When it was time to write the final book in the Surrendering
Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series for young teen girls and women, my daughter and I knew
overall the plot of the book. The series came about when Hannah completed
middle school amidst extra challenges. She wanted to encourage others and told
me a story. When I asked her to keep going, she plotted what became a
three-book series.
You’re Brilliant’s overall plot was to encourage girls that
no matter who you are or what you’ve done, God loves you and thinks you have
amazing value. We knew the lead characters would be like the other books, a
girl from the Linked ministry, and a woman mentor from the same organization.
You’re Brilliant was going to feature Bethany Tuttle and her move to a new
suburb away from her friends, and Cheri Wayson, a pastor’s wife with an
additional job to help pay for her adopted daughter’s wedding.
When we started more specific plotting, we realized Bethany
would be alone in a new school as a high school freshman, and would need an
ally. Enter KJ Curry, a sophomore who is well-liked and very involved in the
school. KJ helps make Bethany feel comfortable and not so alone.
What we didn’t plan was KJ’s storyline. Although confident
and popular, she also has a problem that’s quickly spiraling out of control,
and Bethany sees it immediately. Bethany gets herself into trouble and she
struggles with feeling like she failed, but overall, it’s KJ’s storyline that
for us really cemented the brilliant theme. Bethany helps KJ realize what
happened wasn’t her fault and no one should treat anyone the way KJ was.
It was a plot twist for sure, but our plan has always been
we write what God tells us and when. We clearly felt what KJ endured was
something that needed to be written, if only one reader would be transformed by
it. Too many females---girls and women---walk around feeling less than and they
deserve the circumstances they are in. That’s stinkin’ thinkin’, and our prayer
is that readers find hope in You’re Brilliant, and surrender the lies they
might believe.
Amazing things
happen when a group of high school students and women discover they are more
than competent.
Bethany’s not excited to
start high school in a new community where she doesn’t know anyone. She quickly
befriends KJ, a popular sophomore, and it looks like the transition will go
well until Bethany discovers KJ’s boyfriend is a bully. With a strong sense of
justice, Bethany challenges Brent Sullivan, and he’s determined to make her
suffer.
Cheri takes on an
additional job in a school to help pay for Sabrina’s wedding. It’s a different
atmosphere than at the church where she feels more comfortable as the pastor’s
wife and mentor with the Linked ministry. After several mishaps, Cheri feels
like she’s found an assignment where she can make a difference until a teacher
belittles her work.
Can Bethany and Cheri
resist the lies about their competency and hold on to the fact they’re
brilliant?
The final book in the
Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series for tweens, teens, and women of all ages
by mother and daughter authors Julie Arduini and Hannah Arduini.
Pre-Order You’re
Brilliant: https://smile.amazon.com/Youre-Brilliant-Surrendering-Stinkin-Thinkin-ebook/dp/B0874Y5B4C/
Releases May 22.
Print version coming soon.
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4 comments:
Amazing how God interjects his storyline into books sometimes. Sounds like a great story, and I'm sure it was a good project for Hannah. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you, Laura H., for letting me share Hannah's story.
Laura P., I find in every book I set out to write, the surrender theme tends to hit me/my family hard during that time. God definitely walks us through the fire as we obey Him. Thanks for reading!
You're Brilliant will connect readers to their own issues and to be surrendered. Best to you both.
Thanks for sharing, Julie. A Brilliant title and story. So encouraging.
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