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DIAL P FOR PERFECT
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Welcome Heidi Gray McGill to
Book Treasure Tuesday!
Introduction
My husband of 30+ years and I live in South
Carolina just below Charlotte. Besides writing Christian fiction with relatable
characters in life-changing stories, I relish time with family and friends. I
fill my non-writing time with scrapbooking, playing games, traveling, and
building bridges with my two grandsons. Somehow, those masterpieces must fall
with a loud crash, usually involving a monster truck.
That’s what is in my bio…but there is more.
Most readers do not know that I am legally blind and have only 5% of my vision remaining. My diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa in 2001 was devastating. There is no cure, and there is no surgery. But that does not mean there is no hope. I still have value.
Those who do not know me well often don’t realize I have low vision or zero vision in a dark room. We humans are amazingly adaptable, and I do a pretty good job covering up my disability. My friends have learned to watch out for me and alert me to potential pitfalls, some better than others, which is always good for a laugh. I use a cane when I’m navigating alone.
I use Word for my writing, but I have a ¼” mouse with a ½” tail, making it easier for me to find the pointer on my screen. I work in brief spurts so my eyes don’t get overly tired. I read best on my phone since it requires little left-to-right eye movement. I prefer a black screen and white text when reading but love the option of audiobooks. I rarely read a paperback, even large print.
That’s what is in my bio…but there is more.
Most readers do not know that I am legally blind and have only 5% of my vision remaining. My diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa in 2001 was devastating. There is no cure, and there is no surgery. But that does not mean there is no hope. I still have value.
Those who do not know me well often don’t realize I have low vision or zero vision in a dark room. We humans are amazingly adaptable, and I do a pretty good job covering up my disability. My friends have learned to watch out for me and alert me to potential pitfalls, some better than others, which is always good for a laugh. I use a cane when I’m navigating alone.
I use Word for my writing, but I have a ¼” mouse with a ½” tail, making it easier for me to find the pointer on my screen. I work in brief spurts so my eyes don’t get overly tired. I read best on my phone since it requires little left-to-right eye movement. I prefer a black screen and white text when reading but love the option of audiobooks. I rarely read a paperback, even large print.
Sneak Peek
Dial P for Perfect was released on September 7, 2022. This fun, curvy-girl novella will keep you in stitches and tug at your heartstrings. It is a sweet Christian contemporary romance and part of the “You Are on the Air” series as book 11.
Genre: Christian
Contemporary Romance with a good dose of humor
Heat Level: Sweet/Clean/Wholesome
Heat Level: Sweet/Clean/Wholesome
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Being a curvy girl can
be a curse… Unless you find someone
who values the person you are underneath. Snarky is one way to describe Ginger’s response
to life, love, and loss—as in weight loss. She needs to whip up a little
creativity, self-forgiveness, and reality.
Reggie is one cup nerd, two cups out-of-style, and
a dollop of comfortable. Add in a dash of corny, and you’ve got a heap of fun
even though Ginger can’t count their time
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together as dates. Stir in her best friend Scott, whom Ginger's liked since University, and you have all the makings of a recipe for confusion and potential heartbreak. Enjoy
some belly laughs with Ginger as she navigates dating life. Walk beside her,
figuratively—since that’s too much like exercise—as she determines her path
in life. Will she accept herself as she is, or will changing to achieve
perceived perfection challenge Ginger to dig deep into how God sees her?
We see our flaws, but
our heavenly Father sees His intricate, thoughtfully designed creation. |
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Excerpt
His eyes scan my body like an airport security
wand, just skimming the surface. Wide eyes finally meet mine.
“You, you’re…”
“Fat?”
Silence creeps like the red moving up his neck.
“No. I mean…” he stutters.
“Chunky?” I watch color spread over ears with their own zip code. “Oh, so you think I’m beautiful? Thank you.” I paste on a smile as I watch his eyes follow my fingers which trace a circle around my full face.
“You, you’re…”
“Fat?”
Silence creeps like the red moving up his neck.
“No. I mean…” he stutters.
“Chunky?” I watch color spread over ears with their own zip code. “Oh, so you think I’m beautiful? Thank you.” I paste on a smile as I watch his eyes follow my fingers which trace a circle around my full face.
“No. I mean, yes.”
His Adam’s apple bobs like a swollen cherry. You know, those dark, crisp ones where the pit stains your fingers when you touch it? I love those.
“You, well, you just aren’t what I expected from your voice.”
And…there it is. You’d think after countless blind dates, I’d be used to this reaction. Actually, most dates start in much the same way as they end. If I’m honest, men, primarily immature boys, hear my voice on a local radio station and conjure up all sorts of images, none of which are remotely close to my curvy figure. While some appreciate a little padding, I’ve got enough real estate up top and behind to name my own town.
His Adam’s apple bobs like a swollen cherry. You know, those dark, crisp ones where the pit stains your fingers when you touch it? I love those.
