Blog Archives
Let the Story Lead Itself
The Best Worst Christmas Ever follows a father and his three children trapped by a blizzard on Christmas Eve, who, after the power goes out, spend the evening on a magical adventure through their shared imagination. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
After writing five adult mysteries, I wanted to challenge myself with something completely different and decided to cross over to a fantasy. I started brainstorming ideas not long before Christmas, so it was an easy decision to choose a holiday setting. I thought it would be fun to see the story from different points of view as it progressed, and what better way to do that than to have it told by children of different ages with different ideas of what the story should be. The power outage was the only way I could think of to force bickering children to sit still and listen to each other talk. It also created more of a cozy atmosphere in the home.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
I have three daughters, all grown now, that I used to read to every night at bedtime. Much of their interactions with each other and reactions to the stories, including their likes and dislikes, found their way into the voices of the children in this story.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
I had my first novel all planned out, but by the third chapter, it had taken itself in a totally different direction, and I never used most of what I’d plotted in advance, so I’ve learned to just let the story lead itself as I write. Virtually all of the events in this book were the result of ideas that only entered my mind while writing the chapter before it. It’s surprising how different parts end up fitting together even without following an outline.
What is the next novel that you are working on, and when will that be available?
I wrapped up my five-mystery series in a way that would make it unfair to the characters to bring them back and put them in harm’s way again. Now, though, I’ve had several requests to write a prequel, including one from my editor. It’s an intriguing idea that I may pursue this winter, but at this point, it’s only a concept that will require a lot of gray hair to bring to reality, so the release of an actual book is hard to imagine at this stage.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
From the Back of a Donkey, Journey of a Lifetime – Second Edition
Nancy Elaine Hartman Minor’s From the Back of a Donkey: Journey of a Lifetime reimagines one of the most familiar stories in the Christian tradition, the birth of Jesus, through the eyes of Mary. The book blends biblical retelling, creative storytelling, and devotional reflection into a narrative that feels both ancient and deeply personal. Each chapter combines Mary’s imagined thoughts and prayers with scriptural passages and reflection questions for the reader, making it part story, part meditation, and part journal. The style is warm, vivid, and grounded in faith, giving life to moments that the Gospel of Luke only hints at.
Reading this book, I found myself unexpectedly moved. Minor doesn’t just recount events; she breathes humanity into them. Her Mary isn’t distant or saintly in the untouchable sense; she’s tender, curious, even a little scared, and wholly devoted to God. The writing feels like sitting down with someone who loves to tell stories by firelight, earnest and filled with wonder. There’s something beautiful in the author’s refusal to make Mary flawless. Instead, she lets her faith shimmer through her doubts and daily tasks, through her conversations with Joseph and her cousin Elizabeth. I loved that. It made the sacred story feel reachable, even intimate.
Stylistically, the book reads with a kind of musical rhythm, almost like a prayer. At times, I caught myself pausing just to let a sentence sink in. The writing is rich with sensory detail like the smell of baked bread, the roughness of wood, the brightness of stars, and yet it never drifts into heavy language. The author’s tone feels humble and heartfelt. Occasionally, the abundance of biblical references slows the pace, but it never feels forced; rather, it roots the story in the faith that inspires it. I could tell this book was written not only with literary care but also with devotion.
From the Back of a Donkey draws the reader into reflection, not just about Mary’s journey, but about their own. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to experience the Christmas story in a fresh, contemplative way. It’s perfect for believers who enjoy devotional reading, book clubs that center on faith, or anyone who wants to feel a deeper connection to the humanity behind the divine story.
Pages: 99 | ASIN : B0CP8WMQS4
Christmas Actually: A festive novel about family and forgiveness
Christmas Actually, by Lisa Darcy, is a heartwarming yet humorously chaotic exploration of midlife, motherhood, career revival, and family dynamics set against the backdrop of the holiday season. Katie, the protagonist, is a once-aspiring photographer grappling with the pressures of parenting, a faltering marriage, and the rediscovery of her professional identity. The story unfolds with relatable messiness and sharp wit, drawing readers into Katie’s world of imperfect Christmases and the quest for fulfillment.
Lisa Darcy’s writing is charmingly down-to-earth, though, at times, it feels a bit overly descriptive. Early in the book, Katie’s chaotic dinner party with her husband’s Mormon colleagues is laugh-out-loud funny yet painfully awkward. The tension between Katie’s desire to reclaim her photography career and her insecurities about keeping up with new technology is palpable. Darcy has a knack for making the reader feel like they’re part of Katie’s bustling household, with all its mishaps and tender moments.
