When I start writing a book or story, it usually begins with a single thought that seems to take on a life of its own. It develops itself as much as I develop it. Today's guest in My Writing Corner seems to be an author who does things much the same way. My guest today is Elaine Violette and she is here to tell us about her newest book, Blessings and the Thief which is a part of the Wild Rose Press Christmas in the Castle Series. It sounds like a perfect read during the long evenings of the winter season or when you need to take a break from the holiday hoopla.
What do you find is the most challenging part of being an author?
Five hours pass like one, when I start writing, and there never seems enough time. Therefore, the most challenging part for me as an author is finding the time and sticking to a schedule. Life is full of distractions!
How do you come up with your plots?
I admire writers who are able to keep story boards and character files, etc. I am most creative when I sit down and start writing. I create an initial plot but then it begins to develop on its own as I write. My characters take on personalities as if they were close friends. When I’m not at the computer, ideas generate on a walk, at the gym, or even in a dream. The fun part of creation is when a story takes on a life of its own, and the characters live and breathe in your mind. Their welfare and happiness depend on you, the author. What a responsibility and how great is that!
Tell us about your road to publication.
Oh, what a journey! My first Regency, Regal Reward, was traditionally published in 2007. Two more Regencies followed, A Convenient Pretense, and A Kiss of Promise. Unfortunately, the publisher went out of business. I was able to have my rights returned, and I chose the road of self-publishing. A three-book Redemption series followed: Of Faith Under Fire and Hope Unshackled. Book three, “Love at War” is not yet completed.
I have enjoyed a rewarding career as a self-published author, and, I admit, it took a long while to put my trust in another traditional publisher due to my first experience. After hearing great things about The Wild Rose Press, I decided to submit a manuscript. I am now a happy TWRP author with a great publisher and editor. My novel, Embracing Amelia, a Regency, was released by TWRP in April 2023, and now, a sweet novella, Blessings and the Thief, released November 6, 2024, is available to bring a bit of holiday spirit to my readers.
What is your book that you will feature today and how did you come up with the idea to write it?
‘Tis the Season to embrace the holiday spirit with a novella, Blessings and the Thief, a story with mystery, whimsy, and love, and that leaves a message on the importance of friendship and heartfelt giving. I enjoy developing different personalities in my characters. In Blessings and the Thief, I found the opportunity to bring together a fun group of elders, each with unique personalities, that both grate on their peers as well as draw laughter and teasing. The jovial atmosphere brings comic relief as the main characters face their demons. The elders’ wisdom and forgiveness draw out the true meaning of Christmas. My books always incorporate healing and redemption. Blessings and the Thief gave me the opportunity to create a holiday party atmosphere, draw a fun group of friends together, heal heartbreak, and nurture a budding romance.
Damien Reeves grudgingly agrees to host his ailing Uncle Lionel’s Christmas party at the Blackmoor Inn, a restored castle famous for absurd ghost lore. When he learns of petty thefts that have occurred among his uncle’s elderly friends, he hopes discovering the culprit might keep him from reliving his own tragic holiday memories. When a beautiful young woman arrives, a more enticing challenge appears.
Tessia Bennington is relieved to spend the holidays at the reputed haunted inn with her aunt and uncle after the man she’d expected to marry begged off. She enjoys the frolicking escapades of the aged partiers while ignoring the handsome host’s flirtations. What she can’t ignore is a ghostly presence seeking her help.
Neither Tess nor Damien could have imagined the bizarre events and this most unusual holiday. Will they part with special memories or shed their defenses and find happiness in each other?
How about a book Excerpt?
“It is a shame your uncle couldn’t come to be with his friends,” Tess said. “I met him last year when I visited with my aunt and uncle. He was a cheerful sort.”
“Yes, though I would hardly use the word cheerful to describe Uncle Lionel. He does have an unusual sense of humor. Who else would send his friends out of the city during the coldest season to the Blackmoor of all places? London has enough hotels, just as comfortable.”
“Perhaps he felt the inn’s reputation for ghost tales would add to the festivities.”
“I suspect my uncle has been in collusion with Mr. Graves. The ghosts seem too appropriately chosen. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“I admit that my uncle’s ornery bedroom spirit does seem too coincidental. What of your spirit, a thief?”
Damien tossed his head back and laughed. “I am certain that my uncle doesn’t place me in the category of a thief unless he suspected that I might steal someone’s heart during my stay.” Did he say that? He had spent the night dreaming of Tess in the most intimate of ways.
Tess’s mouth fell open before she clamped it shut and turned back toward the fire.
“You do know that previous guests have been told many ghost tales,” Damien said, filling in the silence. “I suspect Mr. Graves and his staff have great fun creating stories to entertain guests or, perhaps, to rid themselves of difficult ones.”
“Are you suggesting that your uncle may have helped to personalize the chosen bedroom spirits?”
“I suspect just that. My ghostly thief might have been created merely because a petty thief has been pestering the group. My uncle informed me of the incidences before I arrived. I suspect that you’ve heard of the thievery?”
“Why, yes. It’s a constant conversation between my aunt and uncle. Uncle Harold’s favorite quill pen disappeared months ago, and he still speaks of it. My aunt has told me of other unusual disappearances as well. The items are all quite inconsequential. I suspect a jokester is having fun with them.
“Have they suspected anyone in their group?”
“No. Why even if they did suspect someone, they wouldn’t tell me. A faultless person could be blamed.”
Damien smiled. He was becoming more and more intrigued by Tessia Bennington.
What’s your next project or what are you working on now?
I hope to complete book three in my American Historical Romance series, “Love at War,” one that requires deeper research into a difficult period in our history. When I’m not working on that, I have a contemporary romance in the works, as well as organizing a poetry collection I hope to publish. Always something to keep my busy and never enough hours in the day!
What advice do you have for beginning writers?
The most important advice I was given as a beginning writer was offered by a fellow author, and which has stayed with me all these years. “Write every day, even if you have time to write only one sentence.” It is amazing how one sentence turns into a paragraph and a whole page, and soon an entire manuscript. I admit I falter on this advice, but it has kept me writing. My personal advice is not to get discouraged. Revision is as important as your first draft. Reread, revise, reread, revise. Ideas grow through revision. When I reread a few pages of one of my finished books, I find myself a bit surprised. Where did these words and ideas come from, formed, and penned? There will always be better writers, but never doubt yourself and your unique talent if you have a passion to write. Creating is a self-fulfilling gift as well as a gift to others.
That's good advice Elaine! Here are the buy links for Blessings and the Thief and Elaine's social contact information:
Buy links:
Social Media
Website: http://elaineviolette.com
Blog: http://elainevioletteblogs.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elaineviolette.author
Amazon Author Central: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008H5NKQQ
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elaine_violette
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