The Christmas Story

This time of year there is a plethora of Christmas movies on TV and many more you can rent online or at a kiosk. Probably 98% of them deal with the concept of family getting together and sharing the "true meaning" of Christmas which in the directors mind is sharing gifts and time together. 

One of my favorite televised shows is the Charlie Brown Christmas Special which deals with the usual idea of decorations, candy and gifts but it goes one step further. It takes the time to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas which is Christ's birth. 

So like that show, I would like to stop now and tell that story from the gospel according to Luke's account as done through the New International Reader's Version (NIRV). I am also including Nativity scenes that are up in my neighborhood

In those days, Caesar Augustus made a law. It required that a list be made of everyone in the whole Roman world. It was the first time a list was made of the people while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be listed.

So Joseph went also. He went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea. That is where Bethlehem, the town of David, was. Joseph went there because he belonged to the family line of David. He went there with Mary to be listed. Mary was engaged to him. She was expecting a baby.

While Joseph and Mary were there, the time came for the child to be born. She gave birth to her first baby. It was a boy. She wrapped him in large strips of cloth. Then she placed him in a manger. There was no room for them in the inn.

 There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. It was night, and they were looking after their sheep. An angel of the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. It is for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. Here is how you will know I am telling you the truth. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a large group of angels from heaven also appeared. They were praising God. They said, “May glory be given to God in the highest heaven! And may peace be given to those he is pleased with on earth!”

  

The angels left and went into heaven. Then the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem. Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby. The baby was lying in the manger. After the shepherds had seen him, they told everyone. They reported what the angel had said about this child.All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 

 But Mary kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. She thought about them over and over.

 The shepherds returned. They gave glory and praise to God. Everything they had seen and heard was just as they had been told.

On Christmas Eve...

T’was the day before Christmas, when all through the town

All the shoppers were scurrying with many a frown
With gifts still to buy for niece, nephew and son,
They wondered if shopping would ever be done

The roads all were clogged with cars big and small
Trying to get in or out of some shopping mall

The drivers weren’t happy each honking a horn

No sign of goodwill, just plenty of scorn

Then out on a corner a small group came together

Though it was cold they thought not of the weather

Once in their places, they started their song

With hopes to cheer drivers as they traveled along

Very few drivers at first seemed to care
Most didn’t notice even that they were there

Then little by little windows started rolling down

As drivers began to wonder what is that sound?

The words they heard of a midnight clear

About a sacred birth of a baby so dear

With choirs of angels gathered in a throng

To proclaim his coming in beautiful song

The songs continued on about peace on earth

And of the importance of a virgin birth

About three kings and the gifts that they brought

To the baby born king whom they had sought

Lastly they sang about that one holy night

When a special star gave out a bright light

A child was born to bring us salvation

Not just for a few, to each and every nation

Soon many a driver broke out in applause

Remembering the season wasn’t about Santa Claus

It wasn’t about all the gifts they could buy

Or the food they had when friends would drop by

It wasn’t about getting the latest and best toy

Or something special to wear and enjoy

It wouldn’t be found in any mall or store

Still it was something that all should ask for

The season of Christmas is all about giving

From the God in heaven to all of us living

He sent his son to live and die on this earth

To let us know our souls have true worth

When you sing the words of “Silent Night”

Think of something special to give Him delight

It’s not a shiny present found under a tree

Sing "Happy Birthday, Jesus! I give my heart to thee"

Christmas 2012 - Christine Henderson

Let's Talk Christmas Books with Jim Vinson

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas book?
I'm generally interested in the origins of things; words, idioms, cultural practices, etc. The air of sanctity that surrounds Christmas traditions confuses and fascinates me, so I suppose you could say I've been researching the topic for over a decade at this point. In the end I guess I just launched into one too many diatribes at Christmas parties, and took people seriously when they said "You should write a book about this stuff."

