Beth K. Vogt is a non-fiction author and editor who said she would never write fiction. However, as a contemporary romance novelist, she is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2015 RITA® Finalist and a three-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2014.
Beth enjoys writing contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people, and their youngest daughter, Christa, who loves to play volleyball and enjoys writing her own stories.
Welcome back, Beth! If someone asked you to describe yourself with one word, what word would that be?
Friendly. Yes, I consider myself a person who is approachable, who connects with other people, but I also treasure my friendships.
There’s a meme prominently displayed on your website that says, “God’s best is often behind the door marked NEVER.” Something tells me there’s a story there. Maybe even several? Has this been a theme in your life?
A theme in my life? Hmmmm … yes. I’ve said a strong no to several things – marked the door with the words NEVER – and then found some of my best blessings behind that closed door. Examples:
- I said I would never marry anyone in the military or marry a doctor. I fell in love with a man who was in the Air Force and who is a family physician.
- I said I didn’t want to have children – and my husband and I are blessed with four wonderful children.
- I said I’d never write fiction – I originally was a nonfiction writer and editor until God turned a season of burnout into a bend in the writing road and led me to write novels.
Fiction has, obviously, worked well for you! Let’s talk about your new book, Dedicated to the One I Love (June 2023). Please tell us about it.
I had a lot of fun with Joe and Kylie’s story – and I needed that during some challenging months. It’s a why not/why romance, meaning when Joe and Kylie meet, they’re not looking to fall in love with one another – there are all sorts of reasons why they shouldn’t fall in love with one another. I like to say: She doesn’t believe in romance. He doesn’t either. They’re perfect for one another.
What is it about stories about writers that makes for so much fun?
This is my second story featuring writers. When someone signs up for my monthly newsletter, they receive a free novella, Revisions, that also features two writers. I think every author eventually tells a story (or two) about writers because we know this life, we get this life. It’s fun.
What has kept you going on your writing journey all these years?
God made me a creative. I am wired to write. I always say, “What else would I do?”
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice about writing, what would it be?
For me, as a woman of faith, this walk along the writing road has drawn me closer to God. I would tell my younger self to look for Him, to listen for Hm in all the ups and downs of the writing adventure. He’s in all of it, ready to offer you encouragement and to strengthen you as you write your stories. He will bring good out of all of this.
Thanks, Beth! It’s always nice to have you as a guest at Divine Detour.
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For more information about Beth, visit her website and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
To order Dedicated to the One I Love, go to –