Spice Up Your Marriage With A Fun Novel!

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to debut fiction author Megan DiMaria. Searching for Spice has just been released by Tyndale, and Megan is basking in the glow. If you’d like a chance to win a free copy of Megan’s heartwarming book, leave a comment on this post.

(For added enjoyment, click on Megan’s pic and see her sitting on one amazing front porch!)

Katy: Megan, I LOVE it that you’ve taken on the topic of romance in a long-term marriage. We all know that it makes no sense to let the devil have all the good music, so why should we let the youngsters (and the unmarried) have all the good smooching? Can you tell us how you came up with the idea for the subject of your first novel? (Unless it’s too personal, of course. In that case, DEFINITELY tell us. Ha.)

Megan: Searching for Spice was written as a response to a running joke I had with some girlfriends. You know, despite being long married, women still want romance in their lives. God hard wired us to crave closeness and a special connection with the men we love. Unfortunately, sometimes we need to remind them of that.

Katy: The main chick (Linda) compares her married romance to her best friend’s, and comes up short. She’s even a bit envious. But my mama always told me no one knows what’s going on inside a marriage except the two people in it. Is it the best idea in the world to look to our friends’ marriages when we’re “running the comps”?

Megan: It’s probably never a good idea to compare your marriage with someone else’s. But then it’s human nature to look and think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

Katy: But, of course, that’s where the septic field is located.

Megan: Exactly.

Katy: So Linda decides to take action by stirring up the spice with her husband, Jerry. The thing is, Jerry wasn’t romantic even when he and Linda were dating twenty-some years ago. I think he’s a pretty good sport when Linda decides to “search for spice.”

Megan: What she wants is a little more attention and a little more flirting. I think the surprising thing is that once Jerry starts to respond (although sometimes his response is misguided), they both enjoy the resulting boost to their relationship.

Katy: But what about that whole trying to make a guy over into someone he’s not thing? Why does that always seem to backfire?

Megan: I’m not sure Linda wants to change him as much as she wants him to focus on their marriage a little bit more. She wants to have an affair—with her own husband.

Katy: Instead, they end up having serious family problems, not to mention friend problems and issues at work. Plus constant, ahem, interruptions. Should Linda keep trying, or resign herself to flannel pajamas and weekly pecks on the cheek? Or are the interruptions actually romance in disguise?

Megan: I don’t think you should ever give up trying to make your marriage as special as you can.

Katy: Me? When did this start being about me? By the way, my husband will be thrilled to hear the news.

Megan: As much as women like attention, I think it’s flattering to a man to have his wife desire him and crave being with him.
Katy: Do your personal friends now think you and your hubby are on fire?

Megan: Ouch. I hurt myself when I fell on the floor, laughing.

Katy: I feel your pain! No, really. Are they coming to you for advice on how to put the sizzle back in their relationship? Are you considered a paragon of passion? How heavy a burden is THAT? :)

Megan: No, personal friends don’t think any differently about us than before Searching for Spicewas published. However, anyone who’s known me for more than 10 minutes knows how much I value my husband and our marriage. I take marriage very seriously, and perhaps that’s why mine is so blessed.

Katy: Can you tell us a bit about your next book?

Megan: My next book,Out of Her Hands, is scheduled to release this October. Out of Her Hands has the same characters as Searching for Spice, but the focus is more on the relationships Linda and Jerry have with their children.

Katy: Because the parenting never completely ends, does it?

Megan: Not totally. Like many parents of young adults, the Reveres want their children to be careful about making decisions that will impact the rest of their lives. As usual, there is always more than one situation clamoring for Linda’s attention. They’re helping Jerry’s father get on with life after he’s widowed, Linda’s best friend is moving out of state, and then their son decides he’s falling in love, but the object of his affection doesn’t share his Christian values.

Katy: Ah, the Sandwich Generation. I think younger people often underestimate the complexities they’ll face when dealing with the needs of their kids and parents at the same time.

Megan: I agree. And I’m a staunch believer that fiction is a wonderful way to convey truth. When people read Searching for Spice, I hope they come to the conclusion that they shouldn’t be caught off guard when they hit a bump in the road. The message I hope readers gain from Searching for Spice is to know you can trust God despite what your circumstances look like. That was a lesson I learned during a difficult valley I walked through.

Katy: So, are you trying to tell me that life isn’t perfect? Because I gotta tell you, that hurts…

Megan: At the time of my difficult situation, it looked like nothing good could come of it, but now I see the hand of God guided me. Equally important to me is the message that marriage is valuable and precious and should not be lightly regarded. And that friendship is priceless, and we should cherish the people in our lives.

Katy: That’s what I love most about your book. It really is all about relationships, which to me are the most important thing on earth. Thanks for spicing things up here on fallible, Megan!