What I enjoyed most were the layered relationships, especially between Katie and her teenage daughter, Lexi. Their interactions brim with a mix of love and exasperation, reflecting the generational clash over social media and self-expression. The holiday theme is cleverly interwoven without being overbearing. Katie’s hesitation to embrace Christmas traditions mirrors her internal struggles, and her eventual engagement with the festive season aligns beautifully with her personal growth. Darcy’s portrayal of the season’s chaos, complete with mismatched decorations and burned pavlovas, is refreshingly real.
Christmas Actually is perfect for readers who appreciate stories about juggling life’s messiness with humor and grace. It’s especially suited for working moms, fans of domestic dramas with comedic undertones, and anyone needing a reminder that life doesn’t need to be picture-perfect to be fulfilling. Lisa Darcy’s relatable characters and sharp observations will leave you smiling—and perhaps reaching for your camera to capture your own “perfectly imperfect” moments.
Pages: 346 | ASIN : B0DCDCFY1B
The Miracle of Hanukkah
The Night Sky Lined with Silver follows four friends in the 1940s Catskills who must brave a snowstorm and rally their community to find a beloved hero, all while celebrating the traditions of Hanukkah. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of my story is the miracle of Hanukkah, with eight days of light and only one day of oil, relating to the miracle of finding Uncle Morrie after he disappears in the terrible snowstorm. Following the struggle of searching for Uncle Morrie and his golden retriever, Honey, the four friends help prepare for Hanukkah. Making delicious latkes from my great-grandmother’s recipe is another ingredient of my inspiration when families and friends come together to celebrate the holiday. Frying the latkes (potato pancakes) in oil, we remember the Maccabees’ story and their lack of oil, and we connect to the traditions of past generations of our family.
To understand my influence on the setup of my story, I feel I should share the fascinating background of the Apple Tree Series. My son’s Bar Mitzvah teacher requested that I write a quality book for the Jewish High Holidays. I told her I was not the person to write this book. However, after an image of a twelve-year-old boy taking apples from an orchard came to me at one o’clock in the morning, I started writing a story for the holidays entitled Out of the Apple Orchard, based on the image I saw in my mind’s eye, set in the early 1900s. After my son’s request to create a series, the boy becomes Doc Bieman in Book 2, The Night Sky Lined with Silver. The Hanukkah story of the Maccabees deals with prejudice against Jews, and I included Bieman family members leaving Germany after Kristallnacht in 1938 and coming to America. I met a beautiful lady whose family had twenty-four hours to leave Frankfurt with only the clothes on their backs and one small suitcase. Her story moved me so much that I added elements of her real-life experiences to my historical fiction book.
How did you balance the suspense and intensity of Uncle Morrie’s disappearance with the warmth and festive spirit of Hanukkah for a children’s audience?
Snowball fight! The children also build a snowman that looks like Uncle Morrie with his signature hat and a long carrot nose with the tip turning up. They play catch in the snow with a baseball glove and ball and make latkes. A white cloud sprays back into Abbie’s face when she adds flour to the potato mixture. “The snowstorm is back,” cried Martin, charging with a wooden spoon. “Stay away! . . .The children laughed together.”
Are there any themes or lessons from the book that you hope resonate most with young readers?
Looking for the light in the darkness also echoes the theme of Hanukkah, and searching for the good that comes out of a bad situation can help young readers get through hard times. It is not easy, but looking for blessings in disguise proves a critical tool when dealing with life’s challenges. Read the book to find the blessing in disguise and look for a similar incident in your own life. Soaking up the Hanukkah festivities, where families and friends come together, is even sweeter after the struggles. A further lesson found in this book is to show how Eliot acts with courage in spite of his fear. He overcomes his dread of taking chances when the winter storm hits, as he must find the lost Uncle Morrie. Eliot enlists the help of the Bieman Buddies, whose motto is never to leave anyone behind. His younger sister, Abby, becomes the heroine. She is spunky and brave, adorable and caring. “I have a feeling that Honey will bring me back to him. She is a retriever, after all.” . . . Abbie looked up at her brother with knowing eyes, “I’m a good finder.”
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have completed Book 3, but it needs a major rewrite. Writing historical fiction requires much research, especially when deciding which historical references to include. I shall work on the next draft of Book 3, set in Mountaindale, New York, in the Catskills, which takes place in the springtime in the early 1950s. Abby and Eliot will feature in this book, as will Doc Bieman. It will be available in a year.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Apple Tree Series
A Christmas to Remember
In the picturesque village of Santaclausby, young Lily eagerly anticipates the arrival of Christmas. Yet her excitement falters when her best friend, Sophie, begins to question the existence of Santa Claus. Undeterred by doubt, Lily resolves to rekindle Sophie’s belief in the magic of the season. Their determination leads them on an unexpected journey, culminating in a mysterious invitation to the North Pole that sweeps the girls into a whirlwind of enchantment and holiday wonder.
