new books by kristen james

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

by Kristen James

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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.

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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.

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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!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

by Kristen James

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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