Fresh FIction Box Not To Miss
Kendra C. Highley | My Favorite Sports Films
Author Guest / December 5, 2016

I’ve written my share of athletes—snowboarders, outfielders, and point guards—mainly because of a love of sports. My dad is a rabid Texas Rangers fan, and there was always a game on at home. Some of that rubbed off, to the point that I enjoy sports movies, too. Here are a few of my favorite sports movies: Major League All right, Gen Xers, how many of your remember Charlie Sheen playing the wild pitcher, and the ragtag bunch that made up the Cleveland Indians? The premise is pretty simple: once the owner’s wife inherits the team, she wants to move it to Florida, but they have to have a losing season for the move to be considered. Instead, they make it all the way to the play-offs. Now, this movie is NSFW, but it’s also pretty hilarious. The Sandlot I didn’t see this movie until I was an adult, watching it with my kids, but the trueness of it struck me immediately. The way the boys were written…the banter, the shenanigans….it was so well done. And hey, how many times have you said, “You’re killing me, Smalls!” over the last decade or so. I also loved it because of the loving…

Getting Cozy with Charli Rae
Cozy Corner / December 5, 2016

Kym: “Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with Charli Rae Warren in her hometown of Hazel Rock, Texas for an interview. Charli is a kindergarten teacher who came back to Hazel Rock after a twelve-year absence! She’s also an imaginary friend of mine who lurks in my brain and messes with my hair.” Charli: “I beg to differ, you’re the one who’s constantly messing up my hair.” Kym: “That’s because it’s so beautiful; I’m a little jealous.” Charli: “Really?” Kym: I roll my eyes. “No, I just like messing with you.” Charli: “That’s not very nice.” Kindergarten teacher stare. Kym: Laughing. “That’s not going to work on me Charli, I’ve seen a lot meaner faces in my day than yours.” Charli: “So, get to the point. Why did you bring me to The Cozy Corner—other than to mess with me?” Kym: “I thought readers would like to hear a little bit about you, after all, your story releases December 6th.” Charli: “Already? Wow, it seems like it was just yesterday that you were slapping me on a piece of paper, then scratching me out, and then building me up—only to tear me back down again.” Kym: “It was…

Behind The Scenes Of BETTER OFF THREAD, By Amanda Lee
Author Guest / December 5, 2016

When I decided to write BETTER OFF THREAD, I knew I wanted to write a Christmas book and I knew the book had to feature Captain Moe, Tallulah Falls’ resident Santa Claus. Captain Moe has always been one of my favorite characters. I’ve loved him since book one—THE QUICK AND THE THREAD—when he made food for Marcy and Angus, even though the diner was closed. A few years ago, I met Joseph and Mary Moore at a Christmas craft bazaar in Kingsport, Tennessee. The Moores write books and travel the country making appearances as Santa and Mrs. Claus. We had a wonderful time together for the three days we attended the bazaar. As you can see from the photographs, Joe is certainly an authentic looking Santa! The children adored him. They’d shyly come up to him, and Joe/Santa would give a hearty, “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and then he’d ask, “What’s your name?” Upon hearing the answer, Santa would slap a hand to his forehead and say, “Of course! I recognize you now. You’ve just grown so much since last year.” I thought that was the most creative response. I mean, “he sees you when you’re sleeping; he knows when you’re…

Vanessa Vane | Why Montana?
Author Guest / December 5, 2016

I get asked why I write all my books about Montana. There are a number of reasons, so I have to break it down for you. I lived there for five years. Writing about a place I’ve been, but especially lived, brings it all back. No, I didn’t live there in 1885, but you get the idea. Here’s a secret that Montanans know and I’m sharing: It’s one of the best places… ever. It’s a secret because if everyone knew, everyone would live there. Since those of you in Florida or Australia probably aren’t picking up stakes and moving to Montana, you can live vicariously through my books. It’s larger than life. The sky is so big, the prairie so vast, it goes on and on and on. The history is so unique. Butte is fascinating. Imagine, Butte, Montana being the richest city in the world! Ghost towns dot the landscape and Virginia City is like stepping directly into the past. It’s like you can **feel** the past when you’re there. It’s extreme. Winters aren’t for cold weather sissies. Summers are, well, perfect. There is no spring and fall is temperamental. It makes for great plot points! Yes, there are…

CO-AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Amalie Howard and Angie Morgan Interview Each Other
Author Guest / December 5, 2016

Angie, what’s it like writing with a co-author? Is it seriously like the best thing ever? It is seriously the best thing ever, yes! I love that we’ve decided to work together writing romance. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it’s the most fun I’ve had in a long time when it comes to writing. I think my favorite part is brainstorming our books and characters! We work so well together, with each of our different strengths playing roles. Your ability to follow big picture themes and character development, and my ability to think of the smaller details and how they play into those bigger themes. It’s a win-win! Amalie, you’re such a fast writer, I often wonder how you do it. What’s something you have to do to gear up for a writing session? Like, major doses of espresso? Haha, my YA editors always ask if I have clones in my basement. Confession: I might. Just kidding. I’m lucky that I do write quickly. It may not always be awesome, but that’s why I have you. You keep me in my lane when I veer down ridiculous tangents. Readers, I’m not kidding. It’s like SQUIRREL! Or…