Come Back and Update

8:59 AM Elizabeth Seckman 76 Comments

Logan, Cole (my baby), Conner, Jacob, Stephen, Zach
My son and his buddies, Class Day 2014
Graduation season is keeping me busy, so forgive my lack of blog attentiveness. 

Tonight I was on Facebook and couldn't even think of clever comments, much less whole coherent posts. Fortunately for everyone, the fabulous Melissa Maygrove is here! 

Melissa has a new book, Come Back, that is making Melissa one happy gal with its awesome sales and its hitting the #1 Western Historical Romance spot on Amazon!

Awesome, right? Now let's let Melissa tell us one of the magical ingredients in this awesome story....

Come Back: Themes & Symbolism

Several themes emerged in Come Back as the story developed.

One thing the story highlights is: sometimes things are not as they seem. Another closely related theme is: we should be careful not to make life-changing decisions based on wrong information.

We see evidence of this with many characters, but especially with Rebecca and Seth. Becca assumes things about her abandonment, based on the evidence she has; but, as she discovers later, her perception’s not accurate.

Same with Seth. He assumes things without proof, and it affects his feelings about himself as well as his choices.

A third truth that comes through is: it's the person you spend time with whom you tend to fall in love with.

A myriad of things play a role in the complicated process of human sexual attraction, and many of those things rely on physical proximity—things such as neurotransmitters, hormones and pheromones, and just plain ol’ senses (e.g. tactile, olfactory and visual stimuli). You can’t get the full effect of that by mail or over the phone. It’s why so many long-distance relationships fail.

In the past, betrothal (similar to our modern-day engagement) was a serious and binding thing. Even so, Becca fell deeply in love with the man who rescued her, not the one she’d promised herself to. Much of that had to do with proximity and shared experiences.

On symbolism...

Like many writers, I often use weather and other setting components to foreshadow events and set the mood for scenes.

One symbol I used was Becca's hair. Wearing a braid at such an advanced age showed her to be a late bloomer. The change of the style into a bun symbolized her transition to marriage and adulthood. With that, she also lost her comfort object—the tail of her braid she often worried with her fingers when she was anxious.

Another was the weather combined with a wood-burning stove... and a few little prairie creatures (spoiler :P).

Becca and Seth find a brand new cookstove sitting by the side of the trail. They enjoy the modern convenience while they camp, but the next morning, a winter storm moves in as they leave. I purposely show Becca looking back, longingly, at the stove and then turning and facing ‘what was ahead.’ That moment marks a turning point in the plot—the shift from her false sense of security to harsher travel conditions and the heartbreak she’ll deal with when she finds her parents and her betrothed.

Book & author information
Buy it Here!

 Title: Come Back
Author: Melissa Maygrove
Genre: Western Historical Romance
Category: Adult / New Adult
Available May 12, 2014 from Truelove Press

Cover design by Carrie Butler,
Forward Authority Design Services



Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a wife, mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance writer. When she's not busy caring for her tiny nursery patients or shuttling teenagers back and forth to after-school activities, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.




76 comments:

  1. Alex J. CavanaughMay 23, 2014 at 9:08 AM

    Congratulations to the graduate!
    It's true that close proximity fosters affections, especially for men. We need the physical for the attraction.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elizabeth SeckmanMay 28, 2014 at 10:37 PM

      Thanks Alex!

      But what about absence makes the heart grow fonder?

      Delete
  2. Pat HattMay 23, 2014 at 9:32 AM

    Yeah we sure have to try and not act on the wrong info indeed at ones feed. Couldn't respond on facebook oh the shame lol

    ReplyDelete
  3. Christine RainsMay 23, 2014 at 9:47 AM

    Congrats to Cole! Great guest post. Have a terrific weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  4. MelissaMay 23, 2014 at 10:08 AM

    You have such a nice-looking family. Congrats to your son!

    Thanks for hosting me today, Elizabeth. I love your blog and I'm honored to be a guest. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMay 23, 2014 at 12:21 PM

      P.S. I work weekends, so I hope you all will extend me a little grace when it comes to acknowledging comments. ;)

      Delete
    2. Elizabeth SeckmanMay 28, 2014 at 10:39 PM

      Thanks Melissa! More than happy to have you over. You're full of amazing info and advice...everyone should take notes.

      And no hurry on the comments. As you can see, I'm playing catch up myself!

      Delete
  5. klahanieMay 23, 2014 at 10:15 AM

    Hi Elizabeth,

    I'm at two blogs at once. Hope my slower than a parked car can handle this. Yes, I'm at Melissa's site which indicated she is at your site. After I'm at your site, I shall go back to Melissa's site to tell her that I've been at your site....

