Stop Over-Editing! Simple Tips for Finishing Your Novel

My author friend, if the words “stop over-editing” resonate with you, you’re not alone. That quest for absolute perfection sometimes holds us back from the joy of completion. Today, Tara Baisden shares her simple, grounded tips to help you navigate away from endless tweaks and toward finishing your novel.

Tara Baisden’s Book & Writing Process

Q: What is the title of your book and what is it about?

A: Runaway in Riverbend Valley

When Kate Dawson abandons her wedding and bustling life in Bozeman for the wide‑open spaces of her estranged mother’s Thunder Creek Ranch, she expects refuge—but not Grady Wagner, the brooding foreman whose own wounds mirror hers. Together, they’ll discover that healing broken hearts and rediscovering faith under Montana skies can lead to the most unexpected second chance at love.

The title evokes a sense of movement and a journey toward something new. And the premise of finding healing and unexpected love amidst the vastness of Montana… there’s a real beauty in that image. It speaks to how, sometimes, in our most vulnerable moments, the most profound connections can take root.

Publication date: April 18, 2025

Q: What genre is Runaway in Riverbend Valley?

A: Christian Western Romance

Q: What inspired you to write Runaway in Riverbend Valley, and how did you come up with the idea for it?

A: The spark for Runaway in Riverbend Valley came one morning when I found myself daydreaming about heartbreak and wide‑open skies—wondering what it would feel like to trade city skyscrapers for Montana mountains after a life‑shattering betrayal. I pictured a heroine racing back to her family ranch with nothing but regret and raw emotion, and I knew that setting would be the perfect place for her to rediscover trust, faith, and even love.

As the story formed, I felt drawn to rescue horses—bruised, wary creatures learning to open their hearts again—because they mirror Kate’s journey so beautifully. Pairing her fiery spirit with Grady, the quietly steadfast foreman wrestling with his own loss, let me explore how two wounded souls can heal together in a world where faith and community matter most. That daydream of a Montana ranch and a second chance at love simply wouldn’t let me go—and “Runaway in Riverbend Valley” was born.

Oh, that image of trading skyscrapers for mountains after betrayal is so potent. It speaks to that deep desire to find solace and a fresh start when life challenges us. And the symbolism of the rescue horses mirroring Kate’s journey is particularly insightful. It’s in those subtle parallels that a story can truly resonate.

Q: What themes and tropes are included in Runaway in Riverbend Valley?

A: Themes

• Second Chances & Redemption: Kate and Grady both return from personal failures and learn that new beginnings can spring from broken dreams.
• Healing & Forgiveness: Emotional wounds—whether from betrayal or loss—are given space to mend through trust, community, and faith.
• Faith in Action: Characters lean on prayer, church community, and God’s guidance as they navigate heartache and hope.
• Home & Belonging: What once felt like a prison becomes a sanctuary when Kate reclaims her roots and discovers where she truly belongs.
• Trust & Vulnerability: Learning to open one’s heart again—whether to another person or to God—drives the emotional arcs.
• Resilience & Renewal: Both people and horses demonstrate the power of perseverance, illustrating that tender care can restore even the most frightened souls.

Tropes

• Runaway Bride: The heroine literally leaves her wedding—and her old life—at the altar.
• Fish‑Out‑Of‑Water Returns Home: Kate must readjust from city sophistication to rugged ranch life.
• Brooding Widower: Cowboy Grady hides his grief behind a stoic exterior until Kate’s fire coaxes him to hope again.
• Animal Rescue as Metaphor: Working with traumatized horses mirrors the characters’ own journeys of trust and healing.
• Small‑Town Community: Neighbors rally around each other—showcasing tight‑knit relationships, church gatherings, and the power of local support.
• Parallel Parent Arc: While Kate heals, her mother, Virginia, finds a second chance at love with the town pastor, reinforcing the novel’s generational theme of hope.
• Return of the Ex: The scandal‑ridden fiancé reappears at the climax, forcing Kate to choose between past fears and future faith.
• Double Wedding Finale: A joyful culmination where both daughter and mother step into new marriages—symbolizing fresh starts for the whole family.

Wow! I love how detailed you were with your themes and tropes, and the way faith is woven into the story, not just as an abstract concept, but as something lived and acted upon.

Read: 12-Month Trope Reading Challenge

Q: Who is the ideal reader for Runaway in Riverbend Valley?