Could you give me a short synopsis on the story for my readers?The book is a collection of what are essentially humorous anecdotes about the historical origins of various Christmas traditions and icons. Some of the simplest concepts ended up being incredibly convoluted once I started digging into them, so I chose to emphasize brevity and succinctness of the narrative threads. If you've ever wondered why the hell people hang up stockings and then fill them with small gifts, this is probably a good book for you.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
After years and years of causally researching Xmas-themed topics for the sole purpose of irritating friends and family around the holidays, I felt I should inflict what I'd learned on the rest of the world.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Well, binge drinking and gorging on baked goods comes to mind. I'm fairly certain that without the feasting elements, Christmas would just be a dour Christian religious holiday, not the secular bacchanal it is. My favorite modern holiday tradition is the Amazon Wish List... I do so love watching people pretend to be surprised when they open a gift they specially selected and knew someone purchased for them.

Are you more of a Christmas Grinch or do you look forward to the Christmas holidays?
I resolutely believe that a "Grinch" role is actually required to provide contrast for the more gleeful Christmas adherents. Much like Ebenezer Scrooge, the "Bah, humbug!"-type folks embody a sort of straw-man counterargument that is easily dismissed by the Xmas faithful. Personally, I take no side... I feel it's best to just submit to the holiday and let it have it's way with you. They say the only way to survive being picked up by a tornado is to go limp and just let it take you where it will... that is my exact Christmas strategy.

Your bio says you are “a character of dubious origins.” Is this a pseudonym or your real name?
Nope, that's my real name. I am fairly dubious in general, however.

When you are not writing Christmas books but other fiction or non-fiction writing do you do?
Living in Los Angeles means I write lots of spec screenplays. Lots. 

If you would like to learn more about Jim writing or buy the book, here are the links:

 To buy the book from Amazon

 To go to his website

Let's Talk Christmas Books with R.C. O'Leary

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas book? 

It was Christmas time, three years ago, when I was working on a middle grade book that the idea for Hot Chocolate for Santa Claus came to me.  We were putting out milk and cookies for Santa when my wife asked if anyone wanted some hot chocolate.  My middle child, Madison, who was then six, said maybe we should leave some out for Santa, too. 

I had been promising to write a story “for her” and her idea gave me the inspiration.

Could you give me a short synopsis on the story for my readers? 

Hot Chocolate for Santa Claus begins near the very end of Christmas Eve.  Santa and his elves are down to their last two neighborhoods of the night.  After a long night of delivering presents around the world, they are ready to get back home to Christmas Castle where they will have a chance to open their own presents. 

At Santa’s last stop of the night, he picks up a thermos of hot chocolate that he will be able to drink on the flight back home to the North Pole.  It’s a treat he has been thinking about all night. 

As Santa flies back home to Christmas Castle, he tells one of his elves, Evan, the story of why Madison began leaving hot chocolate out for him. 

The tradition started many years ago when Madison wrote Santa a thank you note.  In the thank you note, she asked Santa if there was anything he might like from her for Christmas.  Santa wrote back that a cup of hot chocolate to drink on the flight back home would be a wonderful treat. 

The illustrations are lovely. Can you tell me about the illustrator?

One of the things I like best about Hot Chocolate for Santa Claus is the illustrations.  I was extremely fortunate to find an incredibly talented illustrator named Iryna Bodnaruk.  Finding her was pure serendipity, and I can’t imagine the book without her art work. 

Ira is, in my opinion, an amazing talent.  Each time she sent me a finished picture it was like getting a Christmas gift.  One of the best parts about working with Ira was the way she could take an idea I had for a picture and then improve on it in ways I could not have imagined. 

One example is the picture in the book of Santa’s sleigh flying between neighborhoods.  I envisioned it as a typical “camera angle” shot, but Ira drew it from the perspective of looking down onto the sleigh as it flew through the night.  It was so creative and not something I would have thought of.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

My two favorite Christmas traditions at the moment are driving around and looking at Christmas lights with my kids, as well as drinking a glass of red wine and looking at my Christmas tree while listening to Christmas music. 

Are you more of a Christmas Grinch or do you look forward to the Christmas holidays?
 

I always enjoy late Fall and the Christmas Holidays.  Football season is in full swing, college basketball is beginning, and between the Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, I know I’ll get the chance to see family, have some downtime from work and enjoy some good food. 

When you are not writing Christmas books what other fiction or non-fiction writing do you do?

I’m currently in the revisions’ stage of a crime novel with a working title of Hallways in the Night(the title derives from Bruce Springsteen’s “Jungleland.”)  This is a book I have been working on for several years and writing it has been one of the great joys of my life. 

