How did you
come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
I know it
sounds cliché, but it started with a dream! Around Christmas time last year, I
woke up one morning and although I couldn't describe the details, something I
dreamt the night before sparked an idea. I started fleshing out the story and
it wasn't long before I had a full-fledge novella written.
Could you
give a short synopsis on the story for my readers?
Sarah
Laughlin left her big-city life and dead-end relationship behind for a fresh
start as a fourth-grade teacher in the small, Wisconsin town of Meadow Creek. It
feels like home, despite the persistent troublemaker in her class and the lack
of familiar faces. But the holidays are going to be lonely this year. Until she
meets firefighter Lincoln Thompson. Suddenly, the hope of spending Christmas with
someone she cares about is within reach.
Lincoln loves his home town of Meadow Creek, but ever since his long-time
girlfriend left him for a better life in the city, he wonders if he’ll ever
find love in this small town where everyone knows everyone. Then he meets Sarah
during her class's field trip to his firehouse, and a spark is lit. But when
they discover that Sarah's troublemaking student is none other than Lincoln's
beloved nephew, their newfound relationship is put to the test.
What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
My
publisher, Anaiah Press, put a call out for Christmas novellas. I wasn't sure
if I was up for the challenge, but after the idea hit me, the words seemed to
just flow onto the page, so I decided to submit my story for publication.
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
My kids and
I always spend a day at baking cookies with my mom, sister, and nieces. We also
typically have chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and read the story of
Jesus' birth before opening presents in front of the Christmas tree on
Christmas morning.
What’s next?
I just
finished edits on an upcoming contemporary Christian romance with Anaiah Press
called "A Heart Held Captive." It's due out next spring.
What’s the
best writing tip you’ve learned you’d like to share?
There are
too many to choose from! I've learned a lot working with two different editors.
One seemingly small tip that has really helped improve my writing is to get rid
of dialogue tags (he said, she replied) and replace with action beats instead.
The action in the same paragraph shows who said the words and gives a better
visual for the reader.
So instead
of: "It's about time," he said. "I've been waiting for over an
hour."
It could be:
"It's about time." He rolled his eyes and sighed. "I've been
waiting for over an hour."
What do you
know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
I had no
idea just how much time and energy was spent on the editing and marketing
process. I'm sure the more you write and the more your name is out there, the
easier it gets for both. But this novella is only my second published book, so
I'm still a bit of a newbie :)
Any last
words or tips?
I want to
encourage all readers to write reviews on Amazon for the books you read -
especially if you liked the book! Authors love the feedback, and it's super
helpful for lesser known names/books to have positive reviews.
That’s all
for today’s interview. If you’d like to add a little romance to your Christmas
reads, here are some links to learn more about Katy’s writing.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyEeten/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KatyEeten
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KatyEeten/
Website: https://katyeeten.wordpress.com/
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