A: The ideal reader for Runaway in Riverbend Valley is someone who:

• Enjoys clean, faith‑based romance
• Prefers stories where emotional intimacy and spiritual growth take center stage over physical description.
• Loves Western and small‑town settings
• Savors the slow rhythms of ranch life, dusty trails, and community gatherings under wide‑open skies.
• Appreciates strong, relatable heroines
• Connects with a heroine who’s fiery, vulnerable, and on a journey from public humiliation to self‑worth.
• Is drawn to honorable heroes
• Finds satisfaction in watching a stoic cowboy’s walls come down as he learns to hope again.
• Values themes of second chances and redemption
• Believes that broken hearts—and broken spirits—can heal through forgiveness, perseverance, and faith.
• Loves animals as characters
• Has a soft spot for rescue horses whose own journeys mirror—and deepen—the human love story.
• Wants a feel‑good, “homecoming” arc
• Craves the comfort of returning home, healing old wounds, and discovering that sometimes the place you ran from is exactly where you belong. This book will especially speak to adult women (mid‑20s to 60s) who seek uplifting, heart‑warming romances that blend God’s grace with second‑chance love and a dash of ranch‑life charm.

It sounds like a story that will offer a genuine sense of comfort and hope to its readers. The emphasis on emotional intimacy, spiritual growth, and the power of community is so important. Animals, particularly those who have also experienced hardship, add another layer of emotional connection.

Q: What’s the one thing you want readers to take away from reading Runaway in Riverbend Valley?

A: The single most important takeaway is that no matter how shattered our trust or bruised our hearts, God’s grace and a willingness to be vulnerable can restore us. Through Kate and Grady’s journey, you’ll see that true healing—of both people and horses—comes when we lean into community, forgiveness, and faith, discovering that sometimes the place and the people we once ran from are exactly where—and with whom—we’re meant to heal and grow.

That’s a beautiful message! Vulnerability, often perceived as a weakness, can be a pathway to healing and growth. I love the reminder that sometimes what we’ve tried to leave behind holds the key to our restoration.

Q: Share a favorite quote or two from Runaway in Riverbend Valley.

A: “Fear of failure often keeps us from attempting new beginnings, but God doesn’t define us by our failures. Neither should we.”

“Love is always, always worth the wait.”

These are gentle yet profound truths. The first speaks to the courage it takes to try again, and the grace we should extend to ourselves. And the second quote is a timeless sentiment, reminding us that the most meaningful connections often unfold in their own time.

Q: Are you a plotter, pantser, or plantser? Share a bit of your writing process.

A: I am a plantser. I start with a loose roadmap—jotting down key plot beats, character goals, and major turning points—then I dive into drafting, letting scenes unfold organically, and typically I surprise myself as I go. I alternate between discovery-writing (“pantsing”) to capture fresh ideas and moments of inspired spontaneity, and quick pit‑stops for light outlining or scene restructuring when I feel things slipping off-course.

After each writing session, I revisit my roadmap, weaving new revelations into my plan and adjusting ahead-of-time story beats as needed. This ebb-and-flow between planning and spontaneity keeps my story both focused and alive with unexpected energy.

That’s a balanced and intuitive approach. Allowing for both structure and the freedom to explore as the story unfolds seems like a wonderful way to keep the writing process grounded and full of discovery. I appreciate the wisdom in having a general direction while remaining open to the unexpected turns the characters might take.

Q: Can you share an instance where real-life events inspired your writing?

A: Often, I will go out on an ATV ride with a notebook and pen or my iPad and head off on an adventure through the mountains surrounding where I live. There is a herd of wild horses a few miles from me that roams the high ridges and mountains.

Though they’re truly wild, these horses have learned to trust people who visit this area, and if I sit quietly and offer snacks like apples, carrots, or some oats, they’ll come close and I can gently scratch their foreheads and pet them. This is how the Riverbend Valley series of novels came to exist. I visit the mountain and ridges where these wild horses live often, and one day I let my mind wander with the question, “What if?”

Once, I spent a full day out with the horses, a picnic lunch, a thermos of coffee, and a notebook and pen. I came up with tons of ideas for books set in the fictitious town of Riverbend Valley, Montana.

Oh, what a beautiful and tangible connection to the inspiration behind the story. The image of those wild horses, learning to trust, and spending time in that majestic landscape… brings a vivid sense of place and heart to the narrative. It’s a reminder that our stories often have their roots in the world around us, in moments of quiet observation and connection.

