​Happy day after Christmas. I hope you had a safe and blessed one. I'm sure for many of you the holidays were a bit different. My dear husband and I drove and delivered porch presents in the pouring rain. We waved and moved on. Then came home and had a bit of turkey and the fixings. I know I'm not the only one looking forward to 2021. But, in the midst of all I never want to forget the good things. There's an old hymn that says Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Seems like great advice to me. Come on back next Saturday for my 2020 recap. 
Now on to today's wonderful guest. She's a returning friend to the campfire. That's what the fire is all about. Returning friends, making new ones and having great conversations.

​Happy Saturday Maria! Let's get you settled in. What’s can I get you this chilly December day? The camp fridge is like a Wishing Well. You speak it, you get it. 
Hot cocoa please, with plenty of marshmallows. It’s cold outside. 

Have you had any new adventures since we last came together? Or perhaps a fond memory of a past vacation?
I’m definitely not the camping type, but I do love to go to Key West. We have been going every year for 34 years. I love the town with its shops, art galleries, bars with live bands, and restaurants. While there are beaches, we generally relax at the pool at our timeshare located on an old Caribbean Estate, which has lush gardens all around and is just one block from Duval Street, the main thoroughfare. We are also a few short blocks from Mallory Square where there is a nightly party at sunset.  We bicycle, kayak, and walk our legs off while there when we’re not lying by the pool reading. It’s a combination of relaxing, exercising, and partying on a tropical island.  

Sounds wonderful. I've never been to the Keys, but it's on my list for when we return to Florida after I retire in May. I understand you've been a busy lady, what's been happening in your writing world?
My newest release is “A Song For Another Day.”  It’s part of the Deerbourne Inn series and I absolutely loved writing this book. I devoured the series Bible put out by The Wild Rose Press and read as many other Deerbourne Inn books as possible to get the feel for the town as well as the residents. The Inn is located in the fictitious town of Willow Springs, Vermont. I chose a character who had already been identified, but didn’t have a story. His name is Jason Simmons – the shuttle driver for the Inn and weekend singer/guitar player at Finnigan’s, the local bar restaurant. Creating him to be a three-dimensional person was exciting. So, in addition to his two part-time jobs, he is now following his dream to make it in Nashville as a songwriter. In his spare time, he goes to the park, plays his guitar and writes lyrics to his melodies. He’s also a model (how hot is that) since the guy needs to make money somehow, and driving a shuttle and singing at the local bar weren’t cutting it. 

I've read several of the Deerbourne books. What a great concept. Getting to know characters and be in a familiar location is very satisfying. They get to be your friends and delving in to the community can make you feel like your going home for a visit. Do you have a tagline? Life Motto? 
Learning is a lifelong endeavor. While I’m still, and will always be learning the craft of writing, I recently took a seminar on how to record my own audiobooks. It’s different, challenging, and fun. I bought the equipment that I needed, set up a little recording studio in our walk-in closet, and I’ve been practicing my recording skills as well as editing on audacity. I’m starting with a novella, since its shorter, but will hopefully get to all my books at some point. 

Wow! That's a project. Good for you. You'll have to let us know how it goes. Maybe even return for a chat about the process. How long did it take you from conception to publication?  What was your time line for writing A Song For Another Day.
It took about a year, but I was working on another project at the same time. My novella, “The Blueberry Swirl Waltz,” which is part of the One Scoop or Two Series, had to be pushed ahead of “A Song for Another Day” because it needed to be ready for publication by the summer. (June 1st) 

See, like I said, busy. By the way if anyone hasn't heard about The One Scoop or Two series you should check them out. Because it's never to cold for ice cream. Here's the link to the series 
www.amazon.com/s?k=one+scoop+or+two+wild+rose+press&crid=F03C8BQ3UHDU
Maria, are there any mentors, authors, or books you would like to give a shout-out to? 
My critique partners over the years have been instrumental in pointing out the flaws in my stories or characters. It is so important to work with other authors who know the craft and won’t pull any punches. 

That's so true. Sometimes we are so close to our writing that we can't see problems. Literary success means so many different things to different people. What does it look like to you? 
Being happy doing what I’m doing, in the time frame I choose to do it in. 

