Come Join the Celebration!

I think we all could use a bit of Christmas cheer right now! And I’m going to do my part to facilitate that feeling. From now until Christmas, I will be celebrating Christmas and Thanksgiving books to get you in the spirit of the holiday season.

Each blog post will feature one specific author and details about his/her holiday book(s). Each author will chat about their favorite holiday traditions and tell you about upcoming books. 

I will also post links to receive free books and options for other giveaways. 

I'll be featuring 16 authors who I hope will become some of your favorite.  So you don't miss a single update on an author or a giveaway, follow this blog! 

Here's your FIRST opportunity. You could win a Kindle Reader by following authors on social media. Sign up with the following link: 

https://authorsxp.com/win-books/win-a-kindle-reader

Christmas Wishes

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. 

Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide. 

A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights. Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. (Luke 2:8-14 The Message)

As you celebrate with family and friends, I hope you'll take time to focus on the reason for the season - A Savior was born who is Christ the Lord! May you find him in your heart today and always. 

Christmas from the Shepherd's Viewpoint with Crystal Vines

Christmas Day may have come and gone, but I believe the season should continue with this latest blog interview with a Christmas book that truly celebrates the season

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
I teach children's church. One Christmas, I was teaching about Jesus' birth when it dawned on me that I had never seen the shepherd's point of view in a children's book. 

Could you give me a short synopsis of the story for my readers?
A Gift for All of Us: A Shepherd's Tale is the nativity story from the shepherd's perspective. We know the story of Jesus' birth, but have you ever wondered how the event impacted those who witnessed it? My story gives children a glimpse into how a shepherd might have been touched by the awesome experience of being present at Jesus' birth.

A Gift for All of Us follows the shepherd,  Nathaniel, on his journey as he is directed by an angel to go to Bethlehem. He is so moved by his experience that he feels compelled to share it with others. Children will learn the joy of sharing their testimony along with the story of Jesus’ birth.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
I enjoy writing children's books and when the inspiration came to write about a shepherd, I thought it was a great idea. 

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
We open a Christmas Eve present, usually in pj's and while watching movies. We make gingerbread houses and drink cocoa. Christmas morning we come downstairs as a family and read Luke chapter 2. We open the rest of the presents. Then we spend the day watching Christmas movies.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)
Through December, I've done book signings. After the Christmas season, I will continue to work on more illustrations for a couple of my other books. 

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share?
I've learned to keep trying. If your books are rejected, see how you can improve them or try another. But don't give up. 

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
It's not as simple as getting your story to a publisher. There is more ground work than I assumed there would be. There are expenses involved in promoting and marketing a book. That starts with the little things like bookmarks and flyers and goes on from there.

Any last words or tips?

I love what I do as an author and illustrator. For me, writing is about creating and sharing stories. God has blessed me with the greatest opportunity. I am so thankful a publisher accepted my book and I started this awesome journey. I hope everyone enjoys my book as much as I did in writing and illustrating the story. I look forward to writing and sharing many, more to come. 

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Crystal and her writing, here are some ways to get you started.
My Twitter page-https://twitter.com/AuthorCrysVines
My Website-http://mommavines.wixsite.com/authorcrystalvines
My Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/authorcrysvines/

A Suspenseful Christmas: Author Interview with Maggie K. Black

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
I write romantic suspense and I really liked the idea of a Christmas-themed stalker who used things like ribbons, presents and wrapping to scare the heroine. It was a fun and creepy idea.

Could you give me a short synopsis of the story for my readers?

Our heroine, journalist, Samantha Colt, is suddenly abducted right before Christmas. She wakes up to find herself tied up with Christmas ribbon and an explosive device on her boss’s front porch, with no memory how she got there. She’s saved by a soldier, Joshua Rhodes. They feel an immediate romantic attraction, which they both fight against. But their connection only grows stronger when Joshua agrees to be Samantha’s bodyguard, and she continues to be tormented by her deadly, Christmas-themed stalker.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
I always knew that this would be a winter book, with heavy snow, storms and the freezing cold. I’m not quite sure when I decided to set it over Christmas, but once I did, I think it really made the story come to life.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
That’s a tricky question because recently I’ve been focusing on making Christmas smaller and simpler. Right now, my daughters are twelve and eight. When they were younger, I found we had so many traditions the holiday was getting crowded, so we started scaling back.

