Beautiful Books 2016: JW

Hi people!

Originally this would be another Beautiful People post, but in October, Sky and Cait host a link-up called Beautiful Books (instead of Beautiful People), where we introduce one of our WIPs, and get to know our book a bit better for NaNoWriMo.  Well, I'm not planning on doing NaNo this year, but I'll join the link-up anyway. ;)  So today, due to popular demand (Yes, one person is totally popular demand.), I will be doing JW!  What is JW, you ask?  Well, that is a very good question; I'm not sure myself. ;P  You see, it could stand for Jerry's War, or Joey's War, or Judson's War, depending on what I decide to name it once it's finished.  Anyway.  On to the questions! :D

What inspired the idea for your novel, and how long have you had the idea?

When I wrote Katie's War back in April/May, I fell in love with the characters.  So I'm in the process of writing… a sequel? No, a prequel, because JW chronologically comes before KW.  But anyway, I've only had the idea for a few months. ;)

Describe what your novel is about!

Jerry Judson's twin brother, Joey, is sick.  And this makes Jerry worried about a certain disease he's heard about.  When they find out what disease Joey has, Jerry's world feels like it's crashing to pieces all around him.  Jerry tries to trust God, but it's extremely hard to, especially when his parents are having a difficult time of it as well.

What is your book’s aesthetic? Use words or photos or whatever you like!
I had fun looking for the pics on the internet for this :D

Introduce us to each of your characters!
Eh… that could take awhile. ;P  Here's the main characters:
Isaac Judson: The father of Joey, Jerry and Katie. This guy is fun-loving, yet also serious when the situation calls for it. It's sad to write scenes with him, knowing what lies ahead in KW... :'(
Morgan Judson: Isaac's wife, a caring and compassionate lady who loves to play with her children, although that does not include wrestling, unlike her husband.
Joey Judson: He's just like his father.  Need I say more? ;) He also loves to play baseball with Jerry.
Jerry Judson: Oh, Jerry. Poor guy, he probably has a tougher time during Joey's sickness than Joey himself. Jerry is easily susceptible to worry, but he also enjoys playing with his little sister, and cares deeply for others.
Katie Judson: If you read Katie's War, you already know what she's like: energetic, friendly and sweet.
Matt Osborne: (don't know if his last name is going to stick or not ;P) Matt is easygoing, and always ready to encourage others, especially Jerry. :)

How do you prepare to write? (Outline, research, stocking up on chocolate, howling, etc.?
I formulate the idea in my mind, and mull over it for a couple of days, then sit down and write.  Sometimes I research. :)

What are you most looking forward to about this novel?
Hmm... probably, once it's finished, letting other people (you know who you are B-)) read it. And posting it.  Like one of my fellow bloggers said. "Once you post one of your stories, you want to share them all!" ;)

List 3 things about your novel’s setting.

1. 1933

2. Summer

3. Kansas

What’s your character’s goal and who (or what) stands in the way?
Jerry wants nothing more than Joey's quick recovery, but that's impossible because- well, if I told that part it would give away the story.  But then again, if you read KW, you'd probably figure it out. ;P

How does your protagonist change by the end of the novel?
Jerry learns to trust God, even when it seems like nothing is going right.

What are your book’s themes? How do you want readers to feel when the story is over?
Theme: Trusting God when the going gets tough.
How I want them to feel? Um… like they've read a story well worth reading. ;)

Well people, I hope you enjoyed this, and I promise I've got some other posts coming that aren't writing-related. ;)
Thanks for reading!
~Kaitlyn