In short,
decluttering did it. I decided to pull out all my old files and organize them.
It quickly became evident many of my previously published - as well as
unpublished - pieces featured a Christmas theme. From there, the seed of an
idea grew. Wouldn't it be fun to put together a Christmas collection?
How did
you put the book together?
I had a
fair amount of material ready to draw from, but I did heavily edit them from
their original form. In addition, I created new pieces. The collection is
divided into three parts: "A Touch of Whimsy", "A Whisper of
Love", and "Sentimental Journeys". Pieces in each section
reflect the theme.
Tell me
more about the writing in the book.
My essays
and poems are laced with humor and tradition, not only in today's world, but in the past. For example, there are childhood memories about schemes to convince
Dad we should buy a new modern Christmas tree. And how could I convince my
parents to give me the gift of my dreams?
And you
include short stories as well, is that correct?
Yes. Short
stories are a delight to write and take the reader on many different journeys.
Here are a few of them:
"Chip
and the Truth About Christmas": The season as told from the dog's point-of-view
"Myrtle":
A woman's hope to find her future during a difficult holiday season in 1901
"The
Snow-White Goose": Is it possible for love to hatch from a plan to rescue
an abandoned goose?
No matter
the medium, I believe readers will find the heart of Christmas in every one of
these bite-sized tales.
Oh, I
have so many of them! Probably the fondest is a long-standing tradition of a
family Christmas breakfast. My parents decided we should do a fancy meal with
goodies we rarely saw any other time of year. Country ham and sausage. Freshly
scrambled eggs. Biscuits and red-eye gravy. Hash brown potatoes. Cranberry
compote. All topped off with a wide assortment of Christmas cookies, featuring
Mom's famous Snickerdoodles.
It wasn't
only us who feasted. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins also showed up to
enjoy the feast. My sister now carries on the tradition; although on a much
smaller scale. It was one of our mom's final requests.
Looking
back on all the work involved, I'm not sure how Mom did it!
What’s next?
What’s next?
I'm
currently working on Along the Road, Book 2 of the Becker
Family Novels; a contemporary romance series. Book 1 of the series, On
a City Street, released July 9. Book 2 will most likely release early in
2020. It's lots of fun writing these characters, and I hope readers will enjoy
them as much as I do.
What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Much of
writing is discipline. Get in the habit of putting words on paper, even if you
don't feel like it. One must never wait for inspiration to strike. Words (even
bad ones), give you something to edit. With a blank page, you have...nothing.
What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
Regardless of whether traditionally or indie-published (I am both), a writer is ultimately responsible for marketing his/her own work. When scheduling your time, it's easy to go overboard on social media and marketing. Always remember, the best way for readers to notice what you're doing is to create new stories, so get words on paper!
What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
Regardless of whether traditionally or indie-published (I am both), a writer is ultimately responsible for marketing his/her own work. When scheduling your time, it's easy to go overboard on social media and marketing. Always remember, the best way for readers to notice what you're doing is to create new stories, so get words on paper!
Any last words or tips?
I
appreciate this opportunity to meet fellow writers and readers (yes, I'm also
an avid reader!). I'm on most social media platforms and would love to hear
from you.
Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?
Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?
Previous
publications not already mentioned include my award-winning historical
novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James, and a picture book I co-authored- Midnight
the One-Eyed Cat.
That’s all for today’s interview. If you would like to learn more about Pat’s writing, here are some links to get you started.
That’s all for today’s interview. If you would like to learn more about Pat’s writing, here are some links to get you started.
Website/Newsletter: https://patwahler.com
Facebook
Author Page: https://bit.ly/2LHhqkq
Goodreads
Author Page: https://bit.ly/2S6LGXi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patwahler/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatWahlerAuthor
Amazon
Author Page: https://amzn.to/32fJwcg
Bookbub
Author Page: https://bit.ly/32cvRTr
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