We always decorate a tree together, and put up lights outside and hang our stockings. My daughters are always in the Christmas pageant at church, and last year, we started putting the Christmas village out again too.

My favorite tradition is that we always take a family trip between Christmas and New Years. Usually, we go to Niagara Falls to see the lights, but one year we went to Florida. The family trip really helps stretch out the Christmas holiday to a whole week of togetherness and fun. Christmas is more than just a one-day celebration for us. We try to make it last until school starts again. Sometimes I save certain presents until later in December or give them one or two early, so they have things to open on different days.

What’s next?
Kidnapped at Christmas is my first book in the True North Bodyguards series. Joshua’s best friend Alex, who’s a fellow bodyguard, is the hero of Rescue at Cedar Lake which comes out this Spring. I’m currently writing the third and final book in the series right now. It’s called Protective Measures and focuses on Zoe.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given that you’d like to share?
I think there are a lot of different "right ways" to write a book, and no two writers approach a book the same manner. I think it’s important to just go for it, do your best and write the best book you can. Then when you’re done, get help from critique partners and editors. It’s very important to get help and advice from editors because they can make a book a lot stronger. My favorite quote is from Jodi Picoult who said, “You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page.”

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
I wish I’d known that I would succeed in getting published because I wasted so much time agonizing over whether or not I should be a writer! But I also wished I learned sooner that there is a whole world of help available for new writers. There are writing groups, helpful agents, amazing editors, writing coaches, freelance editors and associations like the Romance Writers of America. There are even writers who support each other on Twitter with the hashtag #amwriting. I felt very alone when I started out. I wish I’d found help and support earlier, and spent less time feeling too afraid to start.

Any last words or tips?

I do think it’s important to get up and try to pursue your dreams instead of agonizing over whether or not you’ll fail if you do. The biggest problem a lot of writers face is self-doubt. Whatever dream or goal we’re pursuing in life, we need to find encouragement and support to believe we can do it. Especially at Christmas!

That's it for today's interview. To learn more about Maggie's writing, here are some links to get you started. 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaggieKBlack
Harlequin page: http://books.harlequin.com/search#w=maggie%20k%20black
My blog: http://www.maggiekblack.com

Christmas is Evergreen: Author Interivew with Emily Mims

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
It’s part of the Smoky Blue series. I came up with the ukulele player because I play the uke myself and it fit in with the ongoing theme of folk and regional music showcased in the series. I came up with the theme because our hero gets the family he’s always wanted for Christmas.

Could you give me a short synopsis of the story for my readers? 

Leilani Mahuiki is searching for her father to provide the bone marrow to save her daughter’s life. Bradley Barstow is in search of the traditional family he’s never had. He loves Leilani and she loves him, but she can never give him the old-fashioned family he longs for so badly.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book? 

My publisher loves them and wants as many as they can publish. This is my third.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? 

Norfolk Island Pine Christmas trees and lights on the San Antonio Riverwalk

What other stories are in the pipeline for you? 

I have hopefully three more books to write in the Smoky Blue series.

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention? 

I have passed the twenty-fifth book mark and am about to pass thirty.

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

Sit down and WRITE. Push yourself past the blahs and the block. It will come.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner? 
I wish I hadn’t waited so long to revive my career. Twenty-eight years is a long time.

Any last words or tips? 

Have faith that you can do it! If a San Antonio chemistry teacher can do it, so can you!

That's it for today's interview. If you'd like to buy the book or learn more about Emily's writing, here is the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYZUFMM 

Christmas Duo Team Up: Authors Rachel McMillan and Allison Pittman

Today I have the pleasure of introducing two authors who teamed together to create one book featuring both of their novels. Could you give me a short synopsis of the stories for my readers?

Rachel: Falling for a Christmas Star is about two people ---a tenure track Medieval Women’s Studies professor, Merry Strathford  and a made-for-TV Christmas star, Sam Medina, who find love during the holidays. It takes you behind the scenes of the filming of a Serendipity Network movie.

Allison: Lone Star Christmas Lights is a San Antonio tale about coffee bar owner Mari Medina and Texas craft beer brewer Larsen Clarke who date via social media marketing campaigns while finding their way to each other.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?