Megan: It’s been fun, Katy.

Remember, O Fallible Ones, that you have a chance to sample Searching for Spice for free! I will let the comments accumulate for two days or so, and then randomly choose a winner.

Posted by Katy on 04/07/08 at 02:04 PM

Fallible Comments...

Oh, Megan, you're a writer after my own heart. I hope your book sells like, well, like an ice cold Coke on a steamy day in July because I don't think enough people realize how important intimacy (and not just the bedroom kind) is throughout marriage.
Marriage is something that needs regular care, and I think too often people take their vows too lightly.
Bless you for touching on this topic!
Now, Katy...hmmm...what are the chances of winning twice in a row? I'm almost done with Michael's book, so I'll be looking for something new to read soon. ;-)
Posted by Kathryn Harris on 04/08/08 at 03:19 PM
Sounds like a great read....and I'm always looking for a new book. So put me in the drawing!
Posted by Nancy Wood on 04/08/08 at 04:19 PM
I've been interested in this book since I learned of its release. Can't wait to read it. Marriage is sacred. On Sunday, our church hosted a small reception for a couple who just celebrated their 50th anniversary. I asked the man what was his secret. He said, "When we went through our tough times as every couple does, it didn't occur to me that I could walk out on her. I took a vow, made a promise, adn that was that." Very sage advice. Great interview, ladies. Katy girl, as always, your humor shines like a newly-minted copper penny!
Posted by Lisa Jordan on 04/08/08 at 05:55 PM
Hi Katy,

Thanks for letting me visit your blog. It was a delight.

Ladies, thank you for your kind words, I hope you enjoy reading Searching for Spice.

A prisoner of hope,
Megan
Posted by Megan DiMaria on 04/08/08 at 10:00 PM
I admit, I've been looking forward to readint this book since I heard about it at the ACFW Conference last year. I just haven't made it to the bookstore yet. I enjoyed hearing Megan speak then and I enjoyed reading this interview now.
Posted by D'Ann Mateer on 04/09/08 at 06:42 AM
Sounds like a great book!!
Posted by Cathy West on 04/11/08 at 07:39 AM
Despite being married for a long time women still want romance. Despite being married for a long time men still want sex. Which leads to the conclusion that everything is more or less like when you first got married.
Posted by Electric on 10/16/08 at 05:04 AM
Your book would be such a blessing to me. I will be 30 this year and been married for about 5.5 years and 2 young children. Things have seemed like the bottle ran out of spice. Lots of times things are quite fine falling asleep when too tired, rolling up comfortable in pant pajamas and long shirt. I could use some pointers or just plain humor to set my mind at ease and get a few ideas.
Posted by April on 01/24/09 at 11:03 PM
"She wants to have an affair--with her own husband. "

Definitely linking this page. lol very good read

Kris
Posted by How to catch a cheating husband on 01/27/09 at 04:48 PM
It’s probably never a good idea to compare your marriage with someone else but then it’s human nature to look and think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.
Posted by the friend zone guide on 08/13/09 at 03:51 AM
Things have seemed like the bottle ran out of spice. Lots of times things are quite fine falling asleep when too tired, rolling up comfortable in pant pajamas and long shirt.
Posted by singles polen on 08/25/09 at 01:10 AM
It has always been my opinion that people in arranged marriages stay married because of their culture and rarely because of happiness. They know what is expected of them and they do not
want to let their families down, or be judged by others.
Posted by dating asien on 08/26/09 at 01:20 AM
QUOTE: "fiction is a wonderful way to convey truth"... this is very true although its better to know a true story just like the saying of many men who now have a Thai Girlfriend or Wife that she will give you unconditionally what you want and need out of life, total happiness and a life of love and respect".
Posted by thai girl on 08/28/09 at 01:51 AM
If you like the idea of these games, but have never been a real dramatic type, you can ease into it by wearing clothes/lingerie that you wouldn't normally wear...<a href="http://zerodollartrials.com/services/meet-your-suitable-singles-today-at-singlesnetcom/"> Singlesnet.com</a>
Posted by Singlesnet.com trial on 09/19/09 at 06:30 PM
reading these kind of novels really helps me ease my boredom. I guess I am going still to do it.
Posted by air conditioning indianapolis on 05/17/12 at 09:27 PM

