Stories of Inspiration

Apr 20

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Mike Raymond Author Interview

The Bluffton Christmas Shoppe is a collection of stories centered around a mystical shop and the unique objects to which it is home. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Readers were enchanted with my first story, The Mirror, so I decided to keep going. I soon committed to write an anthology, but designed it such that all stories had a common thread, namely, gifts from The Bluffton Christmas Shoppe. Characters were allowed to cross from one story to another, imparting a surprising and unique blended feel to the collection.

Do you have a favorite among the stories in this collection?

Every reader of The Bluffton Christmas Shoppe will ultimately adopt one story as their favorite. Why? Because the characters and the plot of a particular story will touch upon a personal experience of the reader, thus opening a connection. Of course, my favorite story is…

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

No matter how dark things might appear there’s usually a way out. These are stories of inspiration and how folks in trouble find a helping hand. Magical realism allows the solutions to be fun!

What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?

Next book: The Edge of Her Mind. Ride this adventure with Dannilee Bennett, a highly clairvoyant teenager using only her wits to escape an international mobster!
Stay tuned for the exciting release!

Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon

In the farthest corner of South Carolina lies the town of Bluffton. Locals insist that living here requires a ‘state of mind,’ something acquired only after immersion in this bizarre culture. There is diversity, formulated from deep, Civil War wounds, descendants of emancipated slaves, eclectic artisans and early entrepreneurs. Here, myth and spirituality intersect.

Meet the fascinating characters of the Lowcountry as they struggle with challenges that threaten to overwhelm their daily lives. Facing job loss, dangerous weather and seas, family sorrows and eminent perils, they find a way forward with the help of life-changing gifts from The Bluffton Christmas Shoppe. During the darkest hours of despair and fear, a hand up can be most welcomed — even if it comes in a very unusual way.

Posted on April 20, 2024, in Interviews and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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