Welcome, dear friends, to my blog. I’m thrilled to
interview you together. How did your story for the collection come about?
Cara: I’ve always loved Bing Crosby singing White
Christmas, and it was perfect that the song became an instant hit in 1942, the
year of my novella. I knew I wanted the heroine to work at the local candy
store/soda fountain, and Sarah found out the puzzle company had been in
business since long before WWII. But I needed a reason for my hero to work
there and not in the war effort. So that got my thoughts spinning to a
displaced farmer who suffered an illness as a child that keeps him out of the
service. But what made him leave the farm? That legal issue became the pivot
the story turned on.
Sarah: This
story idea flew together so quickly that it’s hard to track. A sentimental
Christmas song came on the radio, and it made me cry, and I hated that it made
me cry. So being a writer, I analyzed why the song had such an emotional
impact. A child in need…And suddenly little Linnie Kessler is looking in the
department store window, hoping to see her daddy, her daddy who was killed in
the war. Instead she sees Lt. Pete Turner, a fighter pilot running on empty.
When Pete takes Linnie home, he’s captivated by the child’s widowed mother—who
is not happy to see Pete. Her former bully.
What are you reading right now?
Tricia: I
just finished The Bridge to Haven by
Francine Rivers. It reminded me how much I adore her writing so I started A Voice in the Wind. It’s been about
fifteen years since I read Francine’s Mark of the Lion series and I’m enjoying
it!
Cara:
Currently I’m reading The Story Keeper
by Lisa Wingate and In Perfect Time by
Sarah Sundin…oh, and some really exciting statistics and project management
textbooks.
What other books have you had published?
Sarah: This
is my first novella, so it was a lot of fun! I have six novels published, all
set in World War II. My most recent release is In Perfect Time.
Tricia: I’ve
published a bit of everything. I have forty-five books published. Most of those
are historical fiction novels, but I’ve also written many Amish novels. I’ve
also written parenting and marriage books, and books for teens. So you can say
a bit of everything. This fall I also have a novella releasing in the Amish
collection An Amish Second Christmas.
Cara: This
is my 19th book, so I’m somewhere betwixt and between Sarah and Tricia. One of
those was the Complete Idiots Guide to
Business Law. The rest have been novels. A mix of WWII historical romances
and contemporary romantic mysteries. Readers can learn more about my books and
read first chapters at www.caraputman.com.
What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a
novella collection?
Sarah: The
hardest part was not “owning” all the characters. Both Abigail (Cara’s heroine)
and Merry (Tricia’s heroine) appear in my story. It felt strange writing about
Abigail and Merry—I wanted to capture them as Cara and Tricia had written them.
We had a lot of email conversations along the lines of “What would Abigail be
doing now?” “Would Pete really say that?” or “What is Merry feeling at this
time?”
Cara: The
coordination was a great challenge. Fortunately, Sarah is the spreadsheet
queen, so she kept us on track. This is my third collection like this, and I
love the collaborative aspects of working on collections.
How did collaborating with this team impact you?
Sarah: These
ladies are high-energy idea generators. I’m a sloth, and I get one good story
idea a year. Listening to them brainstorm taught me good lessons about letting
ideas flow and change and shift directions.
Tricia: I
was SO impressed by both of them. Sarah is so organized, and Cara is so fun and
passionate. Honestly I’d work with them all the time if I could. It truly was a
great team!
Cara: I’ve
long admired Sarah and Tricia, so when I decided I wanted to explore writing a
WWII Christmas collection, I knew I wanted to do it with them. I was THRILLED
when they said yes. It was such fun to work together.
How do you choose your characters’ names?
Sarah:
Linnie’s name came attached to her—I have no idea where it came from! For Pete
and Grace, I looked at names popular in the era. Pete has the strong,
no-nonsense quality, and Grace has such quiet beauty—and ironically my heroine
needs to learn to extend grace. Also, Grace was my grandmother’s name. She
passed away in March, long after I’d finished this story, but it was fitting to
dedicate this novella to her.