Rachel: I love Christmas. It is my favourite time of the year by far. I start celebrating November 1. One of the reasons I love Christmas is the warm fuzzies you get from the endless roster of Made for TV Christmas movies that start Hallowe’en night.  It is my love for these movies ( and my chats with Allison about these movies) that really informed the creation of Starring Christmas.

Allison: I was excited for an opportunity to write in a contemporary voice. I love writing historical, but the idea of setting a story in this world—in my city—was just too enticing to pass up. Writing a Christmas-themed novella seemed a great way to dip my words into this water.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?  

Rachel: I always go up to my parent’s house ( in a small town in Ontario) and I love the snow and decorating the tree.  My favourite part of Christmas is the carols --- so candlelit Christmas eve services are another favourite tradition. We also go through my little hometown at night on a drive to look at the Christmas lights—that is another favourite tradition.  Toronto (where I live) hosts a European Christmas market in one of the oldest, Victorian areas of the city and that is a favourite visit of mine each year.  

Allison: Because I’ve spent my entire life living on a school calendar, Christmas has always been about that long vacation in the middle of the year. Visiting family, sleeping late, cooking and eating and cooking and eating…Just taking the day-to-day schedule and ignoring it for days on end. Our only real family tradition is that there are no traditions. Families are different from year to year. We just try to live with year-long forgiveness and grace.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)

Rachel: My Herringford and Watts series about trouser-wearing lady detectives in Edwardian Toronto have two new releases happening in 2017: Conductor of Light releases in January and The White Feather Murders in May.

Allison: My next novel release is still under wraps—another reason why I wanted to take this chance to get something out to my readers! Stay tuned, though. By this time next year, you’re going to read about a romance for the ages.

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

Rachel: You cannot wait for writer’s block to pass.  I am someone who has a career and writes in my spare time.  With deadlines looming and edits to do, if I waited for writer’s block to pass, I would never get anything done. If you get stuck, move ahead, work on another piece, rework a scene. But, always be writing.  

Allison: Don’t ever feel like you’ve learned enough. Continue to study the craft, ask questions, forge relationships with writers with whom you can exchange ideas and advice. Turn friendships into mentorships and vice-versa. Also, trust that your editing and marketing team come with a completely different skill set. Trust their instincts and judgment.

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

Rachel: That the first book you submit to an agent or publisher may not be the one that gets you through the door.   It takes perseverance and always having another manuscript in your back pocket. You have to be malleable.

Allison: Be ever-aware of opportunities to promote your books. Not obnoxiously, but in places where they’ll fit into the conversation.

Any last words or tips?  

Rachel: If writing stops being fun, then find something else to do!

Allison: hahaha…because I would never characterize writing as “fun” for me. Satisfying? Usually. But fun—not until the project gets to the written stage. What makes it fun is being a part of the writing world. Find people who do what you do and nourish those relationships. 

Starring Christmas is largely a product of the friendship between Rachel and me. Lots of internet chats and messages. We talk about writing and books and stories—we see each other through that lens. Find someone to be that other part of you. Non-writers don’t get it.

That's it for today's interview. If you would like know more about this book and their writing, here are some links to get you started.
To buy Starring Christmas: http://amzn.to/2hPU0Y6
Allison's page: https://www.amazon.com/Allison-Pittman/e/B001JP0ZG4
Rachel's page:http://amzn.to/2hvE94o 

An Alaskan Christmas: Author Interview with Teri Wilson

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS is a Christmas romance about a woman who unexpectedly inherits a struggling reindeer farm that comes complete with three dozen unruly reindeer and one handsome, brooding ranch hand. I first got the idea for this book when I was watching the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on television and saw a dog that had been bred for herding reindeer. I'd already written two books set in Alaska and really wanted to write a Christmas-themed story set there. When I saw that dog on television, the rest of the plot just came to me.

You've had one book that became a Hallmark Movie (Unleashing Mr. Darcy) and I understand this book is also in the process of becoming a movie. Could you give me the details about that?
The book has been optioned for film by the Hallmark Channel and is currently in pre-production. The script has been written, and filming should start soon. The movie will most likely air on Hallmark during the 2017 holiday season.

