Find out more about Christmas Lites II and follow links to purchase here:
Misty: I’m a full-time wife, mama of three, and a writer. We
live in the little community of Buckner, KY, about 20 miles east of downtown
Louisville. Our home is also shared by 3 cats, 1 dog, 2 hermit crabs, and a
tank full of fish. It’s a crazy life at times, but I wouldn’t trade it for the
world (though ALL vacations are very much appreciated!).
JJ: You have a paranormal
romance series out there. Can you tell
us about it?
MB: The Tallenmere
fantasy romance series (written under my pen name, Mysti Parker) came about
from my love of all things related to elves and Tolkienesque settings. A
prominent character from each book in the series goes on to star in the next
book. But, every installment is (and will be) written to be a standalone story
in itself. I didn’t want to leave readers on never-ending cliffhangers. It’s my
hope that each book will rouse curiosity enough to continue with the others.
So far, I have two books—A
Ranger’s Tale and Serenya’s Song—available.
I’m slowly but surely working on the third. It will involve dragons, and one
cannot rush through the formation of such creatures! At least that’s how I
justify my snail’s pace…
Your readers can find the blurbs for both books on my
Goodreads page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4625596.Mysti_Parker
JJ: Your story in the
anthology, “Table Five,” is very inspirational.
If you could give a word of advice to people out there, especially
during the holiday season, what would it be?
MB: Step away from the commercialization of the holidays a
bit more. Enjoy making homemade treats and ornaments. Remember it’s not how
much money you spend, but the thoughtfulness you put into your giving. And like
Janet in “Table Five,” look for ways you can give to those less fortunate. We
love to put together shoebox gifts for children sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse,
or “adopt” a child from one of the angel trees in our local stores by buying
them much-needed items like coats or shoes.
MB: Ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil! I wrote
lots of little silly stories in my childhood and poetry in my teens. I didn’t
really KNOW I could (or would) write with the goal of making it a career until
2009. It’s certainly not for the fame and fortune. There are easier ways to
make money. But, after college, working full time, and a decade of being a mom,
I needed an outlet for my creativity. Naturally, I turned to my first love.
Some days it’s easier than others. Sometimes I feel like I’m getting nowhere
fast, but my motto remains: “I’m green, but I’m mean.” I’ve found my niche in life, and I’m sticking
to it!
JJ: This is the
second year you have participated in Christmas
Lites. What made you come back?
MB: I was so happy to be able to contribute to the first
one. If you’ll remember, I came up with “The Carpenter’s Wife” at almost the
last minute! Then, I got the invitation to submit another for this year’s
version, and I HAD to jump in on it. And luckily, I had already written “Table
Five” to share with my flash fiction critique group. All it needed was some
holiday sprucing! Knowing I can use something I love (writing) to benefit an
organization like the NCADV makes it totally worth it.
JJ: What is your
favorite Christmas movie and why?
MB: It’s a toss-up between “Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer”
and “A Christmas Story.” The first because it’s such a classic from my
childhood and the second because it’s so dang memorable! We’re constantly
quoting things from it, like: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”
JJ: Any Christmas
traditions that you love?
MB: My mom and I made all sorts of Christmas candies and
cookies to give to family and neighbors each year. She passed away in 2003, so
I continue that tradition with my kiddos. Mom also made ornaments, so as soon
as my girls got old enough, we started making those, too. Our family loves our
homemade gifts. In fact, if I didn’t bring my semi-famous fudge and peanut
butter balls, there could be mutiny!
MB: One of my fondest Christmas memories was actually a year
from my adolescence when we had hardly any money at all. My mom did her best to
make us some gifts, but beyond that, there was very little under the tree. Even
though I had grown accustomed to near-poverty, the kid in me still felt a
little disappointed. But, on Christmas morning, I woke up to a glorious white
blanket of fluffy snow—our first white Christmas in many years. My mom, stepdad,
and I watched Christmas movies on TV, played in the snow, enjoyed our homemade
treats, and feasted on potato soup and sausage cornbread for supper. We laughed
and talked and focused on each other instead of things. I’ll never forget that
year, when having so little meant so much.
JJ: What do you want
under your tree this year?
MB: I don’t care what’s under the tree for me. Perhaps it’s
a little OCD or just my desire for peace on Earth (or at least peace in the
Baker house), but I just really want to make sure the kids have an equal number
of gifts. Parents of more than one child—I bet you understand! We don’t go
overboard, but we shoot for about three each, plus what Santa brings.
Hopefully, nothing will be forgotten under a bed or in a closet somewhere…
JJ: What can we
expect to see from you in the future?
Hopefully many things! I keep busy with my blog, hosting
contests, interviews, promos, reviews, and whatever else I can dream up. I’ve also
written lots of flash fiction lately. Besides the two in the Christmas Lites anthologies, I’ve got a
story entitled “The Gift” coming out on Every Day Fiction in December under my
pen name, Mysti Parker. A few others are still seeking homes as we speak.
Beyond that, I’ll be exploring Tallenmere with my elves and
dragons and hope to have book three out next year. Until then, I wish everyone
a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Find the author:
GIVEAWAY!
Misty is offering up a whole plethora of goodies! Get your entries in and cross your fingers... Best of luck!
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