Tricia: I
chose Meredith because I wanted to use the Christmas song, “Have Yourself a
Merry Little Christmas.” I have a friend who was born on Christmas and her name
is Merry, so I thought Merry could be short for Meredith. As for the other
characters, I also looked for popular names from that time period. I had fun
looking up Dutch names, too!
Cara:
Abigail is my oldest’s name, and she wanted a book of her own. I also love the
meaning of the name: Fountain of Joy. Abigail has a bit of that personality,
though muted by a pain she has to overcome.
What did you want the reader to take away from your
story?
Sarah: That
God alone can fill the empty places in our lives.
Tricia: That
God can work all things out for good and our mourning can turn to joy!
Cara: That
God will lead us through the pain in our past if we’ll let Him.
Are you a member of American Christian Fiction
Writers? If so, why?
Sarah:
Absolutely! I tell aspiring writers that ACFW is like having a mini-conference
in your email inbox every day. The courses are excellent, the loop is a great
way to connect, the genre loops are fantastic for research help, and the
conference is top-notch!
Tricia: Yes,
although I’m not as active as I wish I could be. I highly recommend ACFW to
aspiring novelists. It’s an organization filled with amazing people!
Cara: Yes! I’m
published because of what I learned at ACFW and the people I’ve met at the
conferences. I’ve also been very active on the boards and in other positions
since 2006. I love this organization and giving back!
What is the best piece of advice you received as an
author?
Tricia: The
best advice I’ve received is to write from the highs and lows of your own life.
The emotional themes I’ve written about are similar ones that I’ve experienced.
This helps pack emotion into the story.
Cara: To be
disciplined. Keep writing even when you don’t feel like it. If you do, you’ll
have a book in a year. And be teachable. You can always learn more!
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
Tricia Goyer
Facebook
www.facebook.com/authortriciagoyer
Twitter
www.twitter.com/triciagoyer
Pinterest
www.pinterest.com/triciagoyer
Cara Putman
Sarah Sundin
Thank you, ladies, for sharing this Christmas novella collection with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Where Treetops Glisten - Christianbook.comWhere Treetops Glisten: Three Stories of Heartwarming Courage and Christmas Romance During World War II - Amazon
Where Treetops Glisten: Three Stories of Heartwarming Courage and Christmas Romance During World War II - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
53 comments:
Lena, I enjoyed the interview with Tricia, Cara and Sarah. I can't wait to read "Where Treetops Glisten". Thank you for the chance to do so.
Caryl
TEXAS
Thanks so much for hosting us, Lena! It's always a pleasure to be on your blog!
Love holiday stories - it's amazing to me how authors can co-write when everyone has their own individual styles.
Cheryl in IL
Wonderful interview! It is so cool to know the back story behind character's names! Thank you for the contest!
Bri Kae from Texas
I have been really interested in reading this book. It is on my wish list. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Karen G, NY
I would love to win a copy o this book. Thank you for the chance.
Susan in Texas
I have wanted to read this book! thanks for offering it :)
Dee S from NEBR
I love the WWII Christmas theme for Where Treetops Glisten. Please add me for the giveaway. Thanks!
Merry in MN
I would love to win a copy of this book.
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Lena, thank you SO much for hosting us. You're the best!!
Tricia
Sounds like a great read.
Ola from NC
Thanks for dropping by, everyone! And thanks for having us here, Lena!
Thus sounds like such an lovely Christmas read! I really enjoyed the interview. Thanx for the giveaway! Jennifer in Lubbock, Texas
I love everything about Where Treetops Glisten. Thank you for a great interview, Lena!
Melanie Backus, TX
I have not read a Christmas book in a very long time. Hoping to get a chance at this one. lisajcowell(at)cs(dot)com in OHio
What a marvellous collaboration. Beautiful cover too.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
thanks for the chance to read this beautiful novella ladies.