Life Hacks for Authors.  Do you have any tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others. I’m also interested in how you have been managing your life and writing with COVID-19.   
Although Covid is affecting all of us, my daily life hasn’t changed much.  Once I retired from the practice of law almost four years ago, I have done something writing-related every day, which is a solitary commitment—so I’m used to holing up in my home office. Some days I focus on marketing, other days I work on my current manuscript, and other days I may read a writing-related book or take a writing course on line. I will never learn enough. Now that I don’t have outside distractions due to the pandemic, it’s even easier to accomplish my writing goals or add to them. 

Now the fun questions 
If they made a movie about your life, what would the title be and who would play you?   “It’s Not All About You”   (My husband says this to me at least once a week)  Sandra Bullock would win the title role – just love her. 
Do you have a special object like a piece of jewelry or keepsake of some sort? Can you tell us what makes it special to you?  I have my dad’s barber chair and old cash register. He and I had a special bond and although he died 16 years ago, I think about him often. He actually wanted me to be a barber and set up shop with him, but I went to college and law school instead. 
Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?    My husband and I were exploring the east end of Long Island over a long weekend with another couple. Chris had his arm around me as we stood on the ferry taking us to Shelter Island from Greenport. We both had sunglasses on and were looking towards the island. It looks like an ad for Ray-Bans, but the memory is so special. 

Favorite childhood book? “The Secret of The Old Clock” by Carolyn Keene (or any Nancy Drew book)
Last movie you saw?  “On the Basis of Sex” which was about Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s early legal career. She had to deal with such discrimination as a woman looking for a job at a law firm in NYC in the 1950s. Although she was first in her class at Harvard Law and then at Columbia Law, no firm would give her a job since it would take that spot away from a man. She ended up teaching law at Rutgers Law School in Camden before she became a circuit judge. 
Last thing you googled? Why?  Whether the TikTok App was free. (It is)  I didn’t want to pay for it, but was considering using the platform in a Christmas story I’m plotting. I thought I should explore it before writing about it.

Maria, thank you so much for stopping by the fire today. I wish you and yours a very happy New Year. Before you go, can you please tell us more about your book and where we can learn more about you?

 Song for Another Day https://books2read.com/u/bzjQ7G
Gigi Jenson, an up-and-coming Broadway star, finds herself in Willow Springs, Vermont, for the summer as director of their first annual community revue. This sleepy town is worlds away from her vibrant and beloved New York City, but the experience she’ll gain will be invaluable to her career. 
Jason Simmons has lived in Willow Springs his entire life. Working several jobs while writing music, he yearns for a contract to record his songs. The one chance he had to make it in Nashville he blew due to stage fright. 
When Jason volunteers to help Gigi with the revue, sparks ignite but their dreams are taking them in different directions. Will their love for each other ever guide them to the same path?
 

ExerptWith Herculean effort he tamped down his burning desire. “I better go,” he said instead of take me to your bed.
Her eyes flew open, and she uttered an “Oh,” as if surprised—either by his statement or her reaction to his kiss, he didn’t know which.
He swallowed, keeping in the words he wanted to say. “I have an early morning pickup at the airport, and I know you have a lot on your plate.”
She bit her lip, the lip he’d just assaulted with his mouth, and he ached to return.
“Yes. Well…thanks again for dinner. I’ll see you…around.” She bowed her head and walked away, disappearing into the inn as he watched her go.
Had she wanted him to come to her room? If she did, she would have asked. Besides, flaunting that kind of intimacy in front of whoever was watching would be fast-forwarding the rumor mills. She definitely wouldn’t want that. Yet she’d seemed disappointed that he called upon every self-controlling atom he had to pull away from her.
Maybe a good thing. He needed time to think this through, and being in her presence clouded his already murky judgment. They’d just met three days ago. Taking it slow to see what they both wanted was the prudent course. On the other hand, they only had six weeks.
Fast and furious might be the way to go.
Print Books
https://www.thewildrosepress.com/product/a-song-for-another-day

Where to find out more about Maria
 
https://www.facebook.com/mariaimbalzanoauthor
http://www.twitter.com/mariaimbalzano
http://www.mariaimbalzano.com/category/blog/
http://www.mariaimbalzano.com
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7276749.Maria_Imbalzano
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maria-imbalzano
https://mariaimbalzano.com/sign-up-for-my-newsletter/
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00FG9RI5K
  
Maria Imbalzano
Author and Speaker
A Song For Another Day
The Sworn Sisters Series
The Blueberry Swirl Waltz
www.mariaimbalzano.com

Welcome everyone to 2020s second to last campfire. What a crazy year, right? Just a few things before we get to today's amazing guest. Agent Sam Carter and friends are soon to be back in action. I have a Goodreads giveaway going on until January 15th. If you haven't read my first mid-grade The Mystery At Branch Lake here's your opportunity. Join my Newsletter and get a link to download a free copy. Merry Christmas from me. Now let's get to today's intrepid camper.

