Earlier this year, I asked on the American Christian Fiction Writers email loop for guest bloggers and Craig signed up. He is a new author to me, so let's find out more together...
Craig Hastings. I was born and raised in Muncie, IN, I’m about as typical middle-America as they come. My 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, followed by another 15 as a DoD contractor, allowed me to live in several places in the States and overseas. After over 20 years in German and the UK,—I hate moving—we settled in Oklahoma City where our miniature dachshunds allow us to live with them. I’m currently working for a major computer company under contract with a major airline manufacturer, which keeps me busy during the weekdays. Leaving my evenings and weekends for my writing and maintaining our home. Oh, and my major job of taking care of the pups.
I’m actually kind of shy when meeting people, and have been known to use humor to overcome this. But once I start talking, some say it’s difficult to get me to stop.
Tell us about your book—title and back cover blurb?
Love Or Lies
When El’s prestigious position in the company she helped to build is eliminated, she loses
both her boyfriend and her place to live. Facing an uncertain future, she agrees to return home to settle her deceased aunt’s estate. But her trip down memory lane comes with a few surprises.
Her high school sweetheart turned pastor is officiating the funeral. Her antisocial aunt regularly hosted a rowdy church youth group. And mysteries hide not just in several letters stashed away in a safe deposit box but also in the very pages of her aunt’s novels.
As the secrets and lies unravel, El must confront the ghosts of her past relationships, the distance between her and God, and the truth about real love. But will she give any type of love a chance? In Love or Lies, El takes an emotional journey of self-discovery and faith to make sense of her past and look beyond the lies she’s been told. This touching Christian Romance explores what it means to rediscover a connection with God and to unlock the true power of love.
Share one thing that you found difficult or challenging about writing this book.
The challenge for me is in providing an entertaining story that will keep the reader’s attention, but also provide answers to questions that many might have. My writing is a way I share about my faith.
Share an excerpt?
Chapter One
With hands clenched so tight my fingers might break, I scowl at Josh as he holds up his hand,
stopping me in mid-sentence … again. “El, stop. Don’t get all emotional about this. I’ve heard
your opinion and have made my decision. It’s 2002, and the dot-com world is expanding quicker than anyone expected. We need to strike now or risk being passed by. Just because it’s not your idea doesn’t mean it’s not good for the company. You refuse to consider the full potential of this.” He sighs as he picks up a red folder with black trim from his desk. These are his ‘For his eyes only’ folders. “I need—”
There’s a knock at his open door, and Poppy, the young, perky intern, bounces into the
office. All that’s missing is her cheerleader outfit, although her normal attire is far from suitable
for any professional office. Why is she still here this late?
“Excuse me, J … uh, Mr. Baker, it’s the call you’ve been waiting for. Mr. Abernathy is on
line one.”
Josh smiles at her. “Thank you, Poppy, and thanks for staying late. You’re free to leave
and take care of that other task we discussed.” He drops the folder on his desk while picking up his phone.
Did his gaze linger as she pranced out? Her tight dress leaves little to the imagination.
How can she even sit down in it? I shake my head and concentrate on Josh. The name of his
caller is familiar from the many discussions we’ve had. “Is this about the IPO?”
“We’re done here. I’m not discussing this anymore.” He waves toward the door and
pushes the phone button as he turns his back to me. “Jack, thanks for returning my call. How are you doing tonight?”
Knowing he’s dismissed me outright, I storm out, with the clack of my Jimmy Choo high
heels on the tile floor echoing along the hallway. I grab my bottle of Pellegrino off the desk and collapse into my desk chair, staring out at nothing. My cherished view of the San Francisco
skyline doesn’t help calm me as I rehash this latest altercation with Josh. He’s my boss and has
been my significant other for several years. I was here when he started this company, and we
worked together over the years to make it the success it is.
Ever since he got this idea about an IPO, our work relationship has become rocky. The
outside-of-work relationship is less ideal than I want, but what relationship is ever perfect?
There’s never time for walks in the city, a night out on the town for dinner, or visiting a favorite nightspot. No more Sunday brunches, Saturday afternoon picnics, attending concerts in the park, or the other events I so enjoyed where we could relax and be a couple.