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

Owning her own plane is all charter pilot Zoey Hathaway's ever dreamed of. So when she inherits a struggling reindeer farm, with three dozen unruly reindeer and one dangerously attractive ranch hand, Zoey's well-crafted plans seem to fly out the window. Now she must put her trust in Alec Wynn, and hope that the troubled cowboy's past won't interfere with her plans to save the farm. Zoey knows that if she wants to succeed, she can't do everything on her own. But as she accepts Alec's help, she'll soon realize it's not just her farm that's at stake—but her heart.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS is part of my Alaska series for Harlequin Love Inspired. As soon as I started writing books set in Alaska, I wanted to write a Christmas story set there because it's just the perfect setting for a holiday story. Alaska looks like a gorgeous Christmas card all year round.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

I love to go see the living nativity scene at our church, and going to the candlelight service on Christmas Eve is also a family tradition. Afterward, we come back home to eat chips and queso and open Christmas gifts. On Christmas Day, my family always goes to see a movie together. I'm a huge fan of Christmas movies. My favorite is It's a Wonderful Life. Every year I watch it while I bake a batch of cookies during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)
I have six books releasing in 2017. Three of them are part of my Drake Diamonds series for Harlequin Special Edition. The other three are a new series I'm writing for Pocket Books called The Royals. The first book in The Royals series is called ROYALLY ROMA, and it's a modern retelling of the Audrey Hepburn/Gregory Peck movie, Roman Holiday.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share?
Write every day whether you feel like it or not. It's important to develop the habit of writing. Once you start, the inspiration will come. If you wait to feel inspired before you start writing, you will never finish anything.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
Every writing career has ups and downs, but you will have countless opportunities to reinvent yourself. If you love writing, don't give up.

Any last words or tips?
Read, read, read!

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Teri's current books and upcoming projects, here are some options for you. 

Website: www.teriwilson.net

Twitter: @teriwilsonauthr

Amazon link for SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS: https://www.amazon.com/Sleigh-Bell-Sweethearts-Love-Inspired-ebook/dp/B00D4MVG7W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1477275894&sr=1-1&keywords=sleigh+bell+sweethearts

Amazon link for ROYALLY ROMA: https://www.amazon.com/Royally-Roma-Royals-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01JGQAHQU/ref=la_B002BLJIU4_1_14?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1477276894&sr=1-14&refinements=p_82%3AB002BLJIU4

Writing the Christmas Theme: Author Interview with C.J. Carmichael

C. J. Carmichael is a USA Today Bestselling author has written over 45 novels in her favorite genres of romance and mystery. She has been nominated twice for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, as well as RT Bookclub’s Career Achievement in Romantic Suspense award, and the Bookseller’s Best honor.

What made you decide to write several Christmas themed books
Over the years I've discovered that I enjoy writing Christmas romance more than any other type of romance, possibly because of the feeling of magic that surrounds the holiday, at least for me. I enjoy edgy, provocative main characters as much as the next person, but when I'm looking for a holiday read, I want to root for a woman who is truly a kind and good person, and an honorable man who is willing to put his woman's best interests ahead of his own. I also love including a child in my stories who is need of "rescuing" of some sort. Because Christmas if for children, right?

Could you give me a short synopsis of your favorite for my readers?
A Bramble House Christmas is one of my favorite holiday stories. The hero of his story, Finn Knightly (a.k.a. Finn Conrad) wants to know why his recently deceased father left his nurse fifty thousand dollars after knowing her a mere six weeks. So he travels to Bramble House B&B in Marietta, Montana to find answers.

But Willa Fairchild is not the conniving woman he expects to find. Before he knows it, Willa-and her six-year-old son Scout-are stealing his heart. And that’s before he finds out Scout’s secret and the real reason this Christmas is so important.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
There are many! Baking and getting the house decorated for Christmas. Watching holiday movies with my family. And waking up Christmas morning to open stockings by the fire.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)

Currently, I'm working with 5 other authors on a year long series Love at the Chocolate Shop. We'll be putting out one book a month for a year beginning with October 2016 and ending September 2017. These books have a lot of the heartwarming appeal of the Christmas stories I love so much.

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
I've very excited that A Bramble House Christmas is currently on option for a TV movie, with plans for a Christmas 2017 release. Plus, it was nominated for a RITA award by Romance Writers of American in 2016, so I guess there are others who like this story besides me!

