Around The Fire with Tena Stetler.

Hi everyone! Today's Around the Fire is with one of my camping buddies. Nope, we haven't shared an actual fire yet but one of these days, Tena, we are going to have a great time swapping stories while toasting smores and sipping a hot chocolate or maybe an adult beverage.
Hey there DV. I’m thrilled to be on your fantastic blog today.  Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts on backstory and chat about my new holiday release, MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC, part of the multi-author Christmas Cookie Series from The Wild Rose press. All books in the series can be read as a standalone.
Oh, maybe instead of smores you'll bake us some of those magical cookies, please and thank you. Now you have a little something to say about "backstory" don't you?

Backstory is it a dirty word or is it a necessity? How many times have you heard too much backstory will spoil your book? But how are your readers going to find out about what makes your characters tick? What makes them who they are today?
 
Totally true! But there's a line as Gandalf said, "You shall not pass!" Tell me about your thoughts on it.

Now I’m not talking about an info dump. I’m suggesting a sprinkling of backstory for each character throughout the book where appropriate so the reader can better understand the characters reactions and plot development. Otherwise, your reader may get lost in your story, not in a good way, or your characters will fall flat rather than be engaging.  This is especially important in writing a series or sequel. Scattering a smattering of information about what has happened in the other books and what the characters have endured previously makes for a richer experience for your reader. 

In other words, it helps us either get attached to a character or even hate a bad one more.

So in my mind, I’d say yes to backstory in small amounts spread throughout the book, as is necessary to keep the reader engaged. What do you think?

Tell us in the comments, reader. We really want to know what you think. And authors how many of you were spanked for backstories? How did you fix it or did you let it fly? What were the results?

You have a lovely new holiday story for us, Tena. Can you Share about 

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MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC   
by
Tena Stetler
Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/bzVO19 

Will her presence in Raven's Hollow put the holiday festival and cookie contest at risk?

​After being in the wrong place at the wrong time Wynter Dahl finds herself with a new name and new home.  Whisked into the Witness Protection program she finds herself in the Podunk town of Raven’s Hollow, Colorado.  She has more than one secret to keep and is not sure who she can trust, though the deputy sheriff is hard to resist.  Braydon “Blaze” Nightwing, owns Dragon Fire Pizza and takes his job as deputy sheriff seriously. He means to protect his town and its residents, including the mysterious newcomer. He rescues her after a tumble and finds himself in over his head.  He senses she’s more than she seems but so is he. When her cover is blown and her life is in danger it will take the whole town to save her and their annual holiday festival and cookie contest. What is Christmas without a little magic? 
How about a sneak peek between the pages of MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC? The wind had changed direction, and the pretty ice crystals were like tiny needles buffeting her face. She looked up and down Main Street and saw only one stoplight. Finally, she turned around and walked backward for a few yards. Glancing over her shoulder, she could see her street. She started to turn around, her foot slipped on the curb and arms flailing, down she went with a thud. Clutching her precious box of goodies in front of her, they were safe. However, the mug of hot chocolate popped the lid and sent hot chocolate in all directions, including all over her brand new bright-colored parka and the sidewalk. When she tried to get up, each foot went in a different direction, then down she went again. Getting to her knees, she crawled to the sidewalk, carefully got to her feet, and tried to brush the wet snow off. The damp material stuck to her. She began to shiver as the wind whipped around her. “Hey lady, you all right?” A man stopped his SUV in the middle of the road and jumped out. “That was quite a spill you took.” He smiled wide, picking up her mug and lid. “But I see your goodies from Candi’s place are still intact. Let me give you a ride. You’re going to freeze as wet as your clothes are.” He held out his hand. “Braydon Nightwing, but everyone calls me Blaze. I own the pizza place a few blocks down the way.”  When she reached for his hand, her arm shook. Her teeth chattered as she tried to say her name. “Wynterrr.” “It’s warm in my SUV. Please tell me where you’re going. I’ll get you there.” He pried her fingers from the box, helped her over to the vehicle, and opened the passenger door. Warm air rushed out of the SUV, caressing her face. Please don’t let him be a serial killer. Slowly, she reached behind her and patted her waistband. Shit. Why didn’t I bring my weapon? Getting in a car with a stranger wasn’t smart. But the warmth emanating from the vehicle was inviting.  Death by serial killer or freeze. She crawled into the SUV and huddled in front of the heater vents.
Get your copy today:
https://books2read.com/u/bzVO19 

More About the Author: 
Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance/mystery with an over-active imagination.  She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Colorado is home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.   Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales. 

Find out more about Tena and her books by visiting or following on Social Media Links: Website: https://www.tenastetler.com 
Authors’ Secret’s Blog - https://www.tenastetler.com/category/authors-secrets-blog/ 
My Say What Blog - http://www.tenastetler.com/category/my-say-what-blog/ 
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tenastetler.author 
Twitter Page: https://www.twitter.com/TenaStetler     
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If you're interested in other books in this series visit
www.amazon.com/dp/B09DB5B7KL