THE CHRISTMAS TREE TREASURE HUNT - Marji Laine and Eight Other Authors - Ebook Free For Everyone Today

I'm thrilled to be featuring Marji Laine today. She's one of the authors I've been mentoring for quite awhile. And I love her writing.

Now Marji, suddenly your name is on the cover of a book. How did that happen?

Back in October, I heard about a contest that Write Integrity Press hosted for their Christmas novella. They invited unpublished authors to submit a chapter using their premise and mine was chosen as the best fit with the rest of their authors. I danced on the ceiling for a solid week! It was a quick turnover, though. I learned of the win a few days before they announced it on November 30 and already the Kindle version of the book is available on Amazon. (And today it's free!) (The link for the book is http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Tree-Treasure-Hunt-ebook/dp/B00AIVXGRA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355114766&sr=8-1&keywords=the+christmas+tree+treasure+hunt)

So how did the Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt work?

It started off being posted in the authors' blogs. Serial form. Didn't Mark Twain and Charles Dickens start out that way? Then yesterday, instead of posting the final chapter, we've invited everyone to download the Kindle book for FREE for the next couple of days. That final chapter is the perfect ending for the story!

Tell us about the story.

I have to say, I'm blown away that nine different authors wrote this. The continuity of character and plot is extraordinary. Downright shocking as we all have very different voices. But the story itself made me bawl, twice! So touching.

Here is the back cover information:

Grace takes delivery of a package and her life is turned upside down by nine sealed mystery envelopes from her late grandmother. Grammie’s instructions require Grace to take the journey of her lifetime, not only to far off places, but also into the deepest parts of her heart. As she follows the trail laid out for her and uncovers her family’s darkest secrets, Grace is forced to confront the loss and betrayal that has scarred her past and seek the greatest Christmas Treasure of all.

Did you and the other authors collaborate or brainstorm at all about the story?

No, and that's another reason why the way it folded together so beautifully has me in total awe. There were a few little adjustments made here and there, but everyone seemed to be on the same frequency. I can only describe it as a series of connections by the Holy Spirit. And after reading the full story, I'm convinced that is exactly what happened.

And where did your chapter take Grace?

I'll have to let you read it to find out. My trip is Chapter Five. But I will tell you that it was inspired by my son's last two mission trips. His descriptions and stories sparked my creativity. I even used a couple of his pictures on my blog when I posted my chapter. (That link, if you'd like to use it is: http://marjilaine.com/2012/12/07/christmas-tree-treasure-hunt/)

Thank you, Marji, for sharing this with us.

Readers, everyone can click on the link near Marji's picture and download the book. If you don't have a Kindle, you can download Kindle for PC, Kindle for iPhone, or Kindle for Android free and read the book that way.

Check back later today for this week's winners.