A Collabrative Christmas Effort: Author Interview with Linda Goldfarb and Kelly Harris

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

The book is a joint effort. The idea for the book originated when Kelly, my executive assistant, read Clement Moore’s, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to her girls. Her youngest daughter asked, “What if they were looking for a mouse?” At that point, Kelly’s oldest daughter challenged Kelly to write that story and the rough draft of Lovey Mouse in The Night Before Christmas started. It’s amazing how challenges get us moving in God’s direction.

A few years later, we teamed up to solve another challenge, “How can we help parents make the true Christmas story more real for children?” Together, we decided Lovey Mouse in The Night Before Christmas just might be the way. Writing and rewriting to get the verses and rhythm just right was a great adventure. This resulted in a child’s activity book with audio narration and then the following year Lovey Mouse in The Night Before Christmas grew into a full children’s storybook.

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

It’s Christmas Eve in nine-year-old Eliza Jean’s house and Lovey Mouse is missing! While searching for her baby sister’s favorite toy, Lovey Mouse, Eliza Jean discovers the true gift of Christmas from an unexpected source. Eliza Jean finds Santa kneeling next to the fireplace under the stockings hung with care. Is he saying a prayer? The unique storyline of Lovey Mouse in The Night Before Christmas will ignite hope in the hearts of children and their parents as well.

As a child reads through these 28 pages, written in rhyme, he or she will discover a slight twist about Santa and the true meaning of Christmas.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Linda: We hang a long metal spike (representative of a stake used to nail Jesus to the cross) along the trunk of our Christmas tree before any other decoration goes on it. We pray and give glory to God for His Son.

Kelly: Our family hides Stan and Fran Snowman--a spinoff of Elf on the Shelf. Stan and Fran show up in December to help the Harris family get in the Christmas Spirit. Their first appearance is always near the Little People Manger scene. Stan and Fran bring reminders of what the real meaning of Christmas is in various ways, the most important meaning is we must search to find the Truth. (Stan and Fran hide in various places each night.) 

We both agree family being together is our best tradition. 

What’s next?

We have our second Lovey Mouse book, Lovey Mouse in An Easter Story already available on our website. Future Lovey Mouse books include Lovey Mouse in Dads Special Plan and Lovey Mouse in A Scary Halloween Night.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?

Kelly: Don’t get slowed down in the editing. Get the draft down then go back and fix it up. 

Linda: Write every day.

What do you know now about writing and publishing, you wish you had learned sooner?

Kelly: I wish I believed sooner that God can, will, and does use stories (and me) to reach people and to glorify Him. 

Linda: Where there’s a story, there’s a means to publish it. There is a season to seek traditional publishers and opportunities for independent publishing, don’t get hung up on who will publish your project, write it and it will find its home.

Any Last Words?

If God can use a story about a mouse to bring Him glory, He can use anything. Be encouraged to step out in faith on the adventure He calls you to!

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?

Linda’s personality books, LINKED a Quick Guide to Personalities, LINKED for Educators, LINKED for Parents are available on Amazon and your favorite bookstores.

If you’d like to learn more about any of these books, here’s how you can buy them:  https://www.livepowerfullynow.org/products/lovey-mouse-books