CHRISTMAS DOG By Melody Carlson Published by Revell ISBN# 978-0-8007-1881-7 172 Pages
Back Cover: Betty Kowalski isn’t looking forward to the holidays. She just can’t seem to find Christmas in her heart. Maybe it’s because her husband is gone. Maybe it’s because she’s missing her children. Or maybe it has something to do with her obnoxious new neighbor, who seems to be tearing his house apart and rearranging it on the lawn.
But when a mangy dog appears at her doorstep, the stage is set for Betty to learn what Christmas is all about.
CLICK BELOW for an excerpt of this book.
http://www.revellbooks.com/Media/MediaManager/Excerpt_9780800718817.pdf (The Christmas Dog) For Scribd, the link is:
REVIEWED: Melody Carlson is such a talented and diversified author, so when the opportunity came to receive a review copy of her new Christmas book, I jumped at the chance to read it! Each of Melody’s books has its own voice and style. That’s what I love about her writing. The Christmas Dog is no exception. Melody writes this book in the point of view of Betty Kowalski, an elderly woman who’s preparing for a 50th Anniversary party for her friends right before Christmas. Out of the blue, her granddaughter, Avery, shows up and wants to help with the party decorations.
Betty discovers a little dog at their back door while Avery is visiting and wants to give it to the pound and would have if Avery hadn’t asked to keep the dog.. Betty’s never had a dog and this one is dirty. Avery tells her grandma that she will take care of everything, and not to worry. Could she trust Avery? Avery was so happy about the dog, Betty gives in.
Betty remembers what her mother says,” I do remember my mother once telling me that kindness builds bridges.”
This reminds Betty of her pastor and his recent sermon. She remembers, “How was it possible to love someone so completely disagreeable and inconsiderate and downright evil? Really, she thought as she stood up, even Pastor Gordon would be singing a different tune if he was forced to live next to Jack Jones." Now her granddaughter was here and wanted to keep this dog. God was doing a work on her, Betty could sense it.
God moves in mysterious ways and will stir our hearts to do His will if we let Him. Melody has penned a heart warming story that will leave you satisfied and get you in the spirit of Christmas cheer and ready to pass on God’s love.
Did you come up with the title your book, The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper? If not, what was the working title? Did you have any say so on the cover this book? I LOVED IT!! Very catchy title and cover!!
Thank you! Shannon Marchese and Jessica Barnes came up with the title, and I LOVE it! The working title was "All that Glitters," which in retrospect doesn't fit the book at all. When the cover choices were being made, I got to choose the model from among a group of photos. This one was by far the best fit. I think she's exactly what Gennie looks like, don't you?
You have written non-fiction books over the years on Empty Nesters, Divorce. Why Christian Fiction? Why make the leap? Which is easier for you to write? Why?
Fiction is SO much easier! With novels, I get to decide what happens. In nonfiction, it's all about real life. I made the leap because I was asked. Janice Thompson (writing as Janice Hanna) and I have experienced empty nest and divorce, and we know many others who have as well. Those books were a collaboration between the two of us with Janice doing the lion's share of the work. She's the expert...I'm the cheerleader.
What was your favorite scene to write in The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper? What was your most difficult to write? Why?
My favorite scene? I have two. I loved writing the scene in the store where Daniel catches Gennie playing "dress up" in buckskins and boots. I also loved writing the ending, which I won't reveal but will say that this one also qualifies as the most difficult to write. I wanted it just right, so I must have agonized over each sentence.
You are a woman that wears many hats—you are an author of historical and contemporary Christian as well as writing nonfiction books. I’ve read that you have a degree in Marketing from the Mayes School of Business at Texas A&M University and hold a certification as a paralegal. In addition, to that you are a publicist for Books & Such Literary Agency. Did I forget anything? Which hat is the most rewarding for you? Why? Each is rewarding in a different way. I love telling people about my authors at Books & Such. There are so many amazing books being written that bragging about the good ones is a privilege I do not take lightly. Working as a paralegal allows me to interact with people who are often hurting and in need of comfort. And finally, being a writer is such a blessing! I'm humbled with God's grace and provision as He walks me through the process of doing each of these jobs.
How do you work as publicist for Books & Such Literary Agency and write your own books? How do you keep balance in your life? When do you find the time to write?
My life got a whole lot simpler when my daughter went off to college. I try to portion out my time so that I give my best to each endeavor, but I'm still learning how to do that well. I write when I can, which is generally nights and weekends. Balance is something I'm working on.
I’m sure you must be working on a brand new book by now; can you tell us a little something about what this series will be about? Any sneak peeks for us about what we can look forward to?
I'm putting the finishing touches on Anna Finch and the Hired Gun, which has been an absolute blast! Anna Finch, Gennie's quiet best friend, gets her own story with more than a few surprises. Here's a sneak peek of a line I'm hoping will stay in the completed manuscript: "Mr. Beck,” she said slowly, “a Deringer is not my pistol of choice. It is, however, the pistol in my skirt pocket.” ~~Anna Finch
And just to make your readers wonder...this Mr. Beck is NOT Daniel.
QUESTIONS YOU WANTED TO ASK KATHLEEN BUT WERE AFRAID TO SO I DID!! :D
If you had 24 hours to hang out with anyone TWO PEOPLE alive or dead in the history of the world (besides Jesus); what two people would you pick & Why? What would you do?
Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp. I've got some questions to ask them for this book I'm working on!
Where did you live growing up? What did you like about growing up there?
I grew up in Port Neches, Texas. What I liked at the time was the proximity to the beach. What I like now is the family history - the legacy - that the city holds for our family. I graduated from the same high school as my grandmother and my dad, and I've since had two nieces graduate from there. There's something to be said for permanency. I think our society puts far too little value on what lasts and what's really important.
Name three jobs that you’ve had that might surprise people?
Laborer at a chemical plant, smocking teacher at a fabric shop, and paralegal
What movie greatly impacted you as a child? Why?
Mary Poppins! I loved that movie, especially since I vividly recall watching it from the balcony of the now-gone Village Theater in Port Arthur, Texas! I wanted to live during that time, have a nanny like Mary, and dance on rooftops. But most of all, I wanted to have a floating tea party.
Name four of your favorite books read as a child?
The Borrowers, Anything by Laura Ingalls Wilder, To Kill a Mockingbird, and my grandmother's set of Encyclopedia Britannicas.
You’ve been given the opportunity to use a time machine and visit any TWO events in the history of the world. Which TWO events would you pick and why?
Any two random days from my childrens' childhoods. And why? Because I know now to pay closer attention, to be in the moment, and not to miss a single second because they grow up so fast.
What’s the last movie you saw in a theatre? Did you like it? What snacks did you buy?
Julie and Julia. I loved it! Between the French and the writing comments, I laughed so much! Snacks? As I recall, I went with a group after dinner, so likely all I got was a diet soda and maybe popcorn.
What was the last restaurant you ate at? What did you order? Did you like it?
I had Cheesecake Factory on Saturday for my daughter's nineteenth birthday. We shared fresh guacamole then I had a chicken dish (can't recall the name). Of course dessert was cheesecake - banana for me and turtle for Hannah. Like it? Um...yes!
9. Name four movies you could watch over and over again?
Tombstone (Doc and Wyatt again!), Pure Country (George Strait!), Pillow Talk, and The Holiday
10. If you had one free afternoon to do anything you wanted to do what would that be?
Read a book ties with taking the top down on my Mini Cooper and driving through the Hill Country of Central Texas - depends on the weather!
FINAL COMMENTS YOU’D LIKE TO LEAVE MY READERS WITH??
Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of this, Nora. Readers are precious, and I love connecting with them.
Thanks for the interview and stopping by so my readers and I get to know you and your books better. I just had to share the picture of your dog I found on facebook. Thanks for letting me share it. It's so cute!!
Nora, The funny thing about the dog is he had never had clothes on before and he had no idea what to do. He just kind of froze then let out this huge yawn. So...it might look like he was being fierce but he was actually waiting to get out of the costume. :)
That's funny Kathleen. Blessings on your writing adventures. All the best to you on your new writing projects. Remember if you’re ever in Atlanta you’ll have to stop by and speak to my book clubs.
Sincerely,
Nora :D
ACFW Book Club Coordinator
I look forward to you stopping by again, Nora!!
Kathleen
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Which do you prefer? Live, on the phone, or the on-line author chat? Why?
Definitely live, as much as possible. I want to interact with my readers. I want to meet them. They are always with me when I am working, whether I have met them at the time of the writing yet or not. Getting to meet readers in person is one of the greatest privileges of writing, and the greatest rewards of the long days and bleary-eyed nights that go into a book. I leave writing a bit shell-shocked every time, reeling and hollow. But the moment I see that face and hug that person, it is all worth it and I am filled again.
Please describe a book club experience that really moved you, encouraged you. Why did it touch you?
One of the clubs I spoke with on the phone asked me if I would promise to read my own book, Havah. This touched me in that they wanted me to see it as they saw it—not as the giant pile of long hours and headaches and backaches and hair-pulling that went into it—but as the story experience that they did. The other thing that constantly moves me is when readers thank me for having written one of my books. I am just flattened with humility.
What surprised you most about doing a live book club event?
How much fun and laughter there is. To hear the things, the nuances and details that book club members pick up on. There is no getting anything by book club readers!
What surprised you about doing a phone chat with a club?
How much I wish I could be there with them in person.
What surprised you most about doing the on-line book club chat?
How much, again, I wish I could be there with them. But also—in every situation—the great questions they ask. Some of them are real stumpers. Also, by the time I meet with a book club, my book might have been out already a year or two. Their memory of the book is by then much fresher than mine! I had one reader remind me of something I had totally forgotten once. That was great. Embarrassing, but really great.
What do you like most about the book club experience?
I just love the people. I leave inspired to write for them, for each of them, specifically and individually. Their faces are printed on my heart. Their kindnesses and encouragements and love is something I take with me.
Did you get an unexpected reaction to a book your read? Didn't expect your audience to find something on one of your books or react they way they did?
I was a little worried about how readers would respond to the controversial nature and tone of my books; they are both controversial for different reasons. I did not expect the way clubs would discuss and process the risks we take as writers, the way they would recognize and support us for those. I am so grateful for it and for them.
Tosca www.toscalee.com
Thanks for stopping by and telling us about your book club experiences. I know that I have enjoyed meeting you and hearing how the Lord has inspired you in your writing. I'm thankful to have met you and have you speak to my book clubs. I look forward to meeting up with you again.
Blessings to you on your writing adventures. You are a delight and so are your books.
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