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share?
Learning how to use conflict to create compelling stories and characters was crucial for me. Whenever my writing seems to be lagging, it's generally a lack of conflict that's to blame.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
In romance, it's smart to create a fictional community and write a series of at least 4 or 5 books. That's the best way to get known and to build a readership.

Any last words or tips?
At the beginning of a career, I think it's smart for an author to focus on one genre for at least five to ten years.

That's it for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about C.J.'s books, here are some options to get you started. 

A Bramble House Christmas: http://cjcarmichael.com/books/bramble...
Love at the Chocolate Shop FB Page:https://www.facebook.com/LoveattheCho...
My website: http://cjcarmichael.com/

An Oklahoma Christmas read: Author Interview with Linda Brooks Davis

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
A Christmas to Remember is a natural next step after The Calling of Ella McFarland. Readers asked what happens with Ella and Andrew in the future. Since their love for one another is such a strong thread in Ella’s story, a Christmas novella focusing on them—and the challenges to their relationship—seemed a natural next step. 

In addition, in the last few pages of The Calling of Ella McFarland, readers learn Ella and Andrew have taken in five orphaned sisters. What better time than Christmas to see what’s going on with those girls?

Could you give me a short synopsis of the story for my readers?

Readers first met Ella in the multi-award winning, The Calling of Ella McFarland. They cheered as feisty Ella battled to raise women from dark places, and they fell in love with Andrew alongside Ella. In the novella, A Christmas to Remember readers revisit Ella and Andrew three years into their marriage. Oklahoma has achieved statehood, and life in the cottage on the banks of Rock Creek has changed. What could have prepared the couple for the challenges thus far? Or those ahead? It's Christmas, 1908, and Ella's life is about to be transformed. Again.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
What time of the year is more saturated in love than Christmas? What better gift is there than Jesus? What better time to focus on children? For a couple as deeply in love as Ella and Andrew, Christmas is the perfect time to highlight love, gifts, children, and Jesus.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

My favorite tradition is our grandchildren’s gathering at our house for the opening of the ornament boxes. Snapping off the lids … folding back the paper … peeling aside the batting … and holding up the same ol’ ornaments never lose their appeal. The ornaments don’t change from one Christmas to the next. Nor do the stories that accompany them. “This tiny wooden angel was made in Germany and bought for your mother for her first Christmas” … “This one was from our trip to the Passion Play in Oberammergau” … “Your dad gave me this little hedgehog when he was nine” … on and on they go. Each lifting of an ornament from a box, holding it to the light, and recounting its history is a gift to me each year.

This year I went through my mother’s old ornaments and divided them four ways—for myself and my three brothers. Now the tradition that began in Mother’s living room and is continued in mine is multiplied four times over! Can’t get any better than that.

What’s up next for your writing?

I’m currently working on a second novel telling the story of a different character from The Calling of Ella McFarland. It’s set in 1914 Oklahoma but moves elsewhere. Stay tuned!

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
After winning the 2014 Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel award, The Calling of Ella McFarland debuted in December 2015. It just recently won the 2016 ACFW Carol Award in the debut category. I never dreamed it would be so honored. The story is fictional, but it’s sewn together with threads of truth from my ancestors’ lives and the Gospel.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share?
From Jerry Jenkins: “Get the story down.”

This may seem like one of those “Duh” comments, but it couldn’t be more helpful to someone like me. I catch myself trying so hard to perfect a chapter, a paragraph, even a sentence as I go along that I can’t progress. And so the reminder to get the story down, that the first draft is me telling me the story, is a tip worth gold.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
The publishing world is tough. Few velvet gloves exist even in Christian publishing. Not everyone will appreciate your story. Or come away inspired. Not everyone will rave about your prose. Or your captivating plot. But that’s okay. Not everyone drives the same make or model or color of car. Do we all enjoy sweet tea? Or choose shabby chic decor?

Readers’ tastes vary. And so do agents’ and publishers’. But that doesn’t change the why we write. Or the for Whom.

