SPRING2017 EDITION | Page 22

Q&A on The Magnolia Story, from Chip & Joanna Gaines So, why write a book? Chip: Well, we’ve been considering it for a long time. Fans of the show were really interested in knowing more about our story—where we started, how we started… even how we met. And the more we considered it, the more excited we became about the possibility. And we’re glad we did. The whole process was just fun, from the initial writing all the way down to recording the audiobook. We loved it. What was the writing process like for you two? Chip: It was like reliving all the memories we’ve stored up over the years all over again. I think we were both surprised at how many details we both remembered! Most things felt just like yesterday. Jo: We both had an equal part in writing this book, but I’ll be honest, Chip surprised me with how much he loved the whole process. I’d wake up to find him sitting on the porch making copy edits at 6 a.m., or call to talk something over and get his voicemail, only then to get a quick text, “Working on the book! Call you back in ten.” It was fun for me to see him really take to it. What do you think will surprise readers the most in The Magnolia Story? Jo: Our first date story! Most may be surprised by how much Chip did not sweep me off my feet in the very beginning. But, of course, he did get there. Eventually. 22 OCChristianMag.com #occhristianspring2017 23 OCChristianMag.com What memory had you forgotten until you started writing the book? Chi