Author Interview: Faith Blum {12 Days of Christmas}

We're five days into the Christmas blog party, can you believe it?  Today we have another author interview, this time with Faith Blum!  Faith just published her first Christmas book this month titled O Come, All Ye Faithful, a collection of Christmas short stories.

About Faith:

Faith Blum is a small-town Wisconsin girl. She’s lived in, or outside of, small towns her whole life. The thought of living in a city with more than 60,000 people in it scares her, especially after some interesting adventures driving through big cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Faith currently resides in the middle of the state of Wisconsin with her husband and their cat, Smokey. She is blessed to be able to have writing as her full-time career with household work and cooking to do on the side. She loves to paint walls as long as she doesn’t have to do hallways or ceilings.

When not writing, you can find her cooking food from scratch due to food allergies (fun), doing dishes (meh), knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, or spending time with her husband (yay!). She is also a Community Assistant for the Young Writers Workshop and loves her work there. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to contact her on her website.

You can also find Faith on Facebook and her blog.

What inspired you to write a Christmas story?

My mom, actually. She mentioned that I hadn’t written any Christmas stories and asked if I would consider it. So I did. :)

What inspired you to write O Come, All Ye Faithful?

For that specific story in this collection, I was planning to start writing in the WWI era and had always been fascinated by the story of Christmas 1914 on the Western Front, so I decided to write it.

O Come All Ye Faithful 

Edwin wanted to be home, but instead he crouched in a trench. The English on one side of No Man’s Land and Germans on the other. What a way to spend Christmas. Could anything make it better? 

Peace on Earth

Emmie and Elana are estranged sisters, torn apart by an old boyfriend five years earlier. Will they survive a night in the same hotel room after a blizzard forces them together or will peace on earth go out the window? 

Silent Night

Christmas decorating had never gone this wrong. Jenna had just started when a crazy, gun-waving woman, walks right in the front door and ties her up in her own Christmas lights. Will Jenna even see her family this Christmas? 

The Gift Goes On

Four friends and a year to reflect on. The year had been good for Carlotta, but Priscilla, Remus, and Newton all had at least one trial through the year. A mysterious giver the previous year had helped them all out, though. What would this year’s gifts bring? 

O Christmas Tree

Gareth loves Christmas. But more than that, he loves Christmas tree hunting. As the family prepares for their annual trip, Gareth can barely contain his excitement. But what are all the spray bottles for?

What aspect of Christmas is your favorite to write about?

The preparation probably since almost all of these stories are about preparing for Christmas.

Did you write your Christmas book during the Christmas season, or all year round?

I wrote these stories in June and July, so not unless Christmas in July counts, I didn’t write it in the Christmas season at all.

What is one aspect in your book that you have a personal connection with?

In the last book of the series, Garrett is based off of my two youngest siblings and the cat is also inspired by somewhat true events. 

What is one thing that you want all your readers to get out of your Christmas book?

Christmas is a time for hope, no matter what the situation.

Thank you so much for joining us, Faith!
I'll be back tomorrow with some gorgeous Christmas covers.
Don't forget to visit Faith P.'s blog!

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Writing a Christmas Story {12 Days of Christmas}

Hey Y’all! Today I’m here to talk about writing some of my very favorite stories ever - Christmas stories. As of now I’ve written and published two Christmas novellas, as well as written several Christmas short stories. When it comes to both writing and reading, Christmas stories are some of my favorites. There’s just something so satisfying about sitting by a fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa and a book that brings the heart of the season home.

But what makes a Christmas story a Christmas story? Obviously it needs to take place sometime around Christmas time, but there are a few more elements I think are really important for us to keep in mind as we try to make our readers feel like they’re reading a holiday story. 

1. Family. This is arguably one of the biggest themes around Christmas time. During the holidays we travel to visit family, spend time with them, and catch up with those we haven’t seen in a while. In our society today, we struggle with the whole idea of family and what it means. But in a Christmas story we can bring our readers a little taste of what God intended. Because it’s during this season of peace on earth and goodwill to men that people are more open to ideas they would normally argue against. So let's take this opportunity to bring home to our readers the importance of family as God designed it. 

2. Snow. Now, I know. Not everyone lives in a place where they will get snow for Christmas. (I’m so sorry to those of you who don’t.) But I mean, come on. Hearing about a snowfall in a book just makes it feel like Christmas. It’s almost a requirement. 

3. Traditions. Even in this day and age of new technology and rapidly evolving changes, there’s something to be said for old-fashioned traditions. It’s a part of what makes Christmas so special. Maybe it’s attending church on Christmas Eve, or making a certain desert. Maybe it’s candles in the window like grandma used to do, or decorating the tree with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Whatever it is, it’s something that through all the time and change stands constant, year in and year out. It’s why Christmas is almost old fashioned, in some ways. Because even in 2018, many of us will follow traditions that have been around for over a century. No matter what tradition you choose, it’s important to have one in any Christmas book. 

4. Shopping and peppermint mocha. Don’t look at me like that; they totally go together. Who doesn’t go Christmas shopping? And who doesn’t want a peppermint mocha to keep them awake while they do it? Okay I mean maybe there are some people who don’t like peppermint, but that’s their loss.