Any last words or tips?
Focus on why you’re writing. Prepare yourself. Put in the time and effort. And release the rest to God.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Linda's writing and upcoming books, here is how to get started.
Website: http://lindabrooksdavis.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaBrooksDavis/
Twitter: @LBrooksDavis
A Christmas to Remember: http://amzn.to/2e5rlw7
The Calling of Ella McFarland: http://amzn.to/2duESxx

Hope at Christmas: Author Interview with Laurie LeClair

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
The idea for a Christmas-themed book began the moment Gabriel Angel was born in my mind years ago. I wanted to know if a man who had lost everything could find faith again. In 2014, I finally wrote that touching book, The Heart Remembers. It took me two more years to try to do justice to that first book and write the sequel, The Gift Of Hope. The holiday themes of hope, faith, love, family, and friends continue with this heartwarming series.

Could you give me a short synopsis on the story for my readers?
The Gift Of Hope (An Angel Mountain Novel) - Can a man who has lost faith in others dare to believe in the magic of the Christmas Angels to lead him and the townspeople to the faith, hope, and love they need to save Angel Mountain?

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
There’s something about Christmas that brings out the best in people. We’re more giving of ourselves and more compassionate to the plights of others. It’s a wonderful and humbling time of year. Also, I wanted to write an inspirational holiday book to touch on the meaning of hope and faith in each of us and how just clinging to them can bring us through the worst of times and carry us to be the best people we can be.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Growing up, we would go to my grandmother’s house where she, my aunts, and my mother would cook pork pies and another Portuguese dish for Christmas Eve. “Santa” would arrive a few hours later with his sack of gifts, select a present and call out the family member’s name listed on the gift, and that person would have to sit on Santa’s lap and take a picture as they received it. Everyone in the family – more than forty of us – would get a present and have our turn. 

The next day, everyone would go back to my grandmother’s house where she made the best chicken and stars soup, a big ham dinner, and serve delicious desserts my mom and my aunts made. My dad, my aunts. and uncles would spend the afternoon playing cards, my mom and her sisters would catch up and gossip, and all the cousins would play and share our new toys. Also, we’d have a little birthday party for my mom (my family’s miracle Christmas baby).

Today, I continue that tradition of making a pork pie every Christmas Eve and my husband and I watch my favorite movie, It’s A Wonderful Life. On Christmas day, my husband and I spend a quiet morning opening gifts. Later, we cook Christmas dinner together while catching up on the phone with family and friends who live far away.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)

I have so much going on the rest of this year and into the new year. I’m working on my new series for Tule Publishing! The three, sweet contemporary western books will be out in 2017. Also, I’m plotting my next book in my romantic comedy series, Once Upon A Romance. I love writing these funny romances and the next one – number 11 - will be out in early 2017. More books in this series are on the schedule.

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
I have an honorable mention award for one of my books, cover awards for three others (one was for the cover and the blurb), and Amazon bestselling status with some of my books in the romantic comedy series. Honestly, after writing for twenty-six years, I just feel so blessed to be writing the books. I love and connecting with readers who love them.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share?
Write the “crappy” first draft – no stopping, no editing, just write. Get the words down. Edit later. Polish again and again until it shines. As the great Nora Roberts says, you can’t edit a blank page. 

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
On writing: I don’t know who said this, but it is something that resonates with me now. Being a writer means you always have homework. Study your craft and keep studying it. It is a never-ending process that helps you grow as a writer. 

Find what works for you. I would attend a workshop, hungry for tidbits, and immediately follow the speaker’s advice, hoping that it would be the “secret code.” I wasted a lot of time chasing someone else’s method that was great for them, but not so great for me. Knowing who you are and how you operate – on a learning level and in your writing process - is invaluable in discovering the key to unlocking what works best for you.

On publishing: What worked then, doesn’t necessarily work now. What works now, will not always work in the future. The one thing that is guaranteed in this industry is that it will change and you must adapt and change with it or you’ll be left behind.

Any last words or tips?
DON’T GIVE UP ON YOURSELF! If writing is your dream, don’t allow your fears to dominate you so much so that it stops you from pursuing that dream. The time will pass no matter what you are doing in your life. 

Five years from now, wouldn’t you rather look back and know you tried your best to go after your dream than to curse at the time you wasted not doing anything to further your dream?

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to know more about Laurie's current and future books, click on her link:  www.laurieleclair.com

A Texas Christmas: Author Interview with Jolene Navarro

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

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? 

