The holidays aren't easy for many people, and it always makes me glad to be able to do something for others, even if it's just checking on them or writing a story to make someone feel inspired to reach out to someone else. Christmas can really be the season of miracles if we open our eyes to them, and help make dreams come true for others.
The Christmas book I'm sharing is called Away in Deepwater. Samantha was living the perfect life, until she was betrayed by the man she thought was protecting her. Taking refuge in a tiny town, she plans to hide there, hoping to be left alone. However, she learns that Deepwater is filled with others who also arrived desperate to heal heartaches, and that the talents she's longing to hide might be just what they need.
Every year in November, I donate 25% of all of my book sales and KU page readers to "Toys for Tots." In addition, our family makes sure to seek out other ways to help in our community. We also own a huge pile of children's Christmas movies and books, and even though my babies are now 18 and 13, we still read them and watch them together. Except for the Grinch! My youngest is still terrified of him! My husband is in charge of the outdoor decorations, and we all work together on decorating the tree. This year, we have two new kittens, so I'm not sure how that's going to go...
What’s next in publication for you?
2026 is going to be an exciting year! My first series, The Red Ridge Chronicles will be wrapping up. I've been overwhelmed by the number of readers who've enjoyed those books. I'm creating a series set in Deepwater in 2027, to join all of the standalones I've written, and I'm very excited about that. It's a town that's special to me, since we all need a safe place to go and heal from life's heartaches, and find hope.
What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Ah! I love this question! Do you know, I'm actually a book editor as well? And I was one long before I was an author! Something I wish I'd known when I first started was to surround yourself with those in the writing community who encourage and support you. There are far too many people willing to tear you down because of jealousy. There's room for all authors, and all books. The success of one doesn't mean failure for another. If you are an author yourself, find those who will cheer you on, while you cheer for them. It will make difficult days so much nicer!
I felt fairly well prepared in most areas when I started writing. However, there is one thing that I think did come as a shock, and that's how absolutely hard it was to get to know others to cross promote. We authors aren't always outgoing. I'm certainly not! I've had to learn to be a bit more bold, and it's amazing the lovely authors who've taken time to answer my questions or let me get to know them. I appreciate each of them!
Any last words or tips?
Yes! For both readers and authors! If you are an author, the most important thing that you can do is to believe in yourself and keep going, even on the toughest of days. And if you are a reader, you reading our books and leaving reviews means far more than you know! It can be incredibly hard for someone without thousands of dollars to spend on advertising to be seen, and your rating stars are often what helps us to appear to other readers.
My newest book is about to be book 4 in my Red Ridge Chronicles series, and it's titled, The Doctor. Dr. Aiden Rycroft is new to town and counting down his days to leave when a mysterious illness sweeps through. With no medicine and the sickness spreading, he has to form an uneasy truce with one of the local gunslingers, a man who has already warned him to stay away from his sister but realizes she might be the only one to help the doctor.
That's all for today's interview, but I've got a special bonus from Sarah...
I'd love to offer everyone a free book! I've several to choose from, and there's no email sign up required. Of course, if you'd like to get my twice a month newsletter, you'll be first to have a chance with a monthly giveaway, more free books, and .99 sales. You can find all those free books right here: https://sarahlambbooks.weebly.com/get-a-free-book.html
And, if you'd like to follow her on Facebook, she had both a page and a reader community.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084836772631
https://www.facebook.com/groups/267880235688121
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