Welcome, Everyone!
Penny Haavig is our guest author this week. I haven’t met Penny in person. But after visiting with her via this interview, I want to move next door! What a friend, wife, mother, and grandma she must be!
Penny’s first novel—Laugh, Clown, Laugh—is coming out soon. So you’re the first to be introduced to her and her novel. Penny’s roots extend to Queens and Long Island, New York. And her historical novel, Laugh, Clown, Laugh, is set in Brooklyn against a backdrop of vaudeville. How intriguing is that?
Now, gather ’round as Penny shares a bit about herself, her life journey, and how Laugh, Clown, Laugh was birthed. Also, she’s offering a special giveaway. So, check it out below.
**Congratulations to Anne Rightler, winner of Penny’s soon-to-be-released novel—Laugh, Clown, Laugh!**
Penny Haavig’s Roots
First, I was born and raised in New York with roots in Queens and Miller Place, Long Island. However, I spent most of my life in upstate New York, an hour from the beautiful Adirondacks mountains.
Our house in Miller Place was situated on a cliff that overlooked the picturesque Long Island Sound. Even now, I can remember running down the cliff to the beach where my Dad taught me how to swim. To say the least, it was daunting to dodge the horseshoe crabs and jellyfish, but once I got the hang of it, I loved it.
A Love of Horses
Because my dad was an equestrian, his love for horses fell on me when I was three years old. A pony man visited Richmond Hill, where I spent the first five years of my life. My first pony ride was on a black and white pony. The Christmas after, Dad surprised me with a black and white handmade rocking horse. My love of horses stuck for decades. Who would have known, that after all these years, I would be the proud owner of a black and white Pinto/Arabian horse. My mother would say to my dad, “She’ll grow out of this, Henry.” I guess not.
Penny’s Bitter and Sweet
I am a retired pre-school teacher and was blessed to own a day care center for over ten years.
I met my first husband Guy in 1969, and we had two beautiful daughters, Tiffany and Tonia. Everything was going fine until sudden tragedy struck our family. My husband died of a heart attack at the age of 54. We were married thirty years. My life started to unravel, but God kept me together. (Click to Tweet!) My girls were still in their teens, so it was very hard for them.
Because Guy knew the Lord as his Savior, I know he is rejoicing with the saints for eternity and I will see him again when I get to Heaven. Praise God for the gift of eternal life in Jesus.
God’s Intervention
However, God intervened a year later and brought Tom, a handsome Norwegian, into my life. Because he had the bigger business and family, I sold everything in New York and moved to Minnesota. While both girls were on their own, leaving them was bittersweet. Although the miles still separate us, I know God protects them. And now, we’re a blended family with seven children and 13 grandchildren.
Penny Haavig’s Life of Faith
I came to know Jesus as my Savior and Lord at age 13. Now we’re members of Alexandria Covenant Church, a great gospel preaching church where I have taught pre-school Sunday school and VBS.
At present, I’m a part-time clown with the alias, DancingDot. In addition, I started the SONSHINE Club, a children’s ministry at our church for kids, ages 5-12. We go out into local nursing homes and present the love of Jesus via games, readers theater and music.
Also, I was Children’s Theater Director at Central Square Cultural Center for the past five years.
Penny Haavig’s Writing Journey
My first novel, Laugh, Clown, Laugh, is five years in the making. My mother and grandmother suffered with mental issues, but the facade of vaudeville and theater covered up their bewildered hearts. (Click to Tweet!) Consequently, they both had nervous breakdowns, and their stories inspired me to write this book.
In addition, I met many amazing authors along the way, including Susie May Warren who was the first one to encourage me at a writer’s workshop and retreat. And I pitched to agents at two conferences, but to no avail. Also, I had the book professionally edited twice and revised and revised. Is it ready now? By the grace of God, it is!!
While I wasn’t as persistent as fellow authors and there were many set-backs, every time I was ready to throw in the towel, God said, “What are you doing?” Because God would NOT let me give up, countless prayers, tears, several edits and revision, and perseverance have carried me through. As a result, I’m self-publishing this book, which will be in my hands soon.
What’s Up With Penny Haavig Post-Laugh?
In conclusion, I’ve completed the rough draft of the sequel to Laugh, Oddballs Matter, which is based on my mother’s story after she came to know the Lord. Next, a third book in the series will be based on my life. While emotional and mental issues can rob a person of their identity (Click to Tweet!), I pray my books will help someone who is hurting on the inside. (Click to Tweet!)
How can you find Penny Haavig
Penny’s Giveaway
Because I’m looking for folks to join my Amazing Dream Team, the first five to sign up via email at pnhaavig@wisper-wireless.com will receive a complimentary paperback book when released.