    Hearty congrats to Cole. You are one proud mother and rightly so.

    A lovely weekend to you and oh yeah, Melissa, weather can be great for the mood setting. Living in England, I could have many a mood dedicated to rain.

    Gary :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMay 23, 2014 at 10:21 AM

      LOL
      Maybe that's why a sparkly vampire lover we all know was so blah... Pacific Northwest rain and all that. :P

      Delete
    2. klahanieMay 23, 2014 at 10:23 AM

      Thanks for reminding me, having lived in the Pacific Northwest in Vancouver and now living in England, I'm a sucker for rain! LOL

      Delete
    3. Elizabeth SeckmanMay 28, 2014 at 10:41 PM

      You're a faithful friend Gary to keep jumping from one blog to another. I say one and done ;)

      Delete
  6. cleemckenzieMay 23, 2014 at 11:51 AM

    Graduations are such milestones. Congratulations to your son and to you. I know you must be very proud.

    I liked how you described your use of symbol, Melissa. I haven't had a chance to read Come Back yet, but when I do, I'll be able to appreciate the underlying themes so much more now. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMay 23, 2014 at 12:18 PM

      Thanks for visiting, Lee. :)

      Delete
    2. Elizabeth SeckmanMay 28, 2014 at 10:41 PM

      I am very proud Lee...and a little nervous about letting him out into the world :(

      Delete
  7. Cathrina ConstantineMay 23, 2014 at 12:32 PM

    When our children graduate from high school or college is so overwhelmingly happy and somber at the same time. Melissa's book Come Back is doing Great!! So happy for her!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMay 23, 2014 at 12:52 PM

      Agree about kids graduating. My oldest has two more years in HS. I'm happy and sad all at the same time.

      And thank you! I'm still pinching myself over the whole thing. >.< ... :D

      Delete
    2. Elizabeth SeckmanMay 28, 2014 at 10:47 PM

      I agree too Cathrina. It's hard not to be excited for them, worried to death, and sad that they are leaving the nest.

      Delete
  8. UnknownMay 23, 2014 at 1:00 PM

    I love that you use symbolism in your book! So few authors pay attention to things like that (and few readers too) - it's depressing. Keep on deepening your novels with great layers like that! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMay 23, 2014 at 1:45 PM

      Blame it on my growing up with an English teacher for a mother. :P
      Thanks, Lexa!

      Delete
    2. Elizabeth SeckmanMay 28, 2014 at 10:46 PM

      I like a book with layers. And I think most readers do too, even if they don't recognize it on the surface, it lends to the atmosphere of the story.

      Delete
  9. Michael Di GesuMay 23, 2014 at 2:20 PM

    Some really cool symbolism in this, Melissa.... It definitely enriches the plot and makes for a much more exciting read.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Loni TownsendMay 23, 2014 at 3:15 PM

    I missed the whole braid symbolism, but then again, I'm 32 with children and still play with the end of my hair. Maybe I'll never grow up! O_O

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMay 24, 2014 at 4:21 PM

      LOL

      My great aunt used to tell me about coming of age and a girl switching to wearing her hair up, otherwise, I might not have known. ;)

      Delete
    2. Elizabeth SeckmanMay 28, 2014 at 10:48 PM

      No need to grow up Loni! Life is too short not to enjoy it.

      Delete
  11. RenaMay 23, 2014 at 4:07 PM

    I enjoy the use of symbolism, it adds great layers.

    Good luck wading through the graduations, Elizabeth! (your kiddo is so cute with his regalia on!)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Rachel SchieffelbeinMay 23, 2014 at 4:29 PM

    Congratulations to the graduate! :)
    Melissa, this is very interesting. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMay 24, 2014 at 4:22 PM

      Thanks, Rachel. I was hoping I wouldn't bore everyone to death with this one. LOL

      Delete
    2. Elizabeth SeckmanMay 28, 2014 at 10:49 PM

      Thanks Rachel :)

      Delete
  13. Stephanie FarisMay 23, 2014 at 5:14 PM

    I've seen adults in braids...there is something about a braid that seems youthful, but why? We should be able to wear braids at any age!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMay 24, 2014 at 4:22 PM

      True. It does take a few years off, doesn't it?
      Thanks for visiting, Stephanie. :)

      Delete
    2. Elizabeth SeckmanMay 28, 2014 at 10:50 PM

      I suppose in that era, they had a lot more rules about fashion for different ages.

      Delete
  14. Kristin SmithMay 23, 2014 at 5:50 PM

    Congrats to Cole! You must be a busy mom this week!

