Q&A with KristinaMcMorrisA Winter Wonderland
It’s my pleasure to introduce to the forum KristinaMcMorris. She will also be my guest author in January when we read and discussher novel Bridge of Scarlet Leaves.
Kristina, welcome to the General Fiction forum.Debbie - Can youtell us a little about the Anthology AWinter Wonderland?
Kristina - Thanks so much for having me! I'd be thrilledto chat about A Winter Wonderland. Ideallyenjoyed by a cozy fire and with a cup of hot cider (splash of brandy optional),the book is comprised of four novellas: "A Winter Wonderland" by FernMichaels, about a snowboarding accident that leads to surprising love;"The Joy of Christmas" by Holly Chamberlin, spotlighting therekindled romance of a Christmas Scrooge; "The Christmas Thief" byLeslie Meier, about an investigation of stolen jewels that uncovers so muchmore; and "The Christmas Collector" by...you guessed it, me.
My particular story features an estate liquidator named Jenna Matthews, who, asthe daughter of a former hoarder, seekscatharsis through her career. While preparing a sale in time for Christmas, amaterialistic season of "junk" exchanges in her mind, she stumbles across a shoebox of World War IIkeepsakes. All tied to the secret past of an elderly woman, the mysteriouscollection forces Jenna to reexamine the true value of life, holidays, andmemories -- both those we'd like to forget and the ones we hope to keep.
What I especially loved about writing this novella was the inclusion of twoelderly characters who were young in my debut novel, Letters from Home!
You are no stranger to the spotlight.
Tell us about your five year stint hosting a children’s television showstarting when you were 9. (there’s much more I’d love to ask, but I’ll save it foryour next interview)
I had just started fifth grade when my mother heardabout an audition for a weekly TV show host, and thought it would be fun for meto simply try out. I was originally a pretty shy girl, so any activities tohelp boost my confidence weren't uncommon. Well, when the casting director gaveme the cue to run into the audition room -- where I was to hop onto the chair,pretending to be late for the program, then launch into a reading of theteleprompter -- I wasn't expecting the chair to be on rollers. Yep, off I flewonto the floor. Laughing heartily, I popped back up and managed to get throughmy lines. Next thing I knew, oddly enough, I was hired.
I admit, it was an interesting way to grow up. Although I had to make a numberof sacrifices due to a pretty rigorous shooting schedule, there were many, manybenefits that helped shaped my personality early on, namely a strong work ethicthat yes, occasionally borders on obsessive. And now thatI have a nine year old child myself, I was recently struck by the thought, Wow, I was THAT young when I startedworking? :)
Kristina, as you know I’m a friend of yours on FB and so Isee all the snippets we see through the eyes of your six year old.
Here is an example –“ The 6yo trying to understand how babies eatbefore birth: "So, I was in your belly..." Me: "That'sright." The 6yo: "And when you ate food, the vitamins went throughthe cord to my belly button." Me: "Yep, you got it!" The 6yo:"And when I was full, I just...took the cord off?" (A better motherwould have restrained her laughter.”
Doyou think social networking with your readers is important?
I honestly don't know that it's as important as it isfun. The conversation above is just a small sample of the hilarious exchangesmy kids and I have on a daily basis. I can't imagine not sharing the laugh withothers. Social media sites are also a great place to ask research questions oropinions on aspects of developing stories. Of course, if any of your readersare interested in contributing or watching me babble, feel free to friend me!
Do you write full time?
By full time, if you mean typing like crazy whenever Ipossibly can between driving my kidlings to soccer games, school events, artand science camps, and a never-ending series of birthday parties at Chuck E.Cheese -- then, yes. Yes, I do. Ha! Seriously, I'm very fortunate in that I doget to write full-time during their school hours and also have the amazingbenefit of being there when they get home.
Do you belong to a writer’s group?
I actually belong to several online groups, and thecamaraderie is wonderful. It's always reassuring to know you're not alone --whether it's in celebrating achievements, venting occasional frustrations, orseeking advice on a million topics. For example, I recently posted a commentabout hitting a point in my current work-in-progress that left me questioningif the whole thing was as exciting as watching paint dry. As you can imagine, Iwas SO relieved when at least two dozen other writers -- many of whom arehugely successful bestselling authors -- said they all feel the exact same wayin the midst of editing or writing every one of their books. In other words, myneurosis is apparently the norm.
Do you have any Barnes & Noble events or signingsplanned?
Not at the moment, but I certainly plan to when my nextnovel releases!
Kristina, thank you for sharing a little with us now. I lookforward to our next interview where I expect to learn all your secrets.
It's been a pleasure. Thanks for the warm wishes. I'llbe sure to dust off plenty of "secrets," so we'll have lots to dishabout during our next interview.
Here's Kristina on the cover of my favorite magazine
And her other works
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