Connect the Dots is a Christmas short featured in the anthology For the Love of Christmas.
Where did you get the idea for this story?
I actually struggled coming up with what I considered an original idea for this story. What I did was start with the words Dear Santa. It seemed a little cliché to me, so I crossed it out and wrote “Dear God” and the story just flew from my fingers from there.
I actually struggled coming up with what I considered an original idea for this story. What I did was start with the words Dear Santa. It seemed a little cliché to me, so I crossed it out and wrote “Dear God” and the story just flew from my fingers from there.
How long have you been writing for?
I
started writing seriously when I was in High School. I took a twenty year vacation in the real
world, but I missed it too much, so here I am, back again!
Do you imagine a particular person you know
or have seen when creating your main characters?
No, not at all. My characters just develop with the needs of
the story. I have never based them on
another (real) person.
Of all the characters in your books who is
your favourite and why?
Earlier this year, I set aside a novel I have been
working on for some time just to give myself some distance, but Harris Stanton
from this novel still seeps into my mind from time to time. He is probably the most complicated character
I have ever written, and I can’t wait to get back to his story.
When writing, are you an ‘in the moment
kinda gal’ or do you follow a strict
plan?
I used to just go with the flow, but
I then had too many scenes to edit or delete entirely, which is
heartbreaking. Now I am plotting first,
and it has worked out wonderfully for me.
What are you reading at the moment?
Tee
Hee. Actually, I am reading Make
Believe, which is another anthology that I am featured in that was released
this month. The fantasy stories in it, all based on the same picture, are
amazing!
If you could be anyone for a day, who would
that be?
I try not to think about who I’d like to be, because what you see on
the outside of someone is never the truth.
Everyone has problems, and if you see someone with a perfect life, the
truth is that they probably have just as many problems as you do. (If not more)
What would be your last meal if you were on
deathrow?
Several pounds of Snow Crab Legs followed by chocolate covered
chocolate. The expensive stuff. Yeah… Yum!
Where do you like to shop?
Lately… on
line. If I have to go to the store, I am
usually trucking three grade-school kids with me, which is rarely fun.
Complete this sentence; I’m indifferent to…
people who are too quick to blame others for their problems or people who give
up. If you believe in yourself, anything
is possible.
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas,
of course is the birth of our savior, but it is also a time of peace and
giving. It is a time for happiness and
cheer. Unfortunately, people look to the
material for their happiness, but happiness can be found within, and with your
family.
Thanks for the interview, Jennifer, fellow author and chocaholic! A twenty year break from writing is a long time. It illustrates that the love of writing is part of your makeup and no matter how long you avoid it or take a break from it, you will always find yourself tapping at those keys again.
Random commenters will receive ebook copies of either "For the Love of Christmas" or "Make Believe" so don't be shy and let us know what you're thinking!
***
Jennifer Eaton lives on the East Coast USA
with her husband, three boys, and a pepped up poodle. She hosts an interactive website www.jennifermeaton.com aimed at making
all writers the best they can be.
Her Dystopian novelette “Last Winter Red” is available as part of the “Make Believe” Anthology from J.Taylor Publishing.
Her Christmas Romance “Connect the Dots” is
available as part of Still Moments publishing’s “For the Love of Christmas”
Anthology.
Both are available in ebook format from
Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com and Smashwords
Last Winter Red: In search of a husband, Emily
leaves the safety of the city and risks her life stepping into the outside
world. What she finds there will
question the foundations of everything she believes in.
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5832197.Jennifer_M_Eaton
http://www.amazon.com/Make-Believe-ebook/dp/B00ACMPEGQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Christmas-Still-Moments-Publishing/dp/1481192043/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356286653&sr=1-1&keywords=for+the+love+of+christmas
Thank you so much for having me Georgie! I appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteI actually just downloaded For The Love of Christmas and plan on starting it in the next few days after the holidays are over. I love what you had to say about looking at other people and understanding that no one has a perfect life. I have seen it firsthand with people that they appear on the outside to have this amazingly perfect life and yet they have major problems they hide from the rest of the world. I understand the online shopping as well. Having a 17, 13, 7, and twin 3 yr olds is never a fun shopping experience.
ReplyDeletesbereza22@gmail dot com
I was able to read Connect The Dots early this morning in For The Love Of Christmas and it was a neat story. I think I might add that little ornament tradition to our family next Christmas. The anthology was great and all four stories were unique and each had a heart-warming Christmas message.
DeleteI'm so glad you liked it. THanks for letting me know!
DeleteJennifer, I too took many years off writing as I was working long hours and just didn't have the time and energy to devote to it - now that I'm retired I'm back at it, and it's even more fulfilling than it ever was. Congratulations on all your wonderful successes, and wishing you many more in the years ahead - you are on your way in a big way! ~ Julie :) xox
ReplyDeleteThanks you Julie, and much MORE sucess to you as well!
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