25 Days of Christmas Stories: Interview with Laura Hilton, author of Christmas Mittens

Let's greet Laura Hilton with a hearty "hello"! She's here today to talk about her adorable holiday story called Christmas Mittens! 

There's no book giveaway today but I think you will enjoy reading Laura's answers to my interview questions.

*Words from Alexis in bold, words from Laura not in bold... 

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Alexis: Hi Laura! Thanks for agreeing to an interview about your new holiday story, Christmas Mittens! Gracia Dykstra is a unique name for your leading lady. Tell us about the inspiration behind it then describe her personality, quirks and role in the storyline of Christmas Mittens.

Laura: There were some missionaries to the Philippines several years ago, who were captured, held hostage, and the men killed. The wife of one of the men was named Gracia, and I thought that was a pretty name. So I borrowed it. Dykstra is a Dutch name, common in some areas of the country with a lot of Dutch residents. It is also the last name of a close friend of mine who used to live across the road from us.

My character, Gracia, is fun-loving, close to her family, and she loves working with people. She’s very service-oriented, and has the gift of compassion and mercy. She grows a lot in this story, as it is mainly her story – learning more about herself and judging others in this story.

Gracia enjoys working with old people, especially during Christmas. Why? 

She loves working with them all year around, but at Christmas, her favorite holiday, she likes helping with the craft fair, guiding them with projects, and feeling she has a part in encouraging them, cheering them up during a time when many people are depressed.

Paint a picture of the annual craft shop belonging to the seniors. What is the significance of the craft shop in your story?

I had an elderly aunt who went to the Senior Citizen Center in her small town. It was located on Main Street (picture of the imaginary town is on my Pinterest board linked below) and when you walked in, one whole corner of the room was dedicated to crafts they had for sale. This center also did fund-raising with their crafts to support the center, as they cannot depend solely on government funding. I enjoyed looking at the crafts as a child, and I had this in my mind when I set about writing this story. Gracia is the fund-raiser/activities director in the story, and she does have need to raise money for the center so they can pay the bills and keep operating into the New Year. This year, her craft fair moves to another location…which you will read about in the story.

Jake Trivett is your male lead in this story. He quit his job in California to return home and help his dad. Describe Jack’s home (location, looks, surroundings and name of the town) and explain his heart for helping his dad.

A picture is worth a thousand words, so for those who want to see what I envisioned, my pinterest link to the storyboard is: https://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/christmas-mittens/

The town is fictional, set around the real life community of Wild Rose, Wisconsin, but it is not the actual real-life town.

Jake has always loved the farm, but for a while he wanted California. Surf, sun, and stunning supermodels. He earned a degree in architecture, but when push came to shove, he discovers home is where the heart is.

And his heart was in Wisconsin.

Jake and Gracia’s are friends who are attracted to each other. What is it about Garcia that makes Jake interest in her and what is it about Jake that makes her heart flutter?

As in most cases, the initial attraction is based on appearances. But they also like many other things about each other. While Jake and Gracia grew up together, they also learned a lot about each other. He was a math whiz who talked Gracia through Algebra, she was the bookworm who got him through English. But she was also the girl he never forgot…and he was the one who broke her heart.

What can you tell us about the plot of Christmas Mittens without giving away the story?

Gracia Dykstra enjoys her job at the Senior Center, especially at Christmas time. The seniors have an annual craft shop. Desperate to raise funds Gracia asks for donations of Christmas trees to sell in order to raise much-needed funds, but Christmas tree donations are scarce. Jake Trivett has quit his job in California to come home and help his dad. A friendship with Gracia, who he’s always admired, intrigues him. Gracia’s heart flutters with more than Christmas spirit when Jake, an old flame, whose father runs a struggling tree farm answers the phone. Will Gracia receive more than Christmas trees this year?

What’s the moral of the story?

It is better to give than to receive. Jesus is the reason for the season.

What did you enjoy most about writing Christmas Mittens?

This was such a fun story to write! I wrote the whole thing in a month (minus editing) and I couldn’t help but fall in love with both Gracia and Jake. I love Christmas stories, and this was my first try writing one.

Thanks for the interview, Laura! Do you have any closing thoughts?

Thanks for stopping by, and Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy Christmas Mittens as much I enjoyed telling the story.

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Author bio:

Award-winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. 

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area. The Amish Firefighter, which is the first book in the series, is planned for April 2016. 

Laura's Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens, was published independently which means she went "indie" this time.

Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and she is a professional book reviewer.

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Buy Christmas Mittens:
Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/21FOzxi

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Connect with Laura:
Amazon Author page - http://amzn.to/1FMZOe1
Blogs - http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ 

http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/ 
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

Twitter handle: @Laura_V_Hilton

Author interview: Misty M. Beller

Today, I am delighted to introduce you to a writer who describes herself as a "Southern Country Belle," loves the slower pace, appreciates the beauty of living in the South so much that many of her fictional stories happen on ranches and involve horses. Misty M. Beller is this sweet writer's name and she has agreed to be hosted here on my blog today. 

Here's my author interview with Misty (Questions from Alexis in bold, answers from Misty not in bold)...

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Alexis: Why do you write historical romance novels for the Christian book industry?

Misty: I tend to be a bit of a sentimentalist, so Historical Romance is perfect for me! My favorite period is between 1860 - 1880, when the cowboy days were really ramping up. I love the simpler life, where there's no rat race. Just hard work, plenty of alone time (can you tell I'm an introvert?), and a strong family unit. God is the central element in my life, so I want my books to naturally reflect him.

