Author: Kristen James

Walking in my Character’s shoes – with Trey and Rosette

by Kristen James

DSCN1066

One of the most fun aspects of being an author is stepping into the world of my characters. Trey and Rosette from Point Hope live in an old family home overlooking the Oregon coast. This weekend I walked on “their beach,” drove on their road and through their town, thinking about their story, their home and their lives. It surprised me just how powerfully I felt the connection they would experience between their family, traditions and home. Everywhere I looked, I was reminded of different family trips and special moments from my childhood and from trips with my kids. This weekend we were having a great time with our six kids, playing on different beaches and going to our favorite restaurants.

I have to agree with Trey – spring and autumn are awesome seasons on the beach. It’s not as windy as in the summer and there aren’t nearly as many tourists. (Although the local economy probably loves the summer crowd!) We enjoyed two days of great weather, with sun and clouds but not rain, and just a hint of wind on the beach. The kids had to run to keep the kites up in the air!

Here’s a few pictures from the beach as the clouds broke up, making it seem almost like a moonscape in some shots.

DSCN1130

DSCN1088

Writing Point Hope

by Kristen James

I constantly read, both novels and nonfiction books about how to write better. There are many on the craft of writing, and I look for anything that discusses how to tell a better story. Writing a novel takes good writing and good storytelling, which are two separate things. What’s the difference? I’d say at least 75% of the books out there have well constructed sentences, vivid description and correct grammar… you know, the things that make a piece of prose readable. However, a much smaller percentage tell a gripping story. You can write a well written paper about your fun day at the zoo, but that doesn’t mean the general public will pay money and spend time reading it.

Writing a page turner takes heart and passion for your storyline, your characters and your message. Yes, novels have a message! It’s that little thing that makes you stop and think after you finish the book. Often, it’s a simple but powerful message such as, “Yes, love does change us and help us through life.” It’s the human connection in the story. Some of this goes into the initial writing, and I’m finding the ‘message’ comes out more with the fine tuning and revising. More and more, I believe the stronger the message, the more successful the book will be. I don’t mean a preachy message, but just the feeling that the author has captured something about our experience and shared it. I can see it in the novels I love, and I can see how I’m developing that in my own writing. That’s what I’m aiming for now.

Some of the excellent writing books I’ve read challenge authors to look into why they are writing their novel. I used that to guide me in writing my current work in progress: Why am I writing this book?  Point Hope looks at what family really means, and what we’ll do for our families, and even what we’ll sacrifice for our kids and family. It can be about honor but you’ll find love there too. Family is the people who love you, the people you take in. This book, for me, goes even beyond that. I thought about, what can this book give people? What if people feel they missed something and are looking for it, like the characters?

Each character desperately needs something from the others – The Sinclairs are a close-knit family and depend on each other, even though things are falling apart. Trey and Rosette are on the brink of divorce, but they have kids depending on them. They’re also raising 16 year old Alex, Trey’s younger brother, before things get even more complicated. (Alex surprised me and became a very interesting character!)

I have more to say on the subject, but I don’t want to give the plot away just yet! I will say, I’ve put so much into this book that I almost worry I won’t anything left for the next book. I’m pouring in my heart and soul. But I have to trust that there are always new stories to tell and new characters to meet, so I can’t hold back while writing this one.

I’ll keep you updated with a firmer release date as we approach March!

Audiobooks and Cover Reveal for Point Hope!

by Kristen James

ASpyForChristmas_rlca0019a_KristenJames

The audiobook for A Spy for Christmas is available on Amazon and Audible.com!

(Audible offers a free app for listening to audiobooks, and you can get a free audiobook by signing up for their trial membership.)

Later this spring, The River People will also have an audiobook!

***

.

 

I’ve had my head buried in my latest writing project, Point Hope, and I wanted to share the cover with you. Coming this spring!

Final Point Hope copy

The mighty Pacific has a rugged, rough, unforgiving beauty—like Trey’s life.

Trey and Rosette Sinclair were once in love. Now they both feel hurt and unwanted. Their marriage is on its last legs when their family is faced with two deaths and an orphan. They’re already raising two young children and Trey’s teenage brother Alex.

After an IED brought his Navy career to an end, Trey became an EMT in his hometown of Coos Bay, Oregon. He struggles with PTSD, which affects his ability to do his job and connect with his family again. His wife seems to be living life without him.