Q: Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in your jobs/education into your writing?

A: Absolutely. I worked in the Creative Industry in the past and designed quilts for a living. Designing quilts and writing quilting how‑to books taught me how to break a big project into clear, manageable steps—exactly the skill I use when plotting a novel. Translating complex quilt patterns into easy‑to‑follow instructions trained me to think logically about pacing, scene structure, and reader expectations.

Creating and publishing quilt designs in magazines also gave me firsthand experience with working to deadlines, collaborating with editors, and tailoring content to an audience—all of which carry over into writing and marketing fiction. So whether I’m mapping out a rescue‑horse subplot or refining dialogue, I’m drawing on years of disciplined creativity and attention to detail that began at my quilting frame.

That’s fascinating! It’s wonderful how disparate skills can weave together to enrich the writing process. The discipline of breaking down complex projects, understanding structure, and relating to an audience through a different creative medium brings a unique perspective to storytelling.

Q: How do you deal with perfectionism?

A: I’ve learned to turn perfectionism into progress instead of a roadblock. I start with a rough first draft, giving myself permission that it doesn’t have to be flawless—just complete. Then I set clear boundaries for edits, like time‑boxed revision sessions or a fixed number of passes, so I don’t tinker endlessly.

Once I’ve polished as much as I reasonably can, I hand it off to beta readers or an editor. Their fresh perspective helps me distinguish the tweaks that truly improve the story from the ones that were just perfectionism in disguise.

Finally, I remind myself that a finished manuscript is infinitely more valuable than a perfect draft that never sees the light of day. Those little quirks often become the things readers love most.

Yes! That’s a healthy and productive way to approach perfectionism. Giving yourself permission to create a “rough” draft and then setting boundaries for revision is important. As is the wisdom in recognizing that sometimes those imperfections are what make a story feel real and relatable.

Q: What types of questions do you ask when planning a new book?

• A: •What’s the central “what if?” What unique premise or twist hooks me and will hook my readers from the first page?
• Who is my heroine, and what does she desperately want? What’s her external goal, and what inner wound or belief must she overcome to achieve it?
• Who is my hero, and what does he desperately want? What’s his external goal, and what inner wound or belief must he overcome to achieve it?
• Where and when does this story take place? How does the setting shape the characters’ choices, mood, and the conflicts they face?
• What’s the emotional through‑line or theme? What truth or transformation do I want readers to walk away with, and how will each scene move that arc forward?
• Which core trope am I leaning into, and how can I put a unique spin on it?

Love these questions. They get to the heart of character motivation, the underlying themes, and the reader’s experience. The emphasis on external goals and internal wounds is crucial for creating characters that feel three-dimensional and whose journeys truly resonate.

Q: How do you prevent yourself from over-editing?

A: I prevent over‑editing by clearly separating drafting from revising: I give myself permission to pour out a complete first draft without looking back, then schedule dedicated revision sessions afterward. I time‑box my edits, setting a 30‑ to 60‑minute timer for each pass and sticking to it to avoid getting lost in endless polishing.

Before I begin, I create a simple editing checklist (plot flow, character consistency, pacing) and focus only on those items instead of tinkering with every adjective. Once I consider the draft “done,” I step away for a few days so I can return with fresh eyes and resist the urge to tweak until it’s perfect.

This is practical and valuable advice. The clear separation of drafting and revising, plus the use of time limits and focused checklists, are wonderful for avoiding that endless loop of tweaking. Stepping away to gain a fresh perspective is also key to seeing the story anew.

Q: How do you handle moments when inspiration seems hard to find?

A: When inspiration runs dry, I step away from the keyboard and head into the mountains for a hike. Just me, my notebook, and fresh air. There’s something about winding trails and panoramic views that clears my mind and lets new ideas bubble up naturally. If I’m not up for a hike, I’ll settle onto my front porch swing with a cup of coffee and do nothing but relax and enjoy the view.

Sometimes I’ll flip through my “idea stash” of random ideas or jot down anything that comes to mind, no matter how silly, just to get words flowing again.

Nature and the mountains are clearly a vital source of your inspiration. I imagine that allowing the mind to wander in those open spaces, or even in the stillness of a porch swing, can often unlock new ideas. I also have an “idea stash” and can testify that it’s a wonderful way to reignite dormant creative sparks.

Q: How important are book reviews?

