There’s a new project in the works and it’s been… a lot. If Mother Mercy touched on  my lived experiences, Country Fried Church Girls has been like diving into an ice cold pool, except, I did it on purpose and I still have my shoes on.

But, Chandra, why would someone do that? To be honest, I didn’t realize how far into it the story would go, but I did grow up in a home church environment. We didn’t always go to home churches, but we went often enough.

As we were writing, it was sobering to realize how much foundation I had for many of the characters’ experiences in the book. 

One question that’s come up a lot in interviews about Mother Mercy, and also applies to CFCG, has been how I cope with writing such traumatic things and given the current project, I’ve had the opportunity to think about that more.

In honor of the question, I thought I would share some of the unhinged reads I’ve had as a distraction from the abyss. 

1. Ice Planet Barbarians (series)

I have read 12 of the 19 books. These are difficult to explain, but basically, there are aliens, they are barbarians, and they are blue. I will not elaborate further. 

2. Legends & Lattes (series)

It isn’t really unhinged, it’s cozy and lighthearted which is a big change for me. There’s still excitement and action, but it’s like reading about friends and yearning.

3. Bride (series)

Okay, maybe this isn’t unhinged and I use the term too loosely. But the theme for me in a mental break is consensual romance and strong female friendships. Also, knot.

4. The Bonds that Tie (series)

This was a reread, maybe a comfort read as well. While there is some trauma in the book, the romance is always a nice escape. 

5. Bridgerton (series)

I’ve read most of these. I think there’s a lighthearted quality to the books that is a little unhinged, but in a good way. The dialogue does make me laugh. 

So if you’re looking to take a mental break, may I suggest some light reading? I’d also love your recommendations, I’ve still got editing to do! 

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