It’s the story of an Atlanta police officer who is put on trial by a corrupt DA.  I am hoping to have this book finished by the middle of 2013. 

This is a lovely Christmas book and if you would like to make it one of your books for giving or keeping, it is currently available on Amazon in both soft cover and electronic formatting.Here's the link

Let's Talk Writing Christmas Books with Cheryl St. John

Thought you might find it interesting as to how someone start with their writing ideas. As Cheryl has written several Christmas themed books, I decided to ask her how she gets started. So here is what she does...

How do you get started?

Sometimes I have a fat binder full of research and notes and story ideas, even for a novella-length project, but for this story I had very few pages of notes, a couple of character photos, pictures of old churches, November and December 1880 calendar pages, a brainstormed list of 25 things that could happen, and my seven page synopsis. That’s it. I didn’t even finish my character grids, which I do for every story. Well, every story except this one.

Every story process is different, and once I learned to go with the creative flow of the development process, I accepted that each story will develop in its own unique way. For Christmas in Red Willow, I started with two lists of character traits and ran with them.

Chloe:

Focused

Frugal

Honest

Inventive

Sentimental

Energetic

Lonely

Enthusiastic

Humble

Owen:

Concentrates deeply

Private

Quiet

Reliable

Confident

Nonchalant

Fearless

Perceptive

Organized

Detached

Analytical

Chloe Hanley lives right next door to the house Owen Reardon helped his mother select. On Sundays she watches her neighbor lady’s children and grandchildren play on the side lawn. Chloe’s only family, her beloved grandfather, the parson, has been gone for years. The church he loved so much is in ruins and the town council, led by Owen’s older brother who is also a former beau of Chloe’s, give Chloe a short deadline in which to fix up the church or it will be torn down.

Chloe asks Owen for his help. Not only has he always been fascinated by her, he has his own reasons for wanting to see the church building saved. It all boils down to a race to the finish line as they work to complete the repairs by Christmas.

Why do you write Christmas stories?

I love writing Christmas stories. My readers expect an emotional feel-good romance from me, and it’s easy to do with a Christmas story.

My favorite part of Christmas, besides getting the family together, is decorating and enjoying the Christmas trees. I love Christmas trees so much that I’ve been running The Annual Great Christmas Tree Tour on my blog for the past five years! It’s become a popular event with readers, writers, and even editors.

How about a short synopsis of your books?

Small town Christmas—Three big proposals!

Christmas in Red Willow by Cheryl St. John

Chloe Hanley must save the town church. But only if she can convince reclusive carpenter Owen Reardon to help repair the broken heart of the community and open his own up again— in time for Christmas!

The Sheriff's Housekeeper Bride by Jenna Kernan

Running from her past and a crime she didn't commit, Eliza Flannery bumps into her future—all rugged six-foot sheriff of him! Single father Trent Foerster mistakes her for his housekeeper, but there's no mistaking his desire for a mistletoe kiss from this mysterious miss….

Wearing the Rancher's Ring by Charlene Sands

Cooper Garnett is shot and left for dead near Double J Ranch when widow Rachel Bodine comes to his aid. Could his unexpected arrival be the best Christmas gift ever— a second-chance family for Rachel and her little son?

Here's the info from her latest book...Stowaway Angel

Charlie McGraw never should have bought the angel book for his precocious daughter. Because then Meredith wouldn't be convinced that getting a new mommy was as simple as having an "angel" sprinkle him with her "miracle dust." And she never would have believed the beautiful blond-haired woman who drove a truck called the "Silver Angel" was some treetop angel come to life.

Starla Richards was no angel. But try telling that to a five-year-old who was so starved for a mother's love that she'd stowed away on Starla's rig. Or convincing herself that miracles just didn't happen to ordinary people when Starla found herself snowbound with a handsome, caring widower and his adorable daughter….

Lastly, here's a link to buying that book

Let's Talk Christmas Books with Liz Curtis Higgs

A Wreath of Snow is your seventh work of historical Scottish fiction and your very first Christmas novella. Where does your passion for Scotland come from? 

In 1995 the Lord whispered into my heart three words that made little sense at the time: “Scottish historical fiction.” At that point in my life, I’d never been to Scotland, hadn’t earned more than a B- in any history class I’d ever taken, and hadn’t even considered trying to write fiction! That’s how I knew this had to be God’s idea.