My office door opens, breaking my stupor, and Josh walks in. It’s later than normal, as
tonight’s not the usual Friday evening for us. I’m Josh’s ride to the airport to catch the red-eye to DC. Is he here to apologize or just to get a ride? But something is off as he strides to the window without even making eye contact with me. He stares stone-faced out the window as he holds the same red and black folder out in my direction. These are for his private use. Why is he bringing it to me?
“What is it, Josh?
His hand seems to tremble while holding the folder out, but he still won’t glance in my
direction. I take a sip of my Pellegrino while glancing at the old pendulum clock on my wall. I
found it in a little secondhand shop right after I graduated. When I moved in with Josh, it didn’t
fit the décor of his apartment, so I brought it here. The swinging pendulum and steady tick tick
have always calmed me in the past, but they aren’t helping now. I stand and step toward him,
forcing my fingers not to quiver as I take the folder. He’s still avoiding my gaze. “Is this about
the IPO?”
He continues to peer out the window with only the sound of the clock reverberating
through the room like it’s counting down to an inevitable tragedy. Josh’s heavy sigh interrupts
this. “El, my team needs to support me and my ideas. It’s important for everyone to back the
decisions I make with enthusiasm. We need to be a cohesive, solid group, putting the company’s needs first.”
That’s not the tone of voice I was expecting. He’s using one he reserves for delivering
practiced speeches. I remove the sheets of paper from the folder. The subject line on the first
page jumps out at me.
Termination of employment.
My knees go weak, and I struggle to keep my balance as I read the letter. This can’t be
happening. When we first met, our visions were on parallel tracks—the same hopes, dreams, and ideas—but now we differ more than we agree. He’s always appreciated my input from a female viewpoint, knowing it’s based on solid business perspectives. But this … I finally find my voice.
“You’re firing me? Are you serious?”
Still staring out the window, he shakes his head. “It’s not a firing. With the reorganization
of the company, your position is no longer viable or sustainable. We can outsource the work for
considerable savings. It’s nothing personal.”
“Nothing personal!” I slam the empty folder down on my desk. “Even with all your
double-talk, it sounds like a firing to me, and how is it not personal?” No. I’m not losing it over
this. I take a deep breath. “Is this because I don’t agree with the IPO?”
“Here you go again. You need to set your opinion aside and quit letting your emotions
blind you to the logic of my decisions. You refuse to understand the big picture. This is the
perfect time for an IPO. The expansion will put us in place with the big tech companies.”
I shake my head, glaring at him. “No, Josh. It’s not a mere opinion. I stand by my
position. An IPO is too risky. You don’t have the financial backing you’ll need, and you could
lose control of the company.” I hold out the letter, shaking it. “Is this why you’re firing me? You
don’t like what I’m telling you because it doesn’t fit your grand vision?”
He moves from the window, now inspecting the items on my wall, still not facing me.
“Again, it’s not a firing. You’ve done such a fantastic job setting up our financial foundation that everything is working great. Because of this, eliminating your position is one change we’re able to make.”
With one hand on my hip, I grimace while waving the letter in my other hand at him.
“That’s absurd. You’re saying I no longer have a job because I was so good at my job? Even for
you, that’s quite a stretch, Josh. If I’m so good, why won’t you listen to me? Let me make it
clear. You don’t have the finances for an IPO.” I huff in disgust and toss the pages on my desk.
He moves to my credenza and picks up the framed picture of the two of us with the
Golden Gate Bridge in the background. He waves his other hand in my direction. “I’m giving
you two weeks’ notice, but I’d like you to use this weekend to clear out your office. It will be
less disruptive if you don’t return on Monday. You know, make a clean break. It’ll be best all the
way around.”
I struggle to keep my dignity intact. He’d want nothing more than me throwing a fit. This
would justify all his comments. I take several deep breaths as I frown at him with crossed arms.
“Best for the company or for you?”
He sets the picture down and picks up the one of us at the bottom of Lombard Street.
“For all. It will give you time to decide what you want for your future. You can make plans and
research your options. You’ll get the two weeks’ pay and credit for any accrued vacation time as
noted, plus the full severance package detailed in your contract. I’m not shorting you anything in this separation.”
Wait? What? He doesn’t mean more than the job? He can’t be. I take a step back with my
head to one side and scrutinize him. “We’re still talking about the job, correct? How do I want to move forward regarding a job?”
He sets the picture down and gives a quick glance my way. “There’s also a letter of
reference. You’re good at what you do, El. One of the best I know, but it’s no longer workable or conducive to this company.”