“You, well, you just aren’t what I expected from your voice.”
And…there it is. You’d think after countless blind dates, I’d be used to this reaction. Actually, most dates start in much the same way as they end. If I’m honest, men, primarily immature boys, hear my voice on a local radio station and conjure up all sorts of images, none of which are remotely close to my curvy figure. While some appreciate a little padding, I’ve got enough real estate up top and behind to name my own town.
Dial P for Perfect is available in eBook
Research Tidbits
My research for Dial P for Perfect came
from deep within. I’ve always considered myself on the heavier side of the scale.
Being measured for a costume for Brigadoon as a High School Junior was
traumatic. The moms that volunteered that day smiled at me with their pearly
whites and a “Bless your heart” on their lips. They may not have said the
words, but I heard them in my mind. I felt “less than,” or bigger than, as the
case may be.
Identifying with Ginger in Dial P for Perfect was easy for me, and I felt her pains and triumphs, her fears, and her confusion. No matter what size you are, I think we can all relate since there is a bit of Ginger in each of us. It is natural for us to struggle to see our beauty.
Writing this story reminded me that God does not look at our outward appearance.
Identifying with Ginger in Dial P for Perfect was easy for me, and I felt her pains and triumphs, her fears, and her confusion. No matter what size you are, I think we can all relate since there is a bit of Ginger in each of us. It is natural for us to struggle to see our beauty.
Writing this story reminded me that God does not look at our outward appearance.
Interview Questions
What was your first published work and when was it published?
I published my debut
novel in November 2020. It was an act of faith and obedience. God blessed those
efforts, and my “Discerning God’s Best” series now has a prequel and three
novels. You can read about the series by *clicking here*.
For years, I happily served as a Beta reader. I realized I enjoyed the process of thinking through the details of whatever book I was engrossed in. I’d read to see if the characters were compelling, sympathetic, or someone for whom I rooted. I envisioned the characters to see if they felt real and were three-dimensional, with distinct voices, flaws, and virtues.
I wondered—can I do this? Can I write the way I like to read?
When Covid-19 hit, my schedule became free to focus on writing because the English as a Second Language program I was directing closed. I dusted off the cover and reintroduced myself to my old friends, and Desire of My Heart was born.
For years, I happily served as a Beta reader. I realized I enjoyed the process of thinking through the details of whatever book I was engrossed in. I’d read to see if the characters were compelling, sympathetic, or someone for whom I rooted. I envisioned the characters to see if they felt real and were three-dimensional, with distinct voices, flaws, and virtues.
I wondered—can I do this? Can I write the way I like to read?
When Covid-19 hit, my schedule became free to focus on writing because the English as a Second Language program I was directing closed. I dusted off the cover and reintroduced myself to my old friends, and Desire of My Heart was born.
Is there anyone who really mentored or inspired you to keep writing until you were finally published?
That is a tough question. No single author has influenced or inspired my writing more than another. But I crave connection with others and soak up all I can when I have the opportunity. Sitting in a room with women just like me—those struggling with balance, naysayers, and life in general—these are the authors I want to learn from. It isn’t a specific question I would ask these writers, but a connection I would seek. Relationships are crucial to surviving in this industry.
How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books?
I am blessed to have a
supportive family. My husband helps guard my writing time, and my mother-in-law
and my siblings are my biggest promoters.
It is fun doing full-time ministry with my family. Ministry and purpose are important to me, and every author should know their purpose for writing before they begin. For me, it sounds like this: Writing is my ministry, and it’s how I share Christ with those who may never pick up a Bible or step foot inside a church. I also write to encourage those in the Faith to live abundant lives—full of all God desires for us. Writing is also how I work through my heart’s questions and embrace God’s best for me.
Charles H. Spurgeon, in All of Grace, says it best. “Begin as you mean to go on, and go on as you began, and let the Lord be all in all to you.”
It is fun doing full-time ministry with my family. Ministry and purpose are important to me, and every author should know their purpose for writing before they begin. For me, it sounds like this: Writing is my ministry, and it’s how I share Christ with those who may never pick up a Bible or step foot inside a church. I also write to encourage those in the Faith to live abundant lives—full of all God desires for us. Writing is also how I work through my heart’s questions and embrace God’s best for me.
Charles H. Spurgeon, in All of Grace, says it best. “Begin as you mean to go on, and go on as you began, and let the Lord be all in all to you.”
Social Media / Contact
Heidi loves connection! She is active on social media but gets real in her newsletter. Individuals who *sign up* to receive Heidi's monthly email are gifted the prequel to her Christian historical series as a thank you.
Thank you for spending time with Heidi and me today! Check your email next time on Book Treasure Tuesday!
Hugs~
Maxine
Sounds like a great book and LOVE your cover!
ReplyDeleteGood luck and God's blessings with it
PamT
Sounds great! I loved the excerpt!
ReplyDelete