Rosette is the mother hen and friend to all. She can’t figure out what happened to her marriage, or to Trey—the man she once so desperately loved. It feels like she’ll lose everything along with him. Meanwhile he’s enclosed in his own world without her.

Trey and Rosette make a shaky agreement: to play “family” for now so they can take care of Trey’s recently orphaned niece. But can faking it ever be enough?

It’s make-it or break-it time. If they split apart, who will raise Hope?

***

Many of my reviews praise my ‘real characters with real problems’ and this story delivers more romantic and family drama. I’m so excited about this complex storyline and characters with their secrets and flaws. Watch for a preview as we near March!

Even TV people enjoy a good book!

by Kristen James

This is Paul Bernard, producer of Ligit on FX, reading A Spy for Christmas.

Paul Bernard

A Spy for Christmas

What’s more dangerous? The Oregon wilderness? Hit men?
Or the heat in Grayson’s arms?

Robin is flying back into the misty Pacific Northwest for Christmas, which is a bit fitting after her last so-so relationship ended. Alex just wasn’t the right man for her. Things look up when Grayson sits next to her on the plane—he’s hot, charming, witty and very into her. Unfortunately their chance meeting puts her in danger, and suddenly Robin is trapped into spending the holiday with this charming, mysterious man at a secluded mountain cabin.

He vows to protect her with his own life if needed, but the danger isn’t just from the men tracking them down. Robin isn’t sure she can trust Grayson, and yet she’s pulled to his magnetism. Safety is quickly losing the battle to desire…

Print and Kindle ebook on Amazon.

 

Dale Comstock from Zulu 7 Productions. (Also in NBC’s Star and Stripes.)

Dale Comstock

 

I love this setting – the snow capped mountains match the story’s setting!

In the story, Grayson and Robin flee Portland and take Mt. Hood Highway up into the rugged, snowy mountains.

 

 

 

AK Watters and Dale Comstock (Zulu 7 Productions) at the Sundance Film Festival, chatting with Julianne Moore.

AK Waters, Julianne Moore, and Dale Comstock at Sundance

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Year – New Novel in Progress

by Kristen James

It’s a new year and I’m writing a new book. I love that initial creating stage where I go from a vague book idea to a plot with characters, and then entire storyline comes together. When I was in the final phases of my last novel, I did have few days when I wondered, what if I don’t get another idea for a while? Then I got several ideas all at once. The idea I choose to work on is about a family with all kinds of problems and issues. It’s make it or break it time, and then things get even worse. This story is fun to write because there are so many different issues between all the characters, and their decisions drive the plot. There’s several twists too! I’m looking forward to sharing more about it as the novel progresses.

I wrote several novellas and a novel in the last year, and the writing process just continues to get more and more exciting. Ten years ago, I needed to outline, draft character sketches and constantly revise the storyline and my notes. I had to write quite a bit to get a grip on what would happen in the story and who the characters were. Now I can develop the story and characters in my head much better, so I can see what people look like, what drives them, and how they’ll change in the book. I’ve always like to paint scenery for fun, and the process is very similar. I start a book with the background, the general idea for the plot and characters, and then I fill in details in layers to create the full picture.

Cheers!  ~Kristen

Happy New Year! A look back and forwards.

by Kristen James

Wow, I did a lot of writing and publishing in 2012 and I don’t plan to slow down any time soon! This last year, I published:

  • A Spy for Christmas
  • A Special Ops Christmas
  • More Than a Promise
  • Un vaquero para navidad – the Spanish version of A Cowboy for Christmas (Spanish books have lower case titles, in case you’re wondering)
  • The Enemy’s Son – republished actually – it was with a small Canadian publisher before that
  • In The Land of Huckleberries and Wokas – a Native American novella similar to my novel The River People.
  • and a children’s book called Even Animals Get Their Own Room. This was a special project because my sons Isaac and Caleb illustrated it.

Possible Cover three

Yes, this is on Amazon if you want copy or want to search inside to see their artwork.

This project spanned two years. We’d pull out the art supplies and work on it a Saturday here or an afternoon there. Isaac and Caleb each took copies to school to show to their friends. They donated a copy to their library and another kid checked it out that same day. So we had a ton of fun working on it, and we were all proud of the final product. The printed book actually looks like you could feel the crayon on the paper; I was just amazed at the quality.