I certainly loved the look of Scotland, as all the calendars around my house would attest. And I loved the music of Scotland, which my collection of CDs made clear. What remained to be seen was if I could tell a story set in Scotland.

Still, God’s leading was undeniable, so off to Scotland I went. And went. And went. I also collected resource books about Scotland (nearly 1,000 line my shelves now), interviewed Scottish folk, attended fiction writing workshops to learn the craft, and prayed about what story God might want me to tell.

All those years of research and a deep, abiding affection for Scotland have been poured into every book since my first historical novel, Thorn in My Heart, was released in 2003.

This Christmas novella is set in 1894, the Victorian period, which is quite modern compared to your other Scottish novels. Why did you choose this era?
Every period of history has its own appeal. For a story set on a train at Christmastide, the late nineteenth century seemed a perfect fit. Once I discovered books like Victorian Scotland and The Romance of Scotland’s Railways, the story was off and running.

Of all the years of Victoria’s long reign, I chose 1894 because it was exceptionally cold and snowy in Scotland that December and because two of my most useful resource books were both published that year: Murray’s Handbook for Travellers in Scotland and Mountain Moor and Loch, with pen-and-pencil sketches of the West Highland Railway.

As for the novella’s title, a wreath is not only something displayed during the festive season; it’s also the Scots word for “a bank or drift of snow.” Once I discovered that juicy tidbit, the story quickly took shape.

For years readers have been begging me to lead them on a tour of Scotland, so this December we’ll embark on “A Victorian Christmas in Scotland.” The first week-long tour sold out in just six days, so we’ve added a second tour, December 2-9. What a blessing it will be to experience the Victorian areas of Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Stirling, Pitlochry, and Edinburgh with my readers! [http://www.tinyurl.com/VicScotLiz]

What did you learn about Victorian Christmas traditions?
I was surprised to discover that after the Scottish Reformation, the General Assembly in Edinburgh tried to abolish Yuletide! Bakers who made special holiday breads were fined, though their punishment was lessened if they revealed the names of their customers. Well!

When the Victorians came along, they virtually reinvented Christmas, helped by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who brought his German traditions to the British Isles. A decorated Christmas tree was first displayed at Windsor Castle in 1841, Charles Dickens’s classic, A Christmas Carol, was published two years later, the first Christmas cards were printed in 1846, and Tom Smith’s Christmas crackers came soon thereafter.

Some holiday traditions were uniquely Scottish, including Black Bun, a rich fruit cake infused with whisky and baked in a pastry-lined tin. Christmas Eve was the Night of Candles, in which candles were placed in each window to light the way for the Holy Family. Shopkeepers often gave their customers candles, just as we see in A Wreath of Snow.

What themes of Christmas did you want to be sure to include in your story about two lonely travelers who meet on a snowy Christmas Eve?
Through most of my twenties I lived away from the Lord and far from home, so Christmas was anything but ho-ho-ho happy for me. I was single at the time and usually had to work on Christmas Day. The working bit was fine, but going home to an empty apartment was tough. Gordon and Meg, the hero and heroine of A Wreath of Snow, knew well that kind of loneliness, which only God’s love can ease.

As a writer, I’m always drawn to flawed characters with imperfect lives. Not only are they more interesting; they also provide an opportunity to learn something. They might teach us to be more compassionate. To look at a troublesome situation from all angles. To extend grace wherever and whenever it’s needed.

Christmas can be an especially difficult season of the year when family members are far apart—not just geographically, but also emotionally or spiritually. A Wreath of Snow addresses such issues, bringing things to a redemptive close by story’s end, with the promise of a happy new year indeed.

We only chatted about Liz's new Christmas book which is her 30th book! If you would like to know more about her writing, here's a link to her website. 

Let's Talk Christmas Books with Liese Sherwood Fabre

How did you come up with the idea of your most current book?