~ ~ ~
Dear Lord ~ First, You created a perfect world and gave Your creation the freedom to choose good or evil. Because humankind chose to disobey, ushering in imperfection and a fallen world, we suffer in myriad ways, not the least of which is mental illness. However, Your plan to bring us back into a state of perfection through Jesus Christ is marvelous. As a result, your daughter, Penny Haavig, is using the imperfection of her family’s past to create stories to help readers who are hurting inside. Bless each word she writes for You. ~ For Jesus’ sake
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SO Happy for you Penny!! I enjoyed reading this interview and I can’t wait to read your book! 🙂 Congratulations!
Penny, I’m so thrilled that the time is getting closer when I’ll be able to hold your book in my hands and enjoy reading the final story. I’m so happy you didn’t give up and persevered. Laugh, Clown, Laugh should be appealing to so many people! And I’m already looking forward to your sequels!
Hi Penny. Love the photos and the amazing article. This will be a quick read, because I know I won’t put it down until I’ve read the whole book. Congratulations and may God bless everyone who reads your thoughts, feelings and the many happenings that led up to this writing ❤️
Thank you Helen. You’ve always encouraged me with “Ebony finds a friend.” Little did I know God would lead me down a road of writing two novels. Linda Davis did an excellent job laying out a great article. I’m blessed to know her! God bless, my friend.
Penny, a wonderful testimony with God’s blessings and love even during the dark times. So thankful God never fails His children. I look forward to reading Laugh, Clown, Laugh. Everyone needs laughter in their life. Blessings.
Thank you Marilyn! I appreciate your kind, encouraging words so much. May you be showered with blessings.God bless!
How great to see you this week, Marilyn. You always encourage us. God bless you.
Reading your bio was so interesting, Penny. I’m so glad you listened to God’s nudgings. May God bless you (and many others through you) on this journey.
Diane
Thank you Diane, your words will keep me motivated! God bless!
Hi, Diane. Welcome to the blog. I agree…I, too, am glad Penny listened to God’s nudgings. Can’t wait to read her novel. I hope you’ll come back.
Hello Penny…..I cannot wait to get my hands on your book. You are an amazing person and we are so grateful yo know you.
Wonderful to have you in our circle this week, Lila. I can’t wait to read Penny’s book too! Your words are so encouraging. God bless.
Thank you Lila,hope to see you and Skip soon. I’m glad we’re friends. God bless!
What a wonderful journey God has led you on. Looking forward to reading your book!
Thank you, Linda for sharing about it.
Thank you Anne. If you would like to be on my AMAZING DREAM TEAM, please email me at pnhaavig@wisper-wireless.com. You’ll receive a complimentary book in turn for a review. God bless!
Welcome, Ann. So happy to have you in our circle. It’s a privilege and pleasure to share Penny.
Penny, how excited we are for you. We are traveling and read this on FB while driving. Very proud of you!!! Dave & Paulette
Thank you!! It’s been a five year journey, but God kept me moving forward! Enjoy your trip and God bless!
Welcome, Paulette. It’s so great to see such support for Penny. It boosts my spirits too!
How exciting, Penny! I’m looking forward to reading your book. So proud of you for following your heart and passion for writing! You’ve got this! Love you!
Hi, Janina. Thank you for joining in the applause for Penny. I hope you’ll visit our circle again. 😊
Aww, thank you Nina! Your support means so much to me! Yes, with God, I do have this! Love you back!
Penny, such an amazing life journey for your family and what a gift it will be to many who need to read exactly what the Lord has encouraged you to write. For such a time and purpose… all in our Loving Father’s Hands. God bless. Love you, Dorothy
You’re a blessing to me Dorothy! Thank you for your inspiring words of wisdom. God bless, dear friend!
Welcome, Dorothy! I love your words of encouragement to Penny at “such a time as this.”
Pen, this was a beautiful write up on you and your book. It’s been a long road for you, but I believe it’s about to happen ! Praise the Lord! It’s a great read and I do believe you are going to touch many people with your story….God’s Blessings ❤️ Linda and Joe
Hi, Linda. Thanks so much for joining us and leaving such an encouraging message.
Thank you dear Linda! You were one of the first to read in rough draft. It has been a long journey but I’ve learned so much. Linda Davis gave me this amazing opportunity to share without an actual book. I’m thankful for her too.
Sounds like a great book and I am looking forward to reading it. I enjoyed this interview and all the fun pictures!
Hi, Becky. Great to see you with us this week. You’ve encouraged us!
Thank you Becky. God bless. If you want to be on the team, email me.
Hello, Penny. It’s so great to learn about your background and your books! Thank Linda, for sharing Penny’s visit with your adoring readers! 🙂
How wonderful to see your beautiful smiling face, Caryl! You’ve encouraged Penny and me both, dear friend. (Aren’t Penny’s life story and her novel idea intriguing?)
Thank you Caryl. This is an amazing stop on thus incredible journey.
Sounds like a great premise for a book. Congratulations!
I agree, David. Can’t wait to read Laugh, Clown, Laugh. You’re entered in the drawing 🙂 Thanks so much for joining the conversation.
Thank you David! I thank God for editors who glean and clean the important scenes. God bless!