He’s still avoiding eye contact, a sure sign there’s something else going on. After all the
meetings we’ve attended, I know him well. “You didn’t answer my question.” While staring
daggers at him, I shift my stance. “Is this only concerning the job or something more?”
With another sigh, he steps away from the credenza and stops in front of my desk,
straightening my nameplate. “Let’s be honest. Things outside of work aren’t going well for us
either. It’s like we want different things. We’re no longer on the same track, and this decision
will complicate things even more.” He glances at the Rolex I gave him on his last birthday. “This
is the perfect time for us to make a clean break. The timing couldn’t be better. You can use the
two weeks I’m in DC to pack and find your own place.”
In disbelief, I slam my fists on the desk, bouncing my nameplate. With another deep
breath to control my anger, I lean toward him. “You’re telling me this now? Right now? As we
need to leave for the airport. You’re firing and dumping me?”
He takes a quick step back and shakes his head while holding his hands up. “I’m not
dumping or firing you. It’s more us parting ways.” He gives another slight wave. “Plus, I’m
taking my car to the airport, so you don’t need to bother.” Still, without ever making eye contact for long, he steps toward the door to leave.
“Josh, wait. That’s it? Thank you for your service, and it’s been fun, but time to move on.
Are you kidding me?”
He stops and, with another heavy sigh, glances back my way. “Don’t get all emotional
and make a big scene over this. This is nothing but a business decision. I’m sure you sensed it
coming as much as I did. We’re not the same people we were when we met. I’ve grown, and so
have my ideas and plans for this company. This is the time to expand. Two weeks should be
enough time to pack your things and find another place. You can still use the car during this time and park it in the garage at the end.”
The end. Is this really happening? “You’re taking away my job, my car, and my home?
All on a Friday night as you fly off for two weeks?”
His gaze lowers to the floor. “El, it’s not me. I’m not taking anything away. It’s for the
corporation. The position is being cut, and the company leases the car. As for the other … I’m
not sure you could call it a home, more like a place to live. Believe me, this is best for both of us. Once you get past your emotions, you’ll see that.”
His expression is as familiar as his tone of voice. He wants to appear reluctant and
disappointed in the decision he’s forced to make, but in reality, he isn’t. How long has he been
planning this?
“Best for the corporation, huh? Don’t try that on me. You’re getting ahead of yourself.
There is no corporation or corporate board yet. I’m the one who helped set up this company.
There’s only the company. Guess I should be glad you made the ultimate sacrifice and told me in person. Couldn’t bring yourself to do it in an email? ‘El, it’s over. Move out.’” My laser-focused eyes could cut him in half, but he never raises his gaze. “I appreciate the personal touch.”
“Like I said, I’m sorry it’s come to this. My decision to do an IPO makes sense, and I
know you don’t agree. My team must be behind this one hundred percent, and you’ve made it
clear you can’t support my decision. Division in the company is not helpful as we make the
announcement. It’s a sign of weakness.” His phone beeps, and he checks it before putting it back in his coat pocket. “I’m sorry, I need to go. Leave the keys to the car and the apartment on the kitchen counter once you’ve finished moving.” He turns and opens the door to leave.
“Josh, wait. You’re walking out after telling me this like it’s nothing more than a minor
disagreement?”
He stops in the doorway, finally glancing back at me. “No, I know it’s not a minor thing,
but I’ve made my decision, and I don’t have time to discuss it further. By the time I return, I’m
sure you’ll have thought it through and will agree. It’s for the best.” He gives me a slight smile.
“You take care.”
The sound of the door closing underscores my feelings of anger and frustration. I’m in
disbelief. Did this happen for real? My gaze finds the pages of the letter spread across my desk.
It’s true. It happened. I should run after him and make him talk this through. But I can’t move.
After seven years working with Josh to build this company and almost six years as a couple, the
last three of which we lived together, I’m out. I’m thirty-two years old with no job, no car, no
home, and I’m alone. Almost halfway through, and 2002 is not going how I thought it would.
Where did things go off the rails?
Ask the blog reader a quirky question or two. Let's get to know each other better...
If you had your choice, would you prefer to live in a large city with no family around, or a small town where your family is close by? Why?
One shocking revelation that appears to my main character, is wondering where her Bible is. So, I have to ask, do you know where your Bible is?
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Thank you, Craig, for joining us here at Christina's Corner. Blessings and have a great week!