Reindeer Wars started off as a short story. I saw a feature on Christmas crafts where they recommended using old holiday sweaters as pillow covers (you cut and sew them). The sweater used had been one auctioned off on eBay and there had been a bidding war for it because people like to wear them for “ugly Christmas sweater” parties. Something clicked with me. I thought about two people in a bidding war for one sweater then winding up at the same party. The original story involved only a scene at a party. Then I saw a call for holiday novella and decided to lengthen it. I kept the scene at the party as the climax, but added to the front of the story with more about the hero and heroine.

I had no idea that “ugly Christmas sweater” parties were so popular until I started to research it. Three men in Vancouver, Canada are credited with the creation of the first party in 2001. The annual event grew in popularity, moving to larger and larger venues and now quickly sells out of the 1000 + tickets each year. Not able to make it to Vancouver? You can hold your own party following the directions in the originators’ book Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Book: The Definitive Guide to Getting Your Ugly On.

Thrift stores now report a brisk business each year in old holiday sweaters. I found a really interesting one I’ll be giving away during my own virtual party on facebook.

Could you give me a short synopsis on the story for my readers?
Tina has a tendency to go a little overboard when decorating for the holidays, but Brian decides her skills are just what he needs to get into the Christmas spirit. Can this budding relationship survive when they find themselves in a knock-down-drag-out competition to win the office’s “most outrageous holiday sweater?”

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
The topic dictated that it be a Christmas story. As far as I know, they don’t hold “ugly Fourth-of-July sweater” parties J. I had a lot of fun coming up with some of the ideas for the other sweaters. I had no idea that some of mine were mild compared to what people have posted for some of their creations.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
We have done a lot of traveling, and we try to buy ornaments wherever we go. Getting them out each year to hang on the tree brings back memories of each place we’ve been and the fun we had. I just traveled to Scotland with my sister (she won a week at a Scottish lodge in a raffle) and will be adding some I picked up there this year.

You’ve written a thriller, a compilation of short stories, this new book and have works in progress for what sounds like MG novels. Do you have a genre that you lean to more than others?

I tend to write what I like to read (yes, I’m a Harry Potter fan) and so that’s kind of eclectic. At the same time, my main characters are always women. I consider myself a women’s fiction writer, regardless of genre.

In reading your bio, it seems that you have done a lot of traveling outside the U.S. What would you say is the most misunderstood concepts about the U.S. with people who live outside of the states? What did you look forward to most in returning to the U.S?
I really can’t think of any misconceptions about Americans or the US from those overseas, but I’ve come across Americans who have misconceptions about other countries. After you’ve traveled a while, you learn not to expect things to be just like in the US. What’s the use of traveling if it’s the same as where you’re from? Learning to be patient, accepting, and respectful will get you far wherever you go.

As far as returning, I was most glad to see my family. After ten years abroad we moved back to my hometown. Both my parents passed within the last four years, and I was glad to be in town and spend the last years with them and my siblings.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)

I’m currently working on a second thriller. This one is set in Mexico and is loosely based on the Lori Berenson case. In mine, a young woman is arrested by the Mexican army and charged with terrorism—only in this case, the woman is the daughter of a U.S. Senator.

And then there’s my virtual Outrageous Holiday Sweater Party starting December 1 on Facebook. You’ll be able to post photos of your sweater, comment on others, and have a chance to win a prize, including an outrageous holiday sweater of your own!

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

I’ve been very fortunate to receive several, but I guess I’m most proud of the EPPIE thriller final for Saving Hope. To have your debut novel recognized by such an organization is pretty thrilling. Other awards include my short story, “Stranger in the Village,” that won first-place in The Briar Cliff Review short fiction contest and then was nominated for the Pushcart Prize.

How can readers follow your news?

I have a newsletter that comes out sporadically and can be joined through my Website: www.liesesherwoodfabre.com. Also you can follow me through Facebook

(http://www.facebook.com/#!/liese.sherwoodfabre), Twitter @lsfabre, and the Plotting

Princesses (http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com/)

Any last words?

Please drop by the Facebook page for your chance at a copy of Reindeer Wars, a gift card, or your own outrageous sweater.

Let's Talk Christmas Books with Beverly Nault

What inspired you to write Christmas Bells?

I wanted to strip the “excesses” from the holiday, and find out what it would be like if everything screeched to a halt, and folks had to focus on the bare minimum instead of the busy-ness. At first, the snowstorm seems like the worst thing that could possibly happen, but when the main character, Grace, gets past the shopping, fancy meals, and even the games and “fun,” she realizes what really matters is simple and pure; relationships with others, and on Jesus’ birth. The peace of the season reigned.