 

Every year I learn more about storytelling, writing and using my strengths as a writer, so I owe a big thanks to all my readers for sharing your thoughts on Facebook, here and in reviews on Amazon. This last year I learned to listen to my own heart on storytelling and not on the usual rules and expectations. I thought about what kind of story I want to experience, write and read, not what big publishers or all the Writer Rules say you should write. I let readers guide me too, through comments and reviews.

2013 – A new year and new opportunities

I’m already working on a new novel for this year. It’s an emotional story of romance, commitment and family, similar in theme to More Than Memories, More Than a Promise and A Special Ops Christmas. I love looking at family relationships, rekindling and rebuilding love, and making a better future. I’ll tell you more about the story soon and share the cover in the next couple of months.

My goals and plans are much the same for this year. I want to keep writing, keep improving and grow my readership. Even my personal goals are the same – I love spending time with my family and experiencing life to the fullest. There are a few things on the agenda, like riding in a hot air balloon and the local trolly that goes on a winery tour. If you saw this big red trolly around your town, you’d understand!

Thanks so much for joining my journey. I hope this is a fantastic year for everyone!

A Special Ops Christmas

by Kristen James

Special Ops Christmas cover final

Want to escape for a short while during the hectic holiday season? This holiday novella is the perfect length to read in the bath, waiting at the doctor’s office, or sitting by the fire. (I often sat by my fireplace while working on this story!)

A Special Ops Christmas – a holiday novella

They were ready to call it quits, but Aiden realizes he can’t let his marriage die this Christmas season. Can he make it home to Vivianne in time to save their love?

Vivianne has been so proud her husband—a Navy SEAL—but his absence while serving has put a strain on their marriage. Due to buried hurts and different circumstances in her life, she needs him more than ever now. Aiden proposed in the snow, and Christmas has always been their special time of year. This year, however, looks bleak and lonely. If only Aiden were here, she could share a special surprise.

You can also get A Spy for Christmas, A Cowboy for Christmas, More Than Memories and Embers of Hope for 99 cents in Kindle, or borrow for free if you’re a Prime member. (The last 3 are full length novels while A Spy for Christmas is a novella. All four are available in print and Kindle.)

Hope your holiday season is going well and you’re ready for Christmas!

More Than a Promise – full novel version

by Kristen James

More Than a Promise, full novel version, Book 2 of the Second Gift Series

(Embers of HoClick to preview on Amazon - More Than A Promise - full novelpe is Book 1 of the Second Gift Series.)

This is the full novel version! It contains both More Than a Promise and Promises Fulfilled. (Promises Fulfilled is available by itself as well.)

Cassie escapes to Ocean View Stables on the Oregon Coast to cope with the three year anniversary of her husband’s death. She’s starting to dream about her future again and possibly romance. A safe romance, that is, where people don’t die. She runs into Ethan Caldwell, the cute boy who teased her through grade school. He sure grew up – into a man who’d catch anyone’s eyes. Now he’s a single dad to nine year old Isabel, who talks about her parents getting back together…as soon as her mom is out of rehab. Then maybe her mom can watch her while her dad goes on his work trips. Apparently Ethan has some kind of dangerous, secretive government job. This isn’t at all what Cassie is looking for! So why is she running full speed into another broken heart?

(Promises Fulfilled) Cassie’s known for taking in lost puppies…now she’s brought home a family. Cassie is unexpectedly caring for Ethan’s daughter, Isabel, while he’s off on a dangerous mission. They’re not sure how long he’ll be gone. In the meantime, Isy wants to visit her mom in rehab. Cassie was widowed before, and even though she’s ready for romance, she’s not sure she can handle another risky relationship. So what is she doing with Isabel here?

Cassie’s neighbor and close friend Brandon suddenly realizes his chance with Cassie is slipping away. He’s caring and steady, and he’s been a great support for the last three years. Now he finds his fire…when Cassie is dreaming about Ethan.

Why does moving forward have to be so complicated? Whichever path she chooses, Cassie will end up hurting someone. Should she chase what her heart wants? Or what she thinks she can handle?

 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

by Kristen James

smores

Merry Christmas!

 
From my family to yours, I hope everyone has a warm, happy holiday season!