A: Book reviews mean a great deal to me for two main reasons. First, they give me honest feedback straight from the people who matter most: my readers. When someone takes the time to share what resonated (or where a scene could’ve packed more emotion), it helps me grow as a storyteller and fine‑tune future projects.

Second, reviews play a vital role in getting the book into new hands. On platforms like Amazon and Goodreads, each star and thoughtful comment boosts visibility and helps other readers decide whether to take a chance on one of my novels. In short, reviews energize me creatively and support the book’s journey into the world, so I’m always grateful for every single one.

It’s true that reviews offer valuable insights and help connect the story with future readers. The balance between personal growth as a writer and the practical impact on a book’s journey is important to acknowledge.

Q: What was the most challenging aspect of writing and publishing? How did you (do you plan to) overcome it?

A: The biggest challenge I face in writing and publishing is simply finding enough hours in the day. While I haven’t “solved” the time crunch, I’ve learned to carve out pockets of productivity wherever I can: I reserve daily writing slots and set aside weekly blocks for social media and marketing.

I also rely on straightforward templates and checklists for routine tasks—newsletter layouts, formatting steps—so I’m not reinventing the wheel each time. It remains a juggling act, but by ruthlessly prioritizing and squeezing in every spare minute, I keep the story moving forward, even when time is at a premium.

Ah, the ever-present challenge of time! Many creatives can relate to this. The strategies of carving out dedicated slots and streamlining routine tasks are so practical and necessary for navigating those demands. It’s a constant balancing act, but the dedication to the craft shines through.

I support your idea for creating templates as a timesaver. It doesn’t make the product lifeless as some might think, but saves the brain from spinning to come up with an idea or simply to start.

Q: How do you use social media as an author?

A: I concentrate my social media on the platforms where my readers already spend time—primarily Facebook groups, Instagram, and Pinterest. Rather than heavy marketing, I share daily memes and light‑hearted quotes to give friends and followers a window into who I am.

Once a month, I use a scheduler to plan and queue up all my daily posts, then simply let it run. When a new book opens for pre‑order or goes live, I post an announcement so everyone knows where to find it. I also join author takeovers and reader‑focused events in various groups, which let me connect directly with my community in a fun, interactive way.

This is an authentic and sustainable approach to social media. Focusing on connection and providing a glimpse into your personality, rather than constant promotion, builds a genuine community. And the strategic use of scheduling allows for consistency without feeling overwhelmed.

Q: When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?

A: I’ll dim the overhead lights in my office and light one of my favorite scented candles. Then I queue up a country playlist, which is often stripped‑down ballads or acoustic tracks whose lyrics and melodies echo the emotion I’m aiming for.

Creating a sensory environment sounds like a beautiful way to immerse yourself in the scene. The dim lighting, the scent, the music… It’s like creating space for those more vulnerable moments in the story to unfold authentically.

Q: Have you ever resuscitated a project you’d shelved? What helped it work better the second time around?

A: Yes. A while back, I shelved a romance I had been writing because I couldn’t nail the central conflict. Ten months later, I came back to it with fresh eyes, re‑outlined the story beat by beat, and zeroed in on what my heroine really needed to learn.

It’s encouraging to hear that shelved projects can find new life. Sometimes, distance and the fresh perspective that comes with time are exactly what a story needs. Re-outlining with a clearer understanding of the character’s core journey sounds like an effective approach. Now, I need to go dust off my old projects. LOL.

Q: How do you balance the demands of writing with other responsibilities? 

A: Writing is my full‑time job and business, and I treat it as such: I carve out a solid eight hours every weekday and four hours of work every Saturday for work—whether that’s drafting, revising, marketing, or business tasks—and I stick to it.

Once my workday ends, I shut down completely. Evenings are reserved for family, hobbies, or just relaxing, because I know I need that downtime to recharge. Running my writing career as a business during the day and giving myself space off the clock means I can show up fresh and focused every morning.

Your structured approach is admirable. Treating writing as a business with dedicated hours and then intentionally creating space for rest and rejuvenation speaks to a deep understanding of the need for discipline and rejuvenation in a creative life. I’m taking notes.

Writing Advice from Tara Baisden

Q: What risks have you taken with your writing that have paid off?

A: The biggest risk I took was simply hitting “publish” on novels I’d been stockpiling for years because I didn’t think they were good enough. I stopped waiting for some mythical “perfect” manuscript, treated writing as a business instead of a hobby, and put my work out there. That leap paid off immediately—I started getting real reader feedback, built an email list, and generated my first sales.