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? 

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? 

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.

https://www.amazon.com/Jolene-Navarro/e/B00CGBRMCA/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_1

http://jolenenavarrowriter.com/

Christmas Love Letters: Author Interview with Glenys Nellist

Glenys Nellist is a Zondervan children's book author of two popular series: Love Letters from God and Snuggle Time. Besides writing for children she is also active with the children's ministry at her church.

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?Christmas Love Letters from God is the third in a series of Bible story books for children. My inspiration came from a little book that we used to read when my four sons were young. It was called The Jolly Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, a wonderful book in which the pages are actual envelopes that contain real letters. For my sons, there was tremendous excitement every day as they opened and took out each new letter. 

When I decided to write a children’s Storybook Bible, I felt God whisper to me, Remember the letters? Write Bible stories with letters after each one, from me, to the child. This then, became my inspiration behind Love Letters from God and then Christmas Love Letters from God, both of which contain lift-the-flap letters from God, to the child.

Could you give me a short synopsis of the story for my readers?
Beginning with the prophecy in Isaiah, and ending with the visit of the Wise Men, Christmas Love Letters from God takes young readers on a journey through Christmas in seven chapters and letters. The stories are written using a combination of both prose and rhyme, and each one ends with a lift-the-flap letter from God, which can be personally addressed to the child. Since there are seven stories in the book, it makes a wonderful daily devotional to enjoy in the week leading up to Christmas.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
After the success of Love Letters from God, it was really just the next, natural step to take.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

It’s an interesting question. I am from England, and so my favorite Christmas traditions originate from there, but now that I live in the USA, I have new ones! 

In England, I used to love singing Christmas carols around the neighborhood with my church family and making mince pies. As a little girl, we would always put a mince pie out for Father Christmas (not Santa!) and a carrot for Rudolph on Christmas Eve. Then we would go upstairs with my dad to see if we could see Father Christmas’s light. (We always could…because we lived on a hill overlooking a town, and on any given night, there would be a thousand twinkling lights). 

Now that I live in Michigan, I don’t make mince pies anymore (but I do decorate Christmas cookies with my grandsons) and of course, we love to decorate the tree and eat together, as our family always did in England.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)
I’m excited to announce that Girls' Love letters from God will be published in April 2017, followed by 'Twas the Evening of Christmas (October 2017) and Easter Love Letters from God in the spring of 2018. I also have new titles coming out in my Snuggle Time Series and more beyond that! God is good, and can do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

Love Letters from God, my first book, was a finalist in the 2014 ECPA Christian book awards ..something only God could do. 

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given that you’d like to share?
I love the advice that I heard from an editor at my first writers’ conference. She said: Your writing has to sing. I really hope mine does.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
I wish I had known more about marketing when my first book came out… having just published my sixth, I am so much better at it now!

Any last words or tips?
Since we’re talking about marketing, the best piece of advice I could share with aspiring writers or authors is to keep writing. Subsequent books will do much more to market you and your work than any tweet or Instagram photo. So keep writing!

That's it for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Glenys's writing, here are some options for you.
http://www.glenysnellist.com/

https://www.facebook.com/GlenysNellistAuthor/

https://twitter.com/GlenysNellist
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Love-Letters-God-Stories/dp/0310748240/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Listen to Glenys read 'Mary's Song' from Christmas Love Letters from God 

A Double Christmas Novella - Author Interview with Karen Kinna

Prior to writing her romantic suspense novels, Karen Kinna wrote an entertainment columnist for a large newspaper chain based in southern British Columbia. Those interviews and updates on celebrities gave her great background for writing her stories. Now she's expanded to include writing a Christmas-themed suspense novel.

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
I grew up in the cold rugged Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, and I've always wanted to write a romantic suspense set there. The Canadian frontier in wintertime is still as hard and unforgiving as in yesteryears... and I wanted to explore what would happen to my characters if they were stripped of modern conveniences such as cell phones, cars, and electricity. 

Staying warm, finding food, being pelted by snow and ice, hunted by wolves ... these are themes I wanted to explore. I deliberately wanted to juxtapose the notion of being warm and safe at Christmastime versus being out in the elements, fighting for one's very survival. Christmas is such an emotional time, isn't it? Family dynamics, cozy dinners at the hearth, traditions. I wanted to turn that upside down.

