Monday, December 24, 2012

A Christmas Carol


I can’t help it.  Every year about this time, I re-read A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens.  I love it, I love the many versions I’ve seen in films, and I will read it next year … and the next.  Why?
Finally, I sat down and analyzed the appeal of this book.  It’s short, fairly readable (for Dickens), and it has strong themes.  The theme that strikes the strongest chord with me, though, is redemption.  I love watching this miserable, miserly, misanthrope (is that enough mis words?) transformed into a generous and lovable human being. I giggle at his nephew’s surprise at the change in his uncle, and delight in Scrooge as he discovers the joy in helping others.
Set in the 1840s in Victorian England, the story is as poignant today as when Dickens first wrote it. It’s my favorite story by Dickens, and it showcases his talent in describing settings and developing interesting characters. It’s a ghost story, a fairly scary one, and yet it’s ideal for getting you into the Yuletide spirit.

If you've not read the book, give it a try. And God bless us, everyone!

Monday, December 10, 2012

The Next Big Thing!

Many thanks to Pam Ripling for adding me to her blog hop. Pam is a multi-published, multi-talented lady. She designed cover art for my first four novels (Including the Quasar finalist Full Moon Honeymoon) and first two cookbooks. We were two of the launch authors (She wrote as Anne Carter) in 2001 for Wings ePress and have stayed friends and colleagues since.

I'll admit I'm a blog hop virgin. As I understand it, I follow her format and answer a few questions. Then I'll name a few of my author friends and invite them to join in the fun. Here goes!

What is your working title of your book (or story)?

Running Out of Time is the title of my May, 2013, release from Turquoise Morning Press. It's a time travel, which is a bit of a departure for me. I wrote a novella (Twilight Time) for the Romance on Route 66 anthology (and now a single release) and had so much fun with it, I decided to write another, longer story. Time travel is fun!


What genre does your book fall under?

Running Out of Time is a paranormal romance. There's a bit of intrigue, a bit of magic, and a lot of romance.


Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

It's always fun to cast my characters. I can see Miley Cyrus (especially with her new look) as my heroine and Josh Hutcherson as my hero.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

An elderly woman finds the perfect mate for her son...fifty years too late!

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

My publisher is Turquoise Morning Press, which was founded by author Maddie James. TMP published Rebuild My World, the third in my Mustang Sally series that began life with Medallion Press.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

About ten weeks, which is fast for me. I completely rewrote it last year because I wasn't happy with the original version.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Hmm. Most time travels jump back or forward more than fifty years, like the film Kate and Leopold. I was told there wasn't a market for a 1960s setting, but then I read about "Boomer lit" and decided I would try the older reader demographic. So if you're into retro, check out Running Out of Time. Of course, the younger readers should enjoy my twenty-one year old characters.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My husband. He told me stories of his active duty in Germany in the 1960s while serving in the U.S. Army. He brought out old slides and photos to help with my research. With his help, I was able to nail the setting--West Germany in 1963.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

While time travel stories are fantasy (deliberate anachronisms), they are educational, too. Readers interested in history and life during the Cold War should find Running Out of Time suitable reading. Also, it's tame enough for young adult readers.


Check out these talented authors I’m inviting to the blog hop party. I hope they’ll join in the fun and become part of The Next Big Thing!

Judith Leigh--author of inspirational romance and sweet romance (and my co-author: Romance on Route 66), including her latest story The Christmas Cake.

Maddie James--author of contemporary romance, including her latest, Broken.

Jan Scarbrough--author of contemporary romance, including her holiday novella, Santa's Kiss.

Dolores J. Wilson--author of Southern humor, romance, mystery, and women's fiction (as D.J. Wilson), including the paranormal Little Big Heart.


Elizabeth Sinclair--author of contemporary and paranormal romance, including the Hawk's Mountain series.
I hope you will check out these fine authors. Thanks for stopping by for a chat!