More importantly, publishing on deadline forced me to streamline my process, learn marketing basics, and gain confidence in my voice. Letting go of fear and treating my books like products instead of perpetual works‑in‑progress was the single change that made all the difference.

That resonates so deeply. The fear of not being “good enough” can be a powerful obstacle. The courage to finally release those stories into the world and embrace the feedback, the learning, and the connection with readers… is a pivotal and rewarding risk.

Q: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

A: If I could tell my younger writing self anything, it would be: stop chasing perfection and start finishing. Give yourself firm deadlines, write the whole draft before you worry about polishing that first chapter, and don’t be afraid to share your work—even if it feels rough.

Treat writing like the job it is: schedule your hours, set launch dates, and learn from reader feedback instead of endlessly rewriting in private. You’ll grow faster by shipping books than by waiting for some mythical “perfect” manuscript.

Yes! Love your emphasis on completion over unattainable perfection. Embracing deadlines and reader feedback are lessons that can save heartache and wasted time for aspiring writers.

Q: What would you say to an author who wanted to design their own cover?

A: If you’re thinking about designing your own cover, remember that it’s your first, and often only chance, to grab a reader’s attention. Ask yourself: do I have the time, tools, and eye for layout, typography, and color that will hold up at thumbnail size?

That’s a practical consideration. The cover is indeed the first invitation to a reader, and understanding its impact in a visually saturated world is crucial. It’s about ensuring the presentation reflects the care and intention within the story itself.

Q: What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

A: Hands down, the best money I ever spent as a writer was on upgrading to a three‑monitor setup for my desktop. Having my manuscript on one screen, research or reference notes on the second, and the story bible for the series I am working on opened on the third means I’m no longer constantly juggling tabs—I can see everything at once and stay focused on the story. It’s a small investment that’s paid off huge dividends in productivity and workflow.

This is my dream setup. LOL. Creating that seamless workspace to keep all the threads of the story visible speaks to the importance of minimizing distractions and fostering a flow state.

Q: What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused? 

A: Coffee and my dogs, Dalilah and Daisy (who have beds right next to my desk in my office!)

LOL. Your writing companions.

Q: If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?

A: I would have hands-down paid better attention in English class, and when I was struggling to learn, I would have insisted on getting the help I needed.

The foundational skills, understanding language and story structure, truly matter. Recognizing areas where we struggle and seeking support can lay a valuable groundwork for our future creative endeavors.

Q: What are your suggestions for marketing books and getting them into the hands of new readers?

A: I send regular newsletters with exclusive sneak peeks, and on social media, I mix genuine engagement—answering reader questions, sharing behind‑the‑scenes glimpses, and hosting small giveaways—with targeted Facebook and Amazon ads aimed at Contemporary Christian and Western romance readers. Because marketing trends shift so quickly, I’m always experimenting and staying flexible, finding new creative ways to reach potential readers.

This is good. Direct connection through newsletters, genuine engagement on social media, and strategic advertising is a thoughtful and effective approach to reach readers. The willingness to experiment and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of marketing is also key.

Q: Do you celebrate milestones? How important do you believe it is for authors to celebrate when they meet their goals or hit milestones? 

A: No.

I struggle with this too, but am trying to get better.

Q: What is one writing resource that you couldn’t do without?

A: The one writing resource I couldn’t do without is ProWritingAid. Its real‑time grammar and style checks catch issues I’d otherwise miss, while its readability reports help me fine‑tune pacing and sentence flow. I love how it integrates with my manuscript—highlighting repeated words, flagging passive voice, and offering clearer alternatives—so I can polish each draft without switching between multiple tools.

Pro Writing Aid’s detailed feedback keeps my writing sharp and lets me focus on the story instead of hunting down every typo or awkward phrasing.

It’s wonderful to hear about tools that support the writing process. Assistance with the technical aspects frees up valuable mental space to focus on the heart and soul of the story.

Just for Fun

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?

A: If I could choose any superpower, it would be the ability to pause—or at least slow—time. As a full‑time writer juggling plot ideas, promotions, and everyday life, I’d love a few extra hours to explore new story twists, dive into research, or simply let creativity percolate without the clock ticking. That way, I could finish drafts faster, revisit scenes with fresh eyes, and still have plenty of real time left for family, friends, and the occasional hike in the mountains.