A Christmas to Remember captures the charm of two young girls as they strive to revive their village’s fading holiday traditions. Lily and Sophie are portrayed with warmth and sincerity, their dedication shining through every page. With the help of Jingles the Elf and the encouragement of kind-hearted villagers like Mrs. James, the pair uncovers long-lost magic while delving into the history of their home. The journey to the North Pole serves as the story’s crowning moment, offering a richly imagined setting that sparks delight and vividly showcases the author’s adept use of language. At its heart, the book conveys a powerful message of hope and kindness. Small acts, it suggests, hold the potential to create meaningful change. This theme resonates deeply, transcending the boundaries of the Christmas season. One missed opportunity lies in the character of Willow the Dog, whose absence from the main adventure feels like a significant omission. A more prominent role for Willow could have added depth and charm to the story, enhancing its emotional appeal. The book’s underlying themes and heartfelt narrative shine through. It emphasizes the importance of community, joy, and resilience, offering a tale that inspires readers to spread kindness wherever they can. Recommended for readers aged 10 and up, A Christmas to Remember does include mentions of mortality, which may require sensitivity for younger audiences.
This whimsical tale of friendship, discovery, and the enduring magic of the holiday season leaves a lasting impression. It remains a touching and imaginative exploration of Christmas spirit, earning its place as a charming read for wintery days.
Pages: 190 | ASIN : B0DKZSBPJ8
The Triumph of Love
A Celtic Yuletide Carol follows an enigmatic priestess who is mute due to trauma and meets a man with a dark past and his own trauma, and together, they start to heal. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A Celtic Yuletide Carol is the story of Cardin–the youngest of three De Landuc brothers who are Breton knights– first introduced in my paranormal fantasy trilogy, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven. I wanted to show Cardin’s struggle with alcoholism and gambling after the tragic death of his wife. I felt that a Celtic priestess with Druidic healing powers who had suffered her own trauma would be the one who could heal him (and herself in the process).
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I used the tragedy in my own life as inspiration for the characters in A Celtic Yuletide Carol. I applied the suffering of my family to that felt by the protagonists in my novel.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the themes of loss, suffering, redemption, family, loyalty, courage, music, healing, and the triumph of love overall within the context of a holiday setting–hence the title, A Celtic Yuletide Carol.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently writing Wolf of the Nordic Seas, book 2 of my Valiant Vikings series set in tenth-century Normandy. Book 1–Dragon of Denmark--was just published October 5th. I hope that Wolf of the Nordic Seas will be published in early 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Courage to Change
I Can Do Bad All by Myzelf follows a disgruntled elf who was not hired by Santa, so he decides to get revenge by sabotaging Santa’s workshop. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It was the month after Christmas in January 2023, and I was trying to generate some children’s book ideas. I was thinking about what the perfect job would be, and working for Santa came to mind. But Santa can’t hire everyone, right? So, even though this book was the fourth one published in the Holiday Tails series, it was the idea for this book that led to the development of all the other books, and, believe me, there will be many. Four are complete, and two more are slotted for this year.
The art in this book is unique and modern, really drawing in the older elementary-level children. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Christina Cartwright?
I always give Christina an idea of what I’d like to see on the page, but I leave it up to her imagination as well. There have been a couple of times that Christina misinterpreted what I was wanting (or more like I wasn’t as clear as I could have been), and I ended up going with what she gave me because I could see it was a better idea. For example, she proposed that we make the other elves’ skin colors be nontraditional human tones, and I thought it was a fantastic idea, so we ran with it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main themes I focused upon were:
Disappointment in life. Sometimes we can’t seem to make our dreams come true, no matter how hard we wish for it.
Finding the courage to change. Bad things happen – are we going to let them define us or are we going to listen to our hearts when they warn us we are on the wrong path? Can we find the courage to change?
Unconditional love. No matter what we do, everyone deserves a chance to be loved and do the right thing.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I’m working on is a follow-up to last year’s bunny book. Yakov is a wild and funny character, so it’s great to revisit his crazy antics. It should hopefully be done by summer and available to read and enjoy by all.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Amazon
But what if Santa won’t hire you? He can’t hire everyone. The greatest job in the world will only go to a select few. What do the rest of the rejected applicants do?
Well, if your Myz the elf, you get revenge on Santa. You make him rue the day he ever turned you away from the one thing you’ve ever wished for – working for the big man himself, Santa Claus.
Myz does everything he can think of to make the big guy’s life miserable and when he finally succeeds in attaining his naughty goal? Myz sees a side of Christmas that isn’t very beautiful or joyful.
Will his heart change in time to save Christmas? Sometimes we don’t know the true meaning of things until we almost lose them.
LITERARY TITAN 