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Personal blog of christian writer & fallible mom Katy McKenna Raymond in Kansas City, Missouri Katy is represented by Greg Johnson at WordServe Literary Read more Katy at LateBoomer.net Follow Katy on Twitter Follow Katy on Facebook 123 Recent Posts Try Becoming Brenda Starr Off Beat Scattered That’s It So I’ve Finally Signed With An Agent. Now What? The Spoon Sciatica Sweetheart A Woman’s Train of Thought Has No Caboose However much we own, we are all still living on borrowed time After all, when restaurants shrink portions, they don’t shrink prices. As with everything in life, balance is key. Slow down, you move too fast… Yeah, I know. I have issues. Search Advanced Search Syndicate Login E me at katy @ ngenius.com	Spice Up Your Marriage With A Fun Novel! Today, I’m excited to introduce you to debut fiction author Megan DiMaria. Searching for Spice has just been released by Tyndale, and Megan is basking in the glow. If you’d like a chance to win a free copy of Megan’s heartwarming book, leave a comment on this post. (For added enjoyment, click on Megan’s pic and see her sitting on one amazing front porch!) Katy: Megan, I LOVE it that you’ve taken on the topic of romance in a long-term marriage. We all know that it makes no sense to let the devil have all the good music, so why should we let the youngsters (and the unmarried) have all the good smooching? Can you tell us how you came up with the idea for the subject of your first novel? (Unless it’s too personal, of course. In that case, DEFINITELY tell us. Ha.) Megan: Searching for Spice was written as a response to a running joke I had with some girlfriends. You know, despite being long married, women still want romance in their lives. God hard wired us to crave closeness and a special connection with the men we love. Unfortunately, sometimes we need to remind them of that. Katy: The main chick (Linda) compares her married romance to her best friend’s, and comes up short. She’s even a bit envious. But my mama always told me no one knows what’s going on inside a marriage except the two people in it. Is it the best idea in the world to look to our friends’ marriages when we’re “running the comps”? Megan: It’s probably never a good idea to compare your marriage with someone else’s. But then it’s human nature to look and think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Katy: But, of course, that’s where the septic field is located. Megan: Exactly. Katy: So Linda decides to take action by stirring up the spice with her husband, Jerry. The thing is, Jerry wasn’t romantic even when he and Linda were dating twenty-some years ago. I think he’s a pretty good sport when Linda decides to “search for spice.” Megan: What she wants is a little more attention and a little more flirting. I think the surprising thing is that once Jerry starts to respond (although sometimes his response is misguided), they both enjoy the resulting boost to their relationship. Katy: But what about that whole trying to make a guy over into someone he’s not thing? Why does that always seem to backfire? Megan: I’m not sure Linda wants to change him as much as she wants him to focus on their marriage a little bit more. She wants to have an affair—with her own husband. Katy: Instead, they end up having serious family problems, not to mention friend problems and issues at work. Plus constant, ahem, interruptions. Should Linda keep trying, or resign herself to flannel pajamas and weekly pecks on the cheek? Or are the interruptions actually romance in disguise? Megan: I don’t think you should ever give up trying to make your marriage as special as you can. Katy: Me? When did this start being about me? By the way, my husband will be thrilled to hear the news. Megan: As much as women like attention, I think it’s flattering to a man to have his wife desire him and crave being with him. Katy: Do your personal friends now think you and your hubby are on fire? Megan: Ouch. I hurt myself when I fell on the floor, laughing. Katy: I feel your pain! No, really. Are they coming to you for advice on how to put the sizzle back in their relationship? Are you considered a paragon of passion? How heavy a burden is THAT? :) Megan: No, personal friends don’t think any differently about us than before Searching for Spicewas published. However, anyone who’s known me for more than 10 minutes knows how much I value my husband and our marriage. I take marriage very seriously, and perhaps that’s why mine is so blessed. Katy: Can you tell us a bit about your next book? Megan: My next book,Out of Her Hands, is scheduled to release this October. Out of Her Hands has the same characters as Searching for Spice, but the focus is more on the relationships Linda and Jerry have with their children. Katy: Because the parenting never completely ends, does it? Megan: Not totally. Like many parents of young adults, the Reveres want their children to be careful about making decisions that will impact the rest of their lives. As usual, there is always more than one situation clamoring for Linda’s attention. They’re helping Jerry’s father get on with life after he’s widowed, Linda’s best friend is moving out of state, and then their son decides he’s falling in love, but the object of his affection doesn’t share his Christian values. Katy: Ah, the Sandwich Generation. I think younger people often underestimate the complexities they’ll face when dealing with the needs of their kids and parents at the same time. Megan: I agree. And I’m a staunch believer that fiction is a wonderful way to convey truth. When people read Searching for Spice, I hope they come to the conclusion that they shouldn’t be caught off