Yes! I’d love the gift of extra time! Think of all the things we could accomplish and how much more balanced our lives would be.

Q: If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be and why?

A: If I could have dinner with any fictional character, it would be Laura Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie. Her stories of carving out a life on the frontier—day in and day out—show a blend of grit, hope, and faith that’s shaped so much of my own writing. I’d love to sit with her at a simple wooden table, share fresh‑baked bread, and ask how she kept her spirit strong through those long winters and grasshopper plagues. Her resilience and warm heart would be the perfect inspiration for any author dreaming up Montana ranch romances.

Beautiful choice. Laura Ingalls embodies resilience and a deep connection to the land and community–themes that resonate with your work. I can imagine how much fun you’d have picking her brains during your conversation.

Q: What is your favorite book and why?

A: My favorite book shifts over time, but right now it’s the very first Virgin River novel by Robyn Carr. There’s something about the small‑town charm of Virgin River—the tight‑knit community, the way ordinary moments feel so meaningful, and the slow‑burn romance between Melinda and Jack—that never fails to draw me in. I love how Carr balances heartfelt emotion with everyday challenges in a way that feels both comforting and real. Re‑reading it reminds me why I fell in love with contemporary romance in the first place—and it always inspires me to capture that same blend of hope, heart, and home in my own stories.

It’s wonderful to hear about a book that serves as a touchstone, a reminder of the core elements that draw us to storytelling. The themes of small-town connection, finding beauty in the ordinary, and the unfolding of heartfelt romance are powerful and enduring.

Q: If you were not a writer, what would you want to be and why?

A: If I weren’t a writer, I’d be a full‑time gardener running my own business. I’ve always loved planning garden layouts, growing flowers and vegetables, and getting my hands in the dirt. Turning that passion into a service—designing yards, maintaining beds, teaching planting workshops—feels like a natural fit. It’s creative, active work that would let me spend my days outdoors, solve real‑world challenges, and watch something beautiful grow under my care.

Lovely image: connecting to the earth, nurturing growth, and creating beauty in a tangible way. There’s also a parallel with writing: planting ideas and watching them blossom into a story.

Q: If you could switch lives with any person for a day, who would it be and why?

A: If I could swap lives for a day, I’d choose Taylor Sheridan, the visionary behind Yellowstone and the Landman series. I’m in awe of how his mind must work at warp speed—dreaming up broad, off‑the‑wall, and utterly mind‑boggling ideas! Spending a day inside his creative process, seeing how he turns those original sparks into complex characters and epic storylines, would be unforgettable.

The desire to witness that expansive creative process firsthand is understandable. We can learn so much from other creatives and different genres and mediums.

Q: What‘s the scariest thing you’ve ever done for fun?

A: The scariest thing I’ve ever done for fun was jumping off a rock cliff into the Gauley River during a white‑water rafting trip. The current was raging, and I hovered at the edge thinking, “What have I gotten myself into?” But once I leapt and hit the water below, the rush was unbelievable—totally terrifying in the moment, but one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve ever had.

That sounds both terrifying and exhilarating! I love that you faced a fear and emerged on the other side empowered.

Q: If your characters hosted a dinner party, who would cause the most chaos and why?

A: I would have Kate Dawson from my Runaway in Riverbend Valley novel host a dinner party. She’d be the one stirring the pot—in the best way. Picture her bursting in with fresh‑picked wildflowers, teasing each guest with witty one‑liners, and whipping up surprises (“Who wants my famous jalapeño cornbread?”) without warning.

Midway through the main course, she’d challenge everyone to improvise a toast or share an embarrassing ranch‑life anecdote, then have the whole table roaring with laughter. Her quick comebacks and fearless energy would keep guests on their toes—by the end of the night, dinner would feel more like a rollicking ranch celebration than a quiet meal.

Love this! Kate sounds like a vibrant and engaging presence, the kind who brings a spark of unexpected joy and connection to any gathering.

Q: What’s your writing kryptonite—the one thing that can completely derail your progress?

A: My pets are my writing kryptonite. The moment I sit down, one dog might have to take a potty break, another will want a treat or attention, and my cat plops right on top of my mouse or keyboard. Before I know it, I’m giving scratches behind the ears, and handing out treats, getting up and down a million times to let the dogs out for potty breaks—instead of writing.