5. The Christ story. Christmas isn’t all about Santa Claus and reindeer, pretty lights and shopping. It’s about the baby born in a manger who came to save us. That’s what we’re celebrating. And in whatever way, it needs to be the focal point of our Christmas story. Because that alone is the true christmas story. Jesus come as a baby to a sinful world. A pure, innocent child, to save us when we were unable to save ourselves. That’s love. And that’s what Christmas is all about.

Have you written a Christmas story?  What was your favorite part about the process?

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Author Interview: Rebekah Morris {12 Days of Christmas}

Welcome to day three of the 12 Days of Christmas party!  Today we have another guest that has graciously agreed to an interview, Rebekah Morris!  Rebekah is a talented author that has published a good many Christmas stories.

About Rebekah:

Rebekah A. Morris ia a homeschool graduate, an enthusiastic freelance author and a passionate writing teacher. Her books include, among others, Home Fires of the Great War, The Unexpected Request, Gift from the Storm, the Christmas Collection series, and her best selling Triple Creek Ranch series. Some of her favorite pastimes, when she isn’t writing, include reading, playing with her seven nieces and nephews, and coming up with dramatic and original things to do. (Sometimes with the nieces and nephews!) The Show-Me state is where she calls home. 

You can find Rebekah on her blog, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

What inspired you to write Christmas stories?

Christmas! I love Christmas and all that goes with it. One of my favorite things though, was listening to my mom read a few Christmas stories to us each year. Over the years we discovered a few more good Christmas stories, and then I decided to try my hand at writing one. My first story was: Unto Him (Published for the first time this month.) From that time on, I’ve written some sort of Christmas story every year. 

Which of your Christmas books is your favorite, and why?

Oh, that’s hard. I honestly don’t know. It would be a toss-up between “At the Christmas Lodge” (because I want to do everything they did), “First Christmas in America” (because it’s based on a true story), and “His Law Is Love” (because I’ve never set a Christmas story in AZ nor with those circumstances).

And speaking of His Law is Love, it also was just published this month!

Will hate and fear drown the song of Christmas love?

Amelia is eagerly anticipating her first Christmas in the west, but she soon finds that her brother-in-law's worry and her sister's exhaustion reach far deeper than the cares of a ranch and a family. A rash of fires and cattle thefts is plaguing the area, and the three young orphans they've sheltered are under suspicion from their prejudiced neighbors.

As hostilities mount, Amelia seizes every opportunity to help and encourage, but how much can one girl do? Will Reverend Brown win the community over to the true spirit of love? And will help arrive before everything they hold dear is destroyed?

What inspired you to write those books?

“At the Christmas Lodge” was inspired by the family get-togethers we used to have with my mom’s side of the family, only we never got that much snow! “First Christmas in America” came about after reading a story submitted by a Reminisce Magazine reader about their first Christmas in America. It brought tears to my eyes, and I knew I wanted to turn it into a story people could read every Christmas. “His Law Is Love” came about after watching some episodes of “26 Men” about the Arizona Rangers. My mind started spinning with ideas and then this Christmas story hopped out, and I had to write it.

What aspect of Christmas is your favorite to write about?

The joy of family, the true peace on earth, and memories each person creates.

Did you write all of your Christmas books during the Christmas season, or all year round?

Mostly I write them in November and December. Once January hits, I’m pretty much done with Christmas stories. :) I’ll even set aside an unfinished story until next season. If I’m publishing them before Christmas, I’ll usually have to edit them and stuff before November even arrives and that’s tough. :)

What is one thing that you want all your readers to get out of your Christmas books?

That Christmas is not toys, games, cookies, and “me time.” It’s about serving others, about family, about the wonderful Love sent to a word of sin. Yes, there is time for laughter (just read “A Christmas Disaster”), there’s also time to reflect on what has become important to you (read “The Christmas She Wanted”) but not everyone is happy at Christmas time (as is shown in “Christmas Smiles”). It all comes back to the real reason for Christmas: Christ came to earth to suffer for our sins that we might be reconciled to God. I hope each reader of my stories is reminded of that wonderful event.

Thank you so much for being our guest, Rebekah!

To our readers: come back tomorrow for a post full of tips about writing a Christmas story!
Again, don't forget to visit Faith's blog for the links to all the other participators!

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10 Gift Ideas for Writers {12 Days of Christmas}

Writers can be some of the hardest, yet easiest people to shop for when it comes to Christmas gifts.  Everyone is unique and have their own personalities, and therefore, preferences.  Some are picky, some are easy to please.  Either way, here are ten different gift ideas sure to please any writer.

1. Books, obviously.  Even though a writer's job is to create books, that doesn't mean we don't need a break to read someone else's writing to compare ourselves to refresh our minds.

2. Notebooks, preferably in a favorite color or style. Maybe with an inspiring quote or word on the front.  Pocket notebooks are also always welcome.

3. Pens/pencils, along with pen/pencil bags.  Writers can be quite picky when it comes to their writing utensils, so choose with care.