guard when they hit a bump in the road. The message I hope readers gain from Searching for Spice is to know you can trust God despite what your circumstances look like. That was a lesson I learned during a difficult valley I walked through. Katy: So, are you trying to tell me that life isn’t perfect? Because I gotta tell you, that hurts… Megan: At the time of my difficult situation, it looked like nothing good could come of it, but now I see the hand of God guided me. Equally important to me is the message that marriage is valuable and precious and should not be lightly regarded. And that friendship is priceless, and we should cherish the people in our lives. Katy: That’s what I love most about your book. It really is all about relationships, which to me are the most important thing on earth. Thanks for spicing things up here on fallible, Megan! Megan: It’s been fun, Katy. Remember, O Fallible Ones, that you have a chance to sample Searching for Spice for free! I will let the comments accumulate for two days or so, and then randomly choose a winner. Posted by Katy on 04/07/08 at 02:04 PM Fallible Comments... Oh, Megan, you're a writer after my own heart. I hope your book sells like, well, like an ice cold Coke on a steamy day in July because I don't think enough people realize how important intimacy (and not just the bedroom kind) is throughout marriage. Marriage is something that needs regular care, and I think too often people take their vows too lightly. Bless you for touching on this topic! Now, Katy...hmmm...what are the chances of winning twice in a row? I'm almost done with Michael's book, so I'll be looking for something new to read soon. ;-) Posted by Kathryn Harris on 04/08/08 at 03:19 PM Sounds like a great read....and I'm always looking for a new book. So put me in the drawing! Posted by Nancy Wood on 04/08/08 at 04:19 PM I've been interested in this book since I learned of its release. Can't wait to read it. Marriage is sacred. On Sunday, our church hosted a small reception for a couple who just celebrated their 50th anniversary. I asked the man what was his secret. He said, "When we went through our tough times as every couple does, it didn't occur to me that I could walk out on her. I took a vow, made a promise, adn that was that." Very sage advice. Great interview, ladies. Katy girl, as always, your humor shines like a newly-minted copper penny! Posted by Lisa Jordan on 04/08/08 at 05:55 PM Hi Katy, Thanks for letting me visit your blog. It was a delight. Ladies, thank you for your kind words, I hope you enjoy reading Searching for Spice. A prisoner of hope, Megan Posted by Megan DiMaria on 04/08/08 at 10:00 PM I admit, I've been looking forward to readint this book since I heard about it at the ACFW Conference last year. I just haven't made it to the bookstore yet. I enjoyed hearing Megan speak then and I enjoyed reading this interview now. Posted by D'Ann Mateer on 04/09/08 at 06:42 AM Sounds like a great book!! Posted by Cathy West on 04/11/08 at 07:39 AM Despite being married for a long time women still want romance. Despite being married for a long time men still want sex. Which leads to the conclusion that everything is more or less like when you first got married. Posted by Electric on 10/16/08 at 05:04 AM Your book would be such a blessing to me. I will be 30 this year and been married for about 5.5 years and 2 young children. Things have seemed like the bottle ran out of spice. Lots of times things are quite fine falling asleep when too tired, rolling up comfortable in pant pajamas and long shirt. I could use some pointers or just plain humor to set my mind at ease and get a few ideas. Posted by April on 01/24/09 at 11:03 PM "She wants to have an affair--with her own husband. " Definitely linking this page. lol very good read Kris Posted by How to catch a cheating husband on 01/27/09 at 04:48 PM It’s probably never a good idea to compare your marriage with someone else but then it’s human nature to look and think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Posted by the friend zone guide on 08/13/09 at 03:51 AM Things have seemed like the bottle ran out of spice. Lots of times things are quite fine falling asleep when too tired, rolling up comfortable in pant pajamas and long shirt. Posted by singles polen on 08/25/09 at 01:10 AM It has always been my opinion that people in arranged marriages stay married because of their culture and rarely because of happiness. They know what is expected of them and they do not want to let their families down, or be judged by others. Posted by dating asien on 08/26/09 at 01:20 AM QUOTE: "fiction is a wonderful way to convey truth"... this is very true although its better to know a true story just like the saying of many men who now have a Thai Girlfriend or Wife that she will give you unconditionally what you want and need out of life, total happiness and a life of love and respect". Posted by thai girl on 08/28/09 at 01:51 AM If you like the idea of these games, but have never been a real dramatic type, you can ease into it by wearing clothes/lingerie that you wouldn't normally wear...<a href="http://zerodollartrials.com/services/meet-your-suitable-singles-today-at-singlesnetcom/"> Singlesnet.com</a> Posted by Singlesnet.com trial on 09/19/09 at 06:30 PM reading these kind of novels really helps me ease my boredom. I guess I am going still to do it. Posted by air conditioning indianapolis on 05/17/12 at 09:27 PM Page 1 of 1 pages Commenting is not available in this weblog entry. 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Spice Up Your Marriage With A Fun Novel!

Personal blog of christian
writer & fallible mom
Katy McKenna Raymond
in Kansas City, Missouri