What else will readers find in Christmas Bells?

I sprinkle in humor, faith, then mix in some unexpected, as well as poignant, scenes. Oh, and lots of cooking. Grace is a baker, and she’s always making muffins.

While we’re on that popular subject, between my books and my website, I share many yummy recipes and links to other writers whose cooking I admire. One of my favorite recent discoveries is Moonshine Butterscotch Pecan Pie, from Joanne Bischof, who writes the Cadence of Grace series set in Appalachia. (If you’re opposed to the “likker,” you can leave that out.)

Is there a real Cherryvale?

Only in my head! Seriously, I believe there is a little of “the ‘Vale” in all of us. Cherryvale is a little gentler, a little kinder, and perhaps a bit more quirky than our own community. It’s a place where humans are real, but the problems are real. I believe in telling stories that readers can relate to, enjoy a laugh or two, and walk with someone through a personal journey of discovery. Each book has a theme. In Christmas Bells, putting others’ interests over one’s own comfort is the underlying theme.

I get emails from readers who say they linger in Cherryvale and never want to leave. That encourages me to keep writing more stories about the little town.

This is just one of the books in the Seasons of Cherryvale, what are the others? Do they need to be read in order?

The books can be read in any order without confusion. Fresh Start Summer was the first one I wrote. When a movie unit arrives in Cherryvale, the townies argue over whether or not it’s a good idea to allow their “evil” Hollywood influence. That one’s about how prejudice can swing both ways.

In Grace & Maggie Across the Pond, the main characters travel to England where they end up helping out a friend who needs an extreme makeover for herself, and her entire outlook on life changes. The theme in that one is starting over despite hardship.

In Autumn Changes, we return to Cherryvale for some chaos surrounding the Autumn Festival, and Hearts Unlocked is a sweet Thanksgiving romance novella.

Cherryvale has an interesting feature you call The CherryPath. How did you come up with the idea for The Path?

I wondered what it would like to live in an old fashioned community where people actually knew their neighbors. The CherryPath is an artery that loops through town, stitching lives together. Where people wave to each other from squeaky porch swings through swarms of fireflies while sipping large quantities of tangy-sweet lemonade. Well, you get the picture; Norman Rockwell meets modern suburbia.

When I added the challenge of living with humans “stitched together”, a colorful quilt of characters, the roller coaster rides began! I recently had an illustrator paint an aerial view of Cherryvale, and you can see The Path winding around the locations described in the books. It’s been lots of fun sharing that on my website.

Any parting words?

Bev: Thanks for having me, and I hope you and your readers have a blessed, and very Merry Christmas. I’d love to connect with everyone on my website, blog, and other social spots, and while you’re there, check out what Grace is cooking up next!

To learn more about Beverly and her writing : website  or Facebook

Let's Talk Christmas Books with Tara Pollard

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas book?

There is a poem in the story that becomes a focal point directing the action. It was the poem that was written first, by several years actually, and the story somehow emerged from that.  By “somehow” I mean that I think that for many writers, it is a complete mystery where ideas come from.  For many, I am convinced they are “inspired” and the stories write themselves.  For me, I think that is what happened. 

This Christmas story focuses on the inspirational and spiritual aspects of Christmas.  Believe it or not, I would sit in a Sunday service at my church, and while trying to listen to a very interesting sermon, my mind would wander and the story would just present itself.

Could you give me a short synopsis on the story for my readers?

Season is a young golden dog of mixed breed, (could be part Golden Retriever and another smaller breed) who is best friends with his master's little girl, Melissa. But in the days before Christmas, a canopy of darkness covers the skies, ash blankets the ground, and the land seems to wither and die. Worse yet, his little friend becomes seriously ill. Melissa needs sunshine and clean air to survive and Season, left alone to worry as she is rushed to the hospital, becomes desperate for a way to save her. He makes a fateful decision to embark on a dangerous quest to search for a way to end the darkness.