When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer? Share the story.

All my life, I've been a true book lover. Give me a good novel, and you probably won't see me again until it's finished. I've also always enjoyed writing, and tend to express myself best through my written correspondence. In high school, I had a poem published in a commercial poetry compilation book. But I never seriously thought about writing a novel, until about four years ago when I put together my bucket list. "Write a novel that's published" made it near the top!

I decided, it's now or never, and made the commitment to do it. So, I had a general idea that I wanted it to be a Christian western romance. But where to start? I finally decided I needed to find a good book to help me plan. I stumbled upon (a.k.a. God led me to) the best possible book to help me get started with a great plan: Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. For all you writers out there, I can't recommend it highly enough!

From there, I've soaked in every bit of writing instruction I can from some amazing groups and individuals. And I've spent countless hours sitting with my laptop pouring out words onto the screen. The Lady and the Mountain Man is my first release, but the second novel I wrote. My first novel is under contract with Prism Book Group to release in 2015. Writing is in my blood. It's my passion. A true gift from my Heavenly Father, and I pray daily that he uses the words for His purpose.

Describe your writing space. 

I've written in a few coffee shops, on the beach, and around a campfire in the mountains, but most of my writing spots aren't nearly as romantic. I write on a laptop, so I'm usually sitting Indian-style with my laptop on either my bed or the living room couch. One of the most important things for me is NO DISTRACTIONS. It's almost impossible for me to write with my husband or daughters around. Just too hard to get lost in the words.

Do you write full-time or do you have a day job? Please explain how you make ends meet.

Alas, I'm not one of the lucky full-timers yet… (dramatic sigh) Kidding aside, I do enjoy my day job, but between that and my family, writing time is precious!

What would you say is the most challenging aspect of being an author?

Keeping up with it all. Between word counts and deadlines and critique partners and marketing efforts, there are so many balls to juggle!

What is the most rewarding part of being an author?

Honestly, hearing from readers. Whether it's a review on Amazon, or a note through my website, it makes my week to hear from a reader they've enjoyed my story.

How many books have you written? Are they all for the Christian market? Why or why not?

I'm just finishing up my fourth book right now, the sequel to The Rancher Takes a Cook that will release from Prism Book Group in June 2015. I love reading and writing Christian romantic fiction, because it provides a place where we don’t have to always be concerned about inappropriate language or too-graphic love scenes. It’s a “safe zone” where our imaginations and emotions can run wild and free, living out exciting times and experiencing God-orchestrated happily-ever-afters – without having to clean-up at the end of the day.

As a writer, who or what has been your most valuable resource? Please explain.

Wow, I've learned from so many amazing people, books, etc. If I had to name a single resource, it would have to be the organization American Christian Fiction Writers. The wealthy of learning opportunities, connections, and support is amazing!

As a woman of faith, how does your relationship with God affect your writing?

Oh, yes. Through the years, it's been abundantly clear to me that the words I type onto the blank page are God's words. I try to pray before I begin each writing session, and I earnestly seek God's direction for each story.

Why do you love books?

Wow, that question looks so simple but runs so deep! I love stories. I love immersing myself in another world, seeing life through the eyes of another person. It can be a powerful experience.

Who is your favorite author and which one of their books do you love the most? Explain why.

Hmmm… So many great authors, it's hard to choose! One of my favorites is Karen Witemeyer, especially her book Short-Straw Bride. It's such a fun historical romance, and Karen's use of word pictures is exceptional.

You grew up in South Carolina. Would you describe yourself as a Southern Belle? Why or why not?

Yes, I guess I have a bit of the old-fashioned type of Southern Belle in me. I may be more of a Southern Country Belle. I love the beautiful charm of the South, the slower pace, and the kindness in the people. Not to mention sweet iced tea.

Explain your love for the simpler farm life. How does your love for farm life translate to your characters, or does it?

My stories also take place around horses and ranching, which comes from my love for those animals. I was completely horse crazy growing up, and actually trained and showed horses professionally for a couple years after high school.

Would you say your family has always been supportive about your writing career dreams? Explain.

Yes, my husband is usually very patient with my many hours spent writing. My parents and grandparents are my biggest supporters, always asking for updates and cheering me on.

What is your favorite feature of this holiday season?

Our traditions. We live close to both sides of our family, so we are able to enjoy so many rich traditions with both my family and my husband's. It's such a special time of doing things together that bring back wonderful memories.

What do you want for Christmas?

Slippers.

Every writer has a muse. Who or what is yours?

Hmmm… I haven't thought about that question before. My inspiration is often spurred by alone time. Sometimes reading another good book.

Complete this sentence: At the end of the day, I am _____________________because _____________________.
At the end of the day, I am thankful because God has me in His will, wherever that might take me.

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Author bio:

Misty Beller writes Christian historical romance, and is the author of The Lady and the Mountain Man. She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and two daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Read more about Misty at her website, and check out her book, The Lady and the Mountain Man.

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Connect with Misty:

Website, http://mistymbeller.com

Blog, http://mistymbeller.wordpress.com

Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/MistyMBeller

Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/MistyMBeller

Pinterest, http://www.pinterest.com/MistyMBeller

Google+, https://plus.google.com/+MistyBeller