It did not start out as a Christmas story. I had a heroine that had been in one too many weddings and now she was in her twin brother’s second wedding. Can you imagine how that made her feel?
Where does the romance for her come in?
Her brother’s best man is the opposite of everything she wants in a husband. So we know where this is going, right? I love putting people together that don’t look like they would fit, but the side of her that is afraid of risk and lives in fear of making a mistake needed to be challenged. In walks the hero.
He’s an artist that lives in the moment and thrives on spontaneity. He was in and out of foster care as a child and has no family or traditions. He sees life as short and lives in the moment. This gets him in trouble, so together they learn to trust in God’s plan and enjoy every day with arms wide open while planning for the future. What better time for new beginnings and hope for the future than a Christmas wedding. So the story became a Christmas story with a lost soul in the midst of a huge family. It had to be Christmas.
Her brother’s best man is the opposite of everything she wants in a husband. So we know where this is going, right? I love putting people together that don’t look like they would fit, but the side of her that is afraid of risk and lives in fear of making a mistake needed to be challenged. In walks the hero.
He’s an artist that lives in the moment and thrives on spontaneity. He was in and out of foster care as a child and has no family or traditions. He sees life as short and lives in the moment. This gets him in trouble, so together they learn to trust in God’s plan and enjoy every day with arms wide open while planning for the future. What better time for new beginnings and hope for the future than a Christmas wedding. So the story became a Christmas story with a lost soul in the midst of a huge family. It had to be Christmas.
What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
Some fellow authors with Love Inspired and friends were doing an anthology and invited me to join them. The theme they already had was mistletoe memories. Of course that brings kissing to mind and for me I thought of the end of a wedding ceremony.
“You may kiss the bride.”
It makes me sigh every time.
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Some fellow authors with Love Inspired and friends were doing an anthology and invited me to join them. The theme they already had was mistletoe memories. Of course that brings kissing to mind and for me I thought of the end of a wedding ceremony.
“You may kiss the bride.”
It makes me sigh every time.
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
When I think of Christmas, I think of family. It has always been a big family event, from loading in the car to see the lights or getting the kids together to build gingerbread houses. Our town has a night time Christmas parade on Main Street. Christmas Eve is spent with my mother’s family out on a ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Christmas day is spent hanging out with my kids. With all the family get-togethers, comes the need for lots of food. I love cooking for the holidays. What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)
In July I will have my first Historical out. It's called, Lone Star Bride. It is set in the young county of the Texas Republic. Sofia De Zavala wants more than to be a housewife so she dresses up as a boy and joins the cattle drive leaving from her father’s ranch.
Right after that, in August my fifth Clear Water book will hit the shelves. A much loved reoccurring character single dad, Adrian De La Cruz, will get his chance at a happy ending with the Bergmann’s prodigal sister.
What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share?
Right after that, in August my fifth Clear Water book will hit the shelves. A much loved reoccurring character single dad, Adrian De La Cruz, will get his chance at a happy ending with the Bergmann’s prodigal sister.
What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share?
Writing takes perseverance and the wiliness to fail. In failure, you learn and go at it again. Other than that I’m a craft junkie. Book, workshops and conferences are a great way to sharpen your writing tools, but you have to finish the book and start a new one – edit, repeat.
What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
As an author, you have more control that you know, but always take the time to listen to those in the business.
Any last words or tips?
Finish a story. There is power in writing the end. Then write another story. Enjoy the process.
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Jolene's writing and upcoming books, here's how to do that.
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Jolene's writing and upcoming books, here's how to do that.
http://jolenenavarrowriter.com/
Nice interview, good advice :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting us know more about you. Christmas is my favorite time of year( i wish it were all year). I love Christmas stories and movies. Looking forward to reading your books
ReplyDeleteEnjoying learning about you and your writing, Jolene. Wishing you all continued success and thanks for the solid writing advice.
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