Season learns the darkness is a rare catastrophe of historic proportions that could even possibly end the world, as well as Melissa. As he sets out on a frightening journey of magic and mystery, he encounters battles with heartless forest creatures that constantly test his courage, perseverance and intuition. From the dark forest to the highest mountaintop, Season finds a perilous world in the wild, but he is about to discover just how dangerous it really can be as he ventures ever further to the ultimate battle of survival.

 What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book? 

The first questions I asked myself before I began writing the book was, “What would happen if man failed his mandate on Earth? How would the rest of creation handle it? Would they…could they…come to the rescue?  Christmas has always been my favorite time of year because when I was growing up it was magical in every aspect. It was at Christmas-time that people were suddenly happy with anticipation of wonderful things to come. 

One day life was normal and the next there were tinsel decorated trees, twinkling stores, and even street lights that glittered with silvery light.  There was, in some places, snow to play in, the magic of Santa Claus, the legend of talking animals, gifts that miraculously appeared beneath the Christmas tree and, of course, the mystery of the birth of the Christ child that Christmas was named for with all the music that went along with that. What better time to drop an “end of the world” scenario into the mix and watch a miracle of Christmas unfold?

Here is a quote from the book, “Mankind has a mandate to care for the earth and all that is within it, especially the animals, and an animal should never be placed in a position where he needs to be concerned about such things. But this is not that time.”

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? 

Traditions have a tendency to change over the years.  There are certain ones from childhood that just don’t carry over as an adult.  But when new children are added to the family, some of those become resurrected again. There is always the fun of shopping and gift giving, families getting together, Christmas parties to attend, driving around to look at displays on private homes and businesses, caroling, etc.  As to decorating, I would go so crazy on the interior of my home that it looked like a Christmas store at times.  I suppose that came from growing up in the Air Force without much money for decorations. 

One of my fondest memories as a child was the year my sister artistically wrapped garland around the dining room chandelier and I used aluminum foil to decorate the outside front door. My mom made a glittery clock with the hour set permanently to one minute before midnight. We traveled a lot so I was able to see many different traditions from other walks of life, but that clock always made its way onto the wall every Christmas.

One day, when my daughter was young, I discovered a home-made Advent calendar in someone’s home.  She had a simple gift for her child for every day of the Advent. The idea was so incredible to me that I rushed home and made my own and it became an instant Christmas tradition. I made pockets for each day and filled each pocket with a small wrapped gift. It seemed to take forever to wrap 24 little gifts, but it was so much fun because each day my daughter would leap out of bed and rush to get that gift. One day it could be a piece of candy and the next day there might be a little money to collect so she could buy her own gifts for people. As the month went on, her gift might be a piece of paper directing her to a scavenger hunt. Since then, I have seen many extravagant Advent calendars for sale, with little doors that open for the gifts. I guess the idea caught on.

Are you more of a Christmas Grinch or do you look forward to the Christmas holidays?

I guess that by now you know the answer to that one. I love the Grinch though. I love the way he begins so hurt, angry and vindictive and is completely changed by the end because of the love of a child. You find out that he was not so bad after all is said and done…he was just lonely and misunderstood. The story is genius.

When you are not writing Christmas books, what other fiction or non-fiction writing do you do?

Season’s Christmas Quest: The Dog’s Story is my first book. I have written some poetry that I have mostly kept to myself, mainly because it seems that most people are not too interested in poetry these days. I mention something to that effect in the story, but with the conclusion that it is sometimes wrong not to share inspired words that can heal and help. There is a quote in the book that says, “Human words are very powerful—even simple ones. They can create or they can destroy, depending on what is said and how it is said. If people understood the significance of that, they would choose their words much more wisely.”

But poetry gives me an opportunity to focus my thoughts and be creative in the meantime. I do write on my on my website and Facebook pages though. It is good to get feedback on my thoughts and sometimes people get into some heavy discussions. Some of those I have had to delete as some topics become fuel for fire for some people. I do like to read a lot and I will give a review for books I like. I try not to criticize anyone else's work because I feel that is disrespectful to their creativeness and, honestly, we all have our own opinions and our opinions have a tendency to change with time. What I don't like today, I may love tomorrow.

 

Do you have any other books in process now? If so can you give me some details?

I am working on another adventure for Season, but it won’t be set at Christmas next time. My first thought is Halloween where maybe he can get into some trouble with some otherworldly beings...

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