Those furry interruptions can derail my focus in seconds, but it’s all good. I love my pets, and taking little mini breaks to give them attention is often refreshing!

Oh, the beloved distractions of animal companions! It’s a testament to the joy they bring to our lives, even if they occasionally interrupt the flow of work. Those moments of joy and affection can be a welcome, albeit sometimes inconvenient, part of the day.

Q: What’s a random fact you learned while researching your book that you can’t stop telling people?

A: While researching the New River area for my Laurel Ridge Series, one fact I can’t stop telling people is that the New River is actually one of the oldest rivers in the world—some estimates say it’s over 300 million years old! Despite its name, it’s anything but “new.” It cuts through the Appalachian Mountains in a rare northward flow and is responsible for some of the most stunning gorges and rock formations in the region.

And here’s a bonus: the New River Gorge Bridge, which stretches over 3,000 feet across the gorge, is one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world. Every October, people from all over come for Bridge Day, where brave souls BASE jump off the bridge into the gorge below. It’s such a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and thrill-seeking adventure—which makes it the perfect backdrop for small-town stories full of heart, healing, and second chances.

Fascinating! It’s wonderful when research uncovers unexpected and captivating details that enrich the understanding of a setting. The blend of ancient natural history and human daring sounds like fertile ground for storytelling.

Q: If your characters had access to social media, what kind of content would they post?

A: If the characters from my Laurel Ridge Series had access to social media, their feeds would be full of small-town charm, faith-filled encouragement, and a whole lot of heart. And of course, you’d see plenty of river views, white water rafting, local hiking trails, local festival highlights, and small-town shoutouts—because in Laurel Ridge, everyone knows your name, and your posts just might end up on the church bulletin board.

Ooh, fun! This paints a warm and inviting picture of the community. It’s lovely to imagine the characters extending their world onto social media in a way that reflects the values and connections within their small town.

Q: If your keyboard could talk, what would it say about your writing habits?

A: If my keyboard could talk, it would probably sigh and say, “She works way too much.” It would complain about the long hours, the constant clacking, and the fact that it rarely gets a day off. It might throw in, “Can I please get a break between drafts?” but deep down, it knows I’m not slowing down anytime soon.

LOL. Let’s hope my keyboard never meets yours—they might take action against us, and then where would we be?

Q: Which character from another author’s book would you invite into your fictional world and why?

A: I’d invite Melinda Monroe from Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series into my Laurel Ridge Series world without hesitation. She’s compassionate, strong-willed, and used to small-town dynamics, so she’d fit right in with the tight-knit community of Laurel Ridge. I could easily see her having coffee with Abby Marshall, swapping stories with Martha Kincaid (who owns the local diner), or volunteering at a local church event.

Plus, her experience as a nurse practitioner would be a huge help in a town like Laurel Ridge, where everyone pitches in and relationships are at the heart of everything.

That sounds like a delightful crossover! Melinda’s warmth and her experience in a close-knit community would make her a wonderful addition to Laurel Ridge. It’s lovely to imagine those characters connecting and the potential for new friendships and shared experiences.

Q: What’s the one question you wish I’d asked, and how would you answer it?

A: One question I wish you’d asked is: What keeps you coming back to the page, even on the hard days?

And my answer would be: the characters. Once they settle into my mind, they start to feel real—like friends who are waiting for me to finish their story. I keep writing because I want to see how they grow, how they overcome the things that try to break them, and how love—whether romantic, familial, or rooted in faith—wins out in the end. Even when the words are slow or the plot feels tangled, I come back to the page because their stories matter. And honestly? Because I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Ah, that’s the heart of it, isn’t it? That deep connection to the characters and the compelling need to see their journeys through. It’s that sense of responsibility and the belief in their stories that often sustains us through the challenges of the writing process.

Let’s Connect with Tara Baisden

Q: What are you working on next?

A: Right now, I’m working on two brand-new Christmas bonus books—one for each of my series! I already have the main novels for the year written and up for pre-order, so I decided to surprise my readers with something extra for the holiday season.

These bonus stories will release on Black Friday as part of a special promotion, exclusively for my newsletter subscribers. It’s my way of saying thank you and spreading a little extra Christmas cheer to the readers who’ve supported my books all year long!

Oh, that’s a lovely way to show appreciation for your readers! Those bonus Christmas stories are a wonderful treat, a little extra warmth and joy to share during the holiday season. It speaks to a real thoughtfulness for your community.

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