Tell me how the story came to be

Christmas in Canada was actually written two years apart as two novellas about twin sisters who survive a blizzard in the Canadian wilderness on Christmas Eve. Identical twin sisters, Claire and Mac Adams, couldn't be more different! Each woman finds herself on a terrifying Christmas Eve adventure -- and each meets the man of her dreams in the process...

Set in the lush snowy landscape high up in the Cascade Mountains of British Columbia, these two novellas are spine-tingling adventures of life and death... and unexpected passion.

Now let's hear the story details
Once Upon an Avalanche was written in 2012, and it's about realtor Claire Adams and billionaire oil tycoon Travis Smith from Austin, Texas. Type-A Claire has her life scheduled to a nano-second... and she doesn't intend to let Travis derail her Christmas plans. However, when a white-out blizzard hits the alpine ski chalet he is looking to buy, and her trusty Jeep fails to start, the two are trapped on the mountain and must work together to rescue a local family trapped by an avalanche.

What's the second one all about?

Once Upon an Airport was written in 2014. 'Goth Girl' Mackenzie (Mac) Adams doesn't have time for a man. She's into music, airplanes, and drives a truck. Her grandfather raised her to hunt and fish and take care of herself. She certainly has no warm feelings for stranded helicopter pilot Beau Lamont from Baton Rouge Louisiana. Working at the small-town airport on Christmas Eve, Mac is waiting for her grandfather to arrive in his tiny float plane so she can drive him to Christmas dinner. Instead of her grandpa, Beau lands his chopper just as the worst snow storm in thirty years hits. The two form an unlikely alliance as they must strap on skis and set out after dark in response to the mayday from Charlie Adams. The old man has crashed in the back country, and there are no roads to the crash site. Mac and Beau race against time to rescue the old man, trying to stay one step ahead of frostbite and exhaustion, and the wolf pack that encircles them.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
I live in Texas now, and was missing snow. We have twinkle lights on palm trees here in San Antonio! But, then, I remembered how bone-chilling and dangerous four feet of snow can really be, and I wanted to explore that. A "ruined" holiday that turns into an epic love story was a great draw as well. I wanted my Christmas story to be "sweet" but "terrifying." I think I succeeded there.


What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

My three kids always get to open one present on Christmas Eve. It's also my son's birthday, so we usually have a big family party with a birthday cake, too. Every year we go to a different church to witness the nativity play, or a caroling concert. Then, we come home and leave out baby carrots for Rudolf and sugar cookies for Santa. My extended family is all back in B.C., so when my son flies down to Texas for Christmas and his birthday, it's really special. He's 24 now, but he and his sisters still put out the carrots for the reindeer. He gets a kick out of how warm and sunny the Texas Christmas is.

What’s next?
I'm writing another cowboy romance - Forgiving Jake - set in Sheridan, Texas. And I'm also working on a CIA suspense set in Hawaii called "Aloha Angel." Both are steamy hot romances. At some point, I need to finish the third book in my WILD AT HEART trilogy. The first two books are available on Amazon and Kindle. The third book will be set in Seattle on a marine biologist's boat, so I'm anxious to get to that project.

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
I won a few awards back in Canada when I was just starting out writing 24 years ago. I'm a published journalist - my byline ran three times a week in a Vancouver newspaper. So, as much as I miss the constant deadlines, I'm getting older, and slowing down suits me just fine. That early training makes me open to edits. I never get too attached to what I write because sometimes an editor or agent can see something in your work that needs to be tweaked that makes it ten times better!

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

Write every day. Even one sentence. Just to stay "inside" your story. Otherwise, you really can't call yourself a writer, can you?

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
I wish I hadn't been afraid to self-publish fifteen years ago. I'm kinda late to the party. It had a stigma to it back then... as if you couldn't possibly be "good" if you published your own novels. Hogwash! I spent more years than I can count trying to work with the big New York publishers. They "loved my work" but wanted to cut my quirky secondary characters. I'm glad I didn't. I'm glad I stuck to my guns. My quirky characters and subplots tend to be the things that my fans love best. I get letters all the time about it.

That's it for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Karen and her books, here is the link to her website for all the details: www.KarenKinna.com