit from the Ashley’s Sack artifact which was discovered at a flea market and is now on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C. I hope to see it in person someday!

You can read more about Ashley’s Sack in my debut novel, The Dress Shop on King Street.

Peggy Martin Rose
Ashley’s cutting of the Peggy Martin Rose, which survived being underwater during Hurricane Katrina and plays a role in Where the Last Rose Blooms

I enjoy a good fictional romance, but it’s also fun to hear the love stories of real-life couples! Would you share yours? 

My husband and I met in college at our campus ministry. He invited me to Starbucks after a prayer event, and I initially told him no because I needed to study… on a Saturday.

Y’all, I was such a nerd back then!

Okay, I’m still a nerd, but I digress… needless to say, he talked me into the shindig, and I remember calling my mom that night and telling her one of the “cool guys” had invited me to coffee. Ha!

He bravely learned to swing dance in the weeks that followed because he knew I used to dance every Friday night, but the real kicker was one rainy night at Steak and Shake… he pulled his car up close to the door so I wouldn’t get wet, and “coincidentally” had Switchfoot playing on his car radio. I think his great taste in music sealed the deal for me. Hahaha!

We’ve now been married thirteen years and have a seven year old son, as well as a senior cocker spaniel.

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Ashley as much as I did! If you want to know more about her books and flowers, you can follow her on Instagram or visit her website.

How to make mudbricks africa style

How to Make Mudbricks Africa Style: Africa Day 6

This is a post about houses of sticks and houses of bricks and little pigs. But not the three little pigs.

Wildflowers arranged by my niece. She’s so creative.

Contrary to what The Gods Must be Crazy portrays, life in rural African is not simple or easy.

making mud bricks in Burundi

This reality was underscored for me when my brother-in-law and his family took us to see the place where their ministry keeps livestock.

Livestock in Burundi
Pig in Burundi
This little pig lives in a house made of sticks.

While we were having fun feeding goats and pigs, dozens of people were hard at work building bricks for the livestock project’s new building. The method used is basically the same as what you’d see in the Middle East or in pueblo ruins near my home in Arizona.

Making mud bricks
Making mudbricks at home in Arizona

I’ve made mudbricks before. The materials are cheap, but the labor is hard.

mud bricks in Burundi

Here’s how to make mudbricks Africa style:

  1. Saturate the dirt and mix it (usually with feet or a hoe) until it’s the right consistency.
  2. Fill brick molds with mud and smooth it.
  3. Wait for it to dry (a long, long time! I’ve heard it can take months).
  4. Stack the bricks into a kiln and fire them.
  5. Construct a building.
mud brick kiln Burundi

School was out for the summer, so there were a lot of kids helping. Summer vacation is not time for play in East Africa.

Animal pens in Africa

You might see women carrying bricks on their heads…I can’t imagine having that kind of strength!

African mud bricks

There’s a story missionaries like to tell about a doctor whose patient had thrown out his back. “How did it happen?” the doctor asked. “Oh, I was helping my wife get a load on her head,” the patient replied.

Child feeding goats

I don’t know if it’s true, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Burundi’s culture celebrates work ethic, and you don’t have to look far to see people who embody that value.

Me in Burundi

Africa Day 1: 30 Hours in Transit

Africa Day 2: Crossing Burundi

Africa Day 3: A Dowry Ceremony

Africa Day 4: A Burundian Wedding

Africa Day 5: Gisuru School for the Deaf

Interview with The Wonderland Trials author Sara Ella

Did you know that former Disneyland cast member Sara Ella, who played Alice, just released a retelling of Alice in Wonderland? Yes, that’s right! Alice herself wrote a book about Wonderland! Author Sara Ella was kind enough to answer a few questions about The Wonderland Trials:

Author Sara Ella

Other than Alice, who’s your favorite character in The Wonderland Trials?

I feel like it’s no longer a spoiler to say Chess Shire, but to be safe I won’t say why. 😉

I’ll also say Madi Hatter because she’s the opposite of me and reminds me of one of my dear friends who always makes me feel bold and brave when she’s around.

And then I have to mention Charlotte. As a mom, I relate a lot to her character.

I guess that’s more than one, haha. I love them all!

Sara Ella as Alice at Disneyland
Sara as Alice at Disneyland

You used to be Alice at Disneyland. How did your experience in that role shape the Alice character in The Wonderland Trials?

I’ve always had a love for Alice’s character and curiosity. I think the biggest similarity between Disney’s Alice and mine is that they are both no-nonsense characters.

My time at Disney feels like another lifetime now. I guess part of me missed being in that world and I wanted to create one of my own. And thus The Wonderland Trials was born.

The Wonderland Trials
Enjoying my copy of The Wonderland Trials

It’s obvious from reading your first four books that you write the goal of impacting readers—not just entertaining them. What do you hope your readers will gain from your book?

Wow. That means the world to me. Thank you.

With this book I hope those readers who may feel alone or have trouble making friends will feel seen. I hope they find their own version of “found family” like Alice does in the book.

Most of all, I hope this book inspires readers to believe in impossible, unseen things.

Thanks for talking, Sara! I loved reading The Wonderland Trials and can’t wait for my next trip to Wonderland.

Enter our Alice in Wonderland giveaway by August 30, 2022 for a chance to win The Wonderland Trials and this adorable backpack!

Gisuru School for the Deaf: Africa Day 5

Listen. Can you hear it?

Most of us can hear something right now– I can hear traffic and the vacuum cleaner. And my dog getting annoyed at the vacuum cleaner.

Pineapple and coffee field at Gisuru School for the Deaf

In the United States, about 3% of the population is deaf. Many hearing-impaired people identify with Deaf culture and belong to a close-knit Deaf community.

But Burundi doesn’t have a thriving Deaf community. In fact, most people don’t have access to sign language, much less other accommodations.

This is a big problem, since deafness is common in the country. Many Burundians are born Deaf, while others become Deaf from improper administration of medicine or through illness.

Ben with a huge mural of Burundi. Gisuru School for the Deaf is in the eastern Ruyigi region.

To address this, Ben’s father and grandfather established the country’s first Deaf school in Bujumbura decades ago.

Kirundi word of the day: Ishuli (school).

But what about those in rural areas? What about those too far from Bujumbura?

Me with one of the social studies murals on the cafeteria walls. Can you find Burundi on the map?

My brother-in-law Danny moved far out into the hills to start another Deaf school on the opposite side of Burundi. We were able to tour the boarding school during the summer break and meet a few students.

We even got to meet the student we sponsor!

He looks a bit uncomfortable in the photo, but in real life he was super excited to have his photo taken and signed that it was “Beautiful, BEAUTIFUL!”

Ben and I with the student we sponsor and his father. The traveled an hour to meet us and we were so thankful!

Meeting this student was amazing! We have been praying for this boy for five years and have had his photo on our fridge and have received drawings from him, and later letters when he learned to communicate. Now we got to see he and his father in person!

Students learn to cook in this kitchen at Gisuru School for the Deaf.

American Sign Language is derived from French sign language. I learned ASL in college and the two languages are close enough that I could have a conversation with this student as well as others we met during our time in Gisuru.

You can read more about that –and about Gisuru School for the Deaf– on World Footprints.

Africa Day 1: 30 Hours in Transit

Africa Day 2: Crossing Burundi

Africa Day 3: A Dowry Ceremony

Africa Day 4: A Burundian Wedding