    Very cool insight into the senses and stimuli, Melissa! I enjoyed reading your post!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Janie JunebugMay 23, 2014 at 5:50 PM

    Congratulations, Melissa.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
  16. Leigh CovingtonMay 23, 2014 at 9:48 PM

    Congrats to on the graduation! So exciting!

    And the symbolism sounds fantastic, Melissa. It really does make a difference in how we perceive the person and events. Love what you've shared!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Nick WilfordMay 24, 2014 at 3:59 AM

    Sounds like some excellent ideas in there. It's a sign of good character relationships and storytelling when such layers emerge, even if we didn't intend them at the beginning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMay 24, 2014 at 4:24 PM

      I hadn't thought of it that way, but you're right.
      Thanks for stopping by, Nick. :)

      Delete
  18. JossMay 24, 2014 at 9:28 AM

    Congrats on the graduation!! I really enjoyed your post too. It's a very interesting topic and has left me very much intrigued to read come back for myself so I can see the symbolism you discuss here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMay 24, 2014 at 4:25 PM

      If you do, I hope you enjoy it.
      Thanks for commenting, Joss. :)

      Delete
  19. Annalisa CrawfordMay 25, 2014 at 3:42 PM

    Weather symbolism is very effective - I love using rain myself. Although in England, the rain can symbolise almost any emotion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elizabeth SeckmanMay 28, 2014 at 10:55 PM

      You could come visit West Virginia...summer temps one day, freeze warnings the next. We're predictably unpredictable.

      Delete
    2. Annalisa CrawfordMay 29, 2014 at 3:17 AM

      Sounds like I'd be able to fit right in!

      Delete
  20. NasMay 25, 2014 at 5:02 PM

    Congratulations on the graduation. You must be so happy for your child!

    ReplyDelete
  21. A Beer for the ShowerMay 26, 2014 at 9:33 AM

    Congrats to Cole on the graduation! And hair symbolism, that's new to me. I like that. I've never put a lot of thought into a character's hairstyle and how it reflects their personality, but I suppose that's just the man in me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elizabeth SeckmanMay 28, 2014 at 10:58 PM

      I've never used a hair style as a symbol, but what a person wears does say a lot about their personalities. Like your Elvis dude...he's walking outside the norm.

      Delete
  22. Tonja DreckerMay 26, 2014 at 11:41 AM

    Congratulations to Cole! That would keep you on your toes, Elizabeth :)
    I love the idea of using hair and weather to symbolize moods. I've never thought of doing that, but it would make a huge difference.

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousMay 26, 2014 at 3:42 PM

    Yay for graduation season, a busy and happy time.

    I love seeing symbolism in books. I love that a-ha moment when I recognize it.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Crystal CollierMay 27, 2014 at 12:46 PM

    Elizabeth~! You survived. Congrats to you and your son. Yay!

    I have yet to do it, but one day I AM going to write a book where cheese is the central image. You can bet it's going to be epic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elizabeth SeckmanMay 28, 2014 at 11:02 PM

      I did!! Now, I just have to get him enrolled in college.

      Delete
  25. Cherie ReichMay 27, 2014 at 3:38 PM

    What a neat way to use symbolism! Congrats, Melissa!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comMay 27, 2014 at 3:52 PM

    Nice. I like Melissa's use of hair, and Becca's transformation from braided hair to hair up in a bun. It's a subtle but seductive nuance.

    Hi, Elizabeth and Melissa. Thanks for the interesting post. Congratulations on Cole's graduation, Elizabeth, and on Come Back, Melissa!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Carol KilgoreMay 27, 2014 at 4:47 PM

    Congrats on graduation being done!

    Great use of symbolism, Melissa. Continued good luck with Come Back!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Romance Book HavenMay 27, 2014 at 5:09 PM

    Congratulations to Melissa!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Mark KoopmansMay 27, 2014 at 7:20 PM

    Wow... I really haven't ever (consciously) thought about symbolism... I may be in writerly trouble and my goose may be cooked!!

    PS: Congrats to the Seckman grad(s) and thanks Melissa for sharing a little insight into the magnificent Maygrove mind :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMay 27, 2014 at 7:27 PM

      'The magnificent Maygrove mind'... I like that. :)

      LOL - Right. I do well to remember my name these days. :P
      Luv ya, Mark.

      Delete
    2. Elizabeth SeckmanMay 28, 2014 at 11:04 PM

      Hi Mark! Cole is awaiting his imaginary gift from his pretend uncle.

      Delete
  30. TrishaMay 27, 2014 at 10:58 PM

    Congrats on your success, Melissa!! And I sometimes find it super frustrating to read about characters making stupid decisions. But if they learn from them and don't keep on doing stupid things, I can live with it. :P It's essential to read characters who aren't perfect and will make mistakes, but learn from them. :)

    ReplyDelete

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