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
from PA
Beautiful interview - thanks Cara, Sarah, Tricia and Lena!!
I know "Where Treetops Glisten" will be fabulous - it has 3 masterful authors!! I look forward to reading it!!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kentucky
Oh, This looks like such a fun Christmas read. Would love to curl up with this one. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. Christy C in North Carolina
Loved the interview!!!!
Love all three authors!!!!
Would be overjoyed if I won this book!!!
Charlotte Kay, Georgia
I've been wanting to read these ladies stories for a while now, and what better way to be introduced to them. Thanks for the giveaway.
Love christmas books, the stories, the covers, etc Would absolutely love to read this book :)
from S.C.
I really like reading Christmas collections and liked reading about how you collaborated on this book. I'd love to win it. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Enter me!!
Conway, SC.
Angela in Ky would love to win.
I am looking forward to reading WHERE TREETOPS GLISTEN. wonderful interview with Tricia, Cara and Sarah. Thank you for the opportunity to win.I enjoy reading books by Tricia, Cara and Sarah.PA.
Would really love to win this for my birthday on the 8th! Shelia from MS
I would love to win a copy of this novella! I love each of these authors' WWII books and would enjoy the Christmas-y feel!
Stephanie
Binghamton, NY
mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com
Love when 3 authors come together to write a book it makes it more interesting. Thanks for a chance to win.
Kim Amundsen
Have yet to read any by the other Authors, but I love Sarah's Books! They are Awesome!!!
Please enter me!
Blanch, NC
I love all three of you (and you too Lena!). Can't wait to read your Christmas stories. Thanks for the opportunity!
Perfect time of year to read this book! Thanks Kristie AZ
oops, Port St. Lucie, FL!
chris_davebures@bellsouth.net
Thanks again for the books and the chance!
Would love to win! I live in northeast North Carolina.
Enjoyed reading the interview !! I would love to be the winner of this book - sounds like a wonderful read. Thank you :)
Doesn't this book sound wonderful? Would love to read it.
Donna, TX
I am in the Hills of Kentucky.....where it is supposed to snow this weekend!
I live in Indiana, not too far from Lafayette! I would love to read this book. I have read others by the authors and the sneak peak I read leaves me wanting more! Can't wait to read "Where Treetops Glisten"
What a great interview with three awesome ladies! I would love to read this novella set; thanks to Tricia's blogs, I am very interested in stories with a WWII theme. Phoenix AZ
I would love the opportunity to win this book. I enjoy reading Christmas books. Thank you for the chance.
KayLee from NY
This would be great a new book. Thank you lga2511@yahoo.com
I've enjoyed reading books by all three of these authors. I think it's terrific they collaborated on this novella. I'm looking forward to reading Where Treetops Glisten.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Kansas
Thanks so much for such a nice interview! I am very anxious to read this book! Thanks for the opportunity!
Kendra in Illinois!
Thanks for sharing.I would love to win and read this book.Jackie Tessnair,N.C.
I have yet to read anything by Tricia but I absolutely adore the books of Cara and Sarah's that I've read! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of WTG!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com
I am familiar with Tricia's books, (have even met her in person! such a sweetheart!), but I'm not familiar with Cara and Sarah's. I would love to win a copy of this book.
Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana
I am feeling the Christmas spirit coming on in Kansas!
What a wonderful book. I live in Illinois.
I love all of these authors! I'd love to read this book.
Beth from IA
I have always enjoyed series books like this, and I can't imagine how difficult it must be to coordinate enough so that the characters seem seamless. In some, you can tell that the characters were written by different people. lisajcowell(at)cs(dot)com in Ohio
I love reading Christmas books. I hope my library orders this one. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
KayLee from NY
Would love to read this.
Kent, WA
I would be so blessed to win this book!!! Thanks so much for the chance!!! Good Luck and God Bless Everyone!!! I am from Deltona, Florida! !!
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