Can you imagine the dark months of winter without holiday cheer? Without twinkling lights, ringing bells, Christmas trees and holiday treats? I love the music–the old time Christmas music that first came out on records.

Have a holly, jolly Christmas…it’s the best time of the year…

I love it so much that when my kids hear Elvis or any 50s singer, they ask if it’s Christmas music! I’ve been known to pull out the Christmas music and decorations on December first; I can’t wait to get into the spirit.

This time of year, when we count our blessings, I’m extremely grateful for the many awesome readers who make my dream possible. Thanks for being a part of my journey! I appreciate the support on Facebook, the comments and your emails. I always love to hear what people think of my stories.

Winter is my busy writing period. I write year round, but the wet, possibly cold, and short winter days here in the Pacific Northwest seem perfectly suited for writing. It gets dark around 5!

This holiday season I published A Spy for Christmas, with a perfect holiday setting at a snowy mountain cabin, and I’m working on another holiday novella to share with you soon. What can I say? This time of year gets me into the mood to write about Christmas. I’m also working on Promises Fulfilled, Book 3 of the Second Gift Series. I hope to have it ready this month, or maybe January by the latest.

Oh, I also put together a box set with a special price! The info is in the previous post.

Take care and have a wonderful holiday season!   ♥♥♥   ~Kristen

License to Love: Holiday Box Set (Four romance novels!)

by Kristen James

Preview or Purchase on Amazon.

Four romances for only 2.99!
A Cowboy for Christmas – “A Great Romance for the Holidays and Anytime You Like!” Coffee Time Romance and More

Missy finds herself an unwanted co-owner to Ocean View Stables by Florence, Oregon. She wants to start over somewhere new after her old boss burned her. She’s jobless and has a wrongly ruined reputation, so this works out perfectly . . . until she meets the cowboy running the place. Brent built his dream with determination and his two hands; he’s responsible for everything that happens there. Secretly, he feels responsible that his former partner died. He also doesn’t hide his belief that Missy won’t stick around. Women tend to take off on him so why would she be any different? They both have a past that can ruin their future. Can he trust her to stay? Can she trust him with her heart?

More Than Memories – “I just loved this book! Primarily because Ms. James’ equation for the plot kept me guessing the entire time.” Big Al’s Books and Pals, 5 Stars

Molly Anderson returns “home” to a town she doesn’t remember, hoping it will spark a memory. She runs into Trent Williams, an off duty police officer, and something else definitely sparks. He wants to know why she left town, with her parents, but without a word to anyone. She doesn’t remember that life. She can only tell him she knew her parents briefly before they died . . . or were murdered, she’s not sure. She hopes regaining her memory will help answer that question. Trent has his own secrets, but they have a mystery to solve. Molly knows she wants him now, but the truth might destroy their love. Can she love him if she can’t remember him?

The Enemy’s Son

Cora discovers her father is in trouble… and the only person who can help her is the enemy’s son, Nick Holloway.

Her father couldn’t have stolen a million dollars, so how is he going to replace it? In one week?

Nick is ordered to take Cora out into the wilderness to a remote cabin to keep her father in line. He claims he wants to help Cora and says he’s deceiving the Hollways to keep her safe…but what if he’s playing both sides? He could be using her attraction to him against her. Cora can’t allow herself to trust Nick, no matter how sexy he is.

Nick isn’t the only one offering to help. Alexander Pierce could scare the devil but he can also track down anyone in a day. He warns Cora that if she wants to find her father alive, he’s the way. Is it possible both Nick and Alexander have secret feelings for her? With her dad’s life on the line, she might have to play her own little game.

Soon she’s running from her feelings for Nick, running from creepy Alexander and the rest of the Holloways, and trying to find her father somewhere in the city of Eugene. To make matters worse, everyone thinks she has access to the missing money.

The clock is ticking…

Embers of Hope, Book 1 of the Second Gift Series
Savanna’s Story: Savanna is falling for the sexy firefighter that saved her life once, but Jason confuses her to no end. He’s hurting over the recent death of his best friend. She’s also stuck in the middle between Jason and Cassie, who just lost her husband and blames Jason. Can Savanna find a balance between loving Jason, helping Cassie, and taking care of herself and her daughter? Or is she going to lose this bet and her best friend?

Stories total 200,000 words.