4. Giant mugs, thermoses, pretty much anything that will hold a substantial amount of drinkable liquid.

5. Starbucks gift cards, creamer, coffee or tea or cocoa packets... but y'know, coffee is the stereotypical writer's staple, so...

6. Electronics, AKA chargers, earbuds, iPods, laptops, bluetooth keyboards, etc.

7. Inspirational quotes, something they can put up in their workspace to encourage them to persevere when all they want to do is browse Pinterest, throw their manuscript out the window... anything to help procrastinate.

8. Candy.  Especially chocolate.  Something for them to subconsciously shove into their mouths for writing fuel.

9. Fuzzy stuff, be it hoodies, pillows, socks, scarves, blankets/throws... stuff like that.  Things that they can curl up with.  Even a stuffed animal would work.

10. Subscriptions to writing magazines.  Not only are they full of great articles with advice on various subjects, but it's a way to introduce them to new communities.

Whether you are a writer or have a writer in your life, I'm sure you could agree with me that these are all excellent gifts for a writer.

Tomorrow we have another author interview; stay tuned!

Again, visit Faith's blog for list of participators.

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Author Interview: Kellyn Roth {12 Days of Christmas}

Welcome to day one of the 12 Days of Christmas blog party, hosted by Faith Potts!  The next week and a half will be full of author interviews and other fun bookishness as we count down the final days to Christmas.  Today, as our first guest, author Kellyn Roth has graciously agreed to be interviewed!

About Kellyn:

Kell is a Christian & Historical author from North-Eastern Oregon who has independently published multiple novels, the most notable being The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy.

She founded the company Reveries Co. to help Indie authors achieve excellence affordably and without delay. Kellyn teaches writing through the Young Writer’s Workshop as well as privately.

She lives in the country outside a small town in North-Eastern Oregon with her parents, two little brothers, conceited beta fish, arbitrary cats, precious border collies, and various cows and chickens.

You can find Kellyn at her blog/website, Reveries.

Kellyn has published one Christmas story (with another soon to be published!), Esther Ashton's New Dress.  On to the interview!

What inspired you to write a Christmas story?

To tell you the truth, it was just the desire to write something about the "most wonderful time of the year." I love Christmas, and I'd always wanted to write about it - so that was my experiment. It turned out being fun!

What inspired you to write Esther Ashton's New Dress?

Well, mostly my love of WWII fiction. I love the "Gift of the Magi," but I didn't quite want to retell it; still, I'm told it sort of resembles that classic tale, which was fun!

Recently-orphaned Esther Ashton doesn’t expect much from Christmas with her brother away fighting in the South Pacific, her sister-in-law hospitalized with a new baby, and her job at the department store providing little to no profit. Will Esther have any sort of a Christmas or will it be another dud?

Esther Ashton’s New Dress, a Christmas short story, is sure to delight any fan of Christmas, the 1940s, and brevity.

What aspect of Christmas is your favorite to write about?

Definitely family gathering together to celebrate!

Did you write your Christmas book during the Christmas season, or all year round?

In the case of "Esther Ashton's New Dress," I wrote it in December. My other Christmas story, "Kind" (coming on the 22nd of December), was started during October and finished in November!

What is one aspect in your book that you have a personal connection with?

Does loving tiny babies count? I just loved talking about the wee baby in Esther Ashton's New Dress. So sweet! There aren't enough babies in my family - they've all grown up - so I'm waiting impatiently until my brothers get old enough to marry and have families of their own. :P (I'm told kidnapping is illegal, even if it's just for snuggles and even if the baby is a friend's. ;) )

What is one thing that you want all your readers to get out of your Christmas book?

Even if your Christmas isn't idyllic - for instance, there's a war going on or you're stationed in Germany with no hope of coming home - you can still find joy: in your loved ones, in helping others, or simply in the knowledge that Jesus Christ has come to the world to save us!

Thank you for joining us, Kellyn!

You can all join us tomorrow for a post full of ideas of Christmas gifts for writers.

For now, visit Faith's blog for the links to the rest of the participating blogs, as well as a giveaway!

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Give Us Your Feedback

Today's post is a little different than anything we've done before.  Today we want your input.  At times, it's difficult to know what type of posts to share, and what you readers like to read.  So we'd like you to give us input on what you'd like to see on our blog.  Is there anything you'd like to see more of?  Less?  Anything new that we've never done?  Simply put your ideas and thoughts into the form below.

There is no time limit!  I'll post the form on the sidebar as well.

NaNo Challenge {Winner!}

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the NaNo Challenge!  Every entry was unique and spoke volumes about each writer's style and voice.  If you like a particular entry and would like to discover more about the author but have no idea where to begin, here is a list of the name with their entry number:

Entry #1: Kellyn Roth

Entry #2: Faith Potts

Entry #3: Erika Matthews

Entry #4: A. Kaylee Harrison

Entry #5: Angie Thompson

Entry #6: Showers of Blessings (Brooklyne)

Entry #7: Alyssa Hupp

And the winner is: Alyssa Hupp!  Congratulations, Alyssa!  I'll be sending an email your way.

Thanks again to all participants!