​Welcome back, Anna. What can I get for you? Coffee, tea, cocoa, wine? The camp fridge is like Aladdin's lamp you speak it, you get it. 
A clementine Izzy please. I discovered I could buy them in my local grocery store instead of having to place an order at Chipotle.

Hmm, that's a new one for me. But let's test my with theory with the fridge. Oh, look at that. Here you go. For those who are curious like me and want to know  what is a Clementine Izze? Sparkling Juices 70% fruit juice with a splash of sparkling water. Sounds delish, I'll join you. Now that we're settled, please remind us if you have ever camped or Glamped.
 Camped, not glamped. I think the last time I was here I shared in an earlier post that I hiked an Adirondack trail and camped in old WPA lean-tos with  a guy I was dating in seminary. Next I camped with my husband again in the Adirondack State Park but this time pitching a tent in a campground and cooking on a Coleman stove.

That's right, now I remember. I love Upstate New York. You've been a very busy woman this year. Tell us about your latest project.
I've got two on the drawing board: a holiday story set during Kwanzaa that uses the principle of Kuumba, creativity, to bring two estranged lovers back together as they try to recreate a cookie recipe. The other is an erotic time travel western tentatively titled Possessed By A Wylder Past.
 
They sound great. You're quite a diverse writer. What book are you talking about today and what’s on the horizon? 
Today I’m talking about my second self-published novella, A Little In Love With Death. I wanted to write a second chance romance that has family secrets at its core, family secrets revealed by the presence of ghosts, but had a hard time figuring what those secrets could be. I hit upon the idea of using a dual time format to help me flesh it out and it worked wonders. I was able to develop the how and why of the secret affecting the present time story. In the end I liked the past time story so much I decided to split the two into their own books. A Little in Love With Death is the present time story of romance and reconciliation. The past time story, Always the Dead Between, is a ghost story with romantic elements. It will release in 2021 and, like all the novellas in my Haunted Harlem series, will have a brilliant cover designed by my fabulous cover designer Dawne Dominique.
 
I do love a ghost story and this book is in my to be read pile.  Conception to publication is so varied among not only authors but books by the same author. How long did A Little In Love With Death  take you? 
Jeepers. I started this probably in 2012 and didn't pick it up again until 2019. So actually maybe a year but all told eight.

Do you have a tagline? Life Motto?
Life motto: Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly before God. Micah 6:8

That is one of my favorite verses. It wraps up our faith so simply, yet profoundly. Are there any mentors, authors, or books you would like to give a shout-out to?
As always I must give a shout out to Mary Buckham, mentor extraordinaire. I took my first RWA workshop with her on writing synopses and query letters. Talk about learning what you don't know. She was and continues to be the most generous mentor on the face of the earth. She's also the first person to force me to take myself seriously as a writer. Virtual hugs and kisses, Mary.
 
Mary sounds amazing. You're lucky to have such person in your life. Anna, can you tell us what literary success look like to you?
Creating community through the sale of my books with folk looking for stories told from an African-American lens who want to be enlightened, encouraged, educated and entertained.

You've certainly done that for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the first Haunted in Harlem book Haunted Serenade. It did all those "E" words for me. It's time for Life Hacks for Authors. Tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others. I’m also interested in how you have been managing your life and writing with COVID-19.
As this annus horribilis draws to a close, a trick I've been developing is learning to be playful. I have enjoyed creating a town with Christmas village buildings and figurines. In this playfulness I am not only finding rest but reviving my writing muse.  

Wise words. We don't play and laugh enough as grownups. Now the fun questions. 
Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?
I've had many but one that sticks with me happened on the subway in NYC. I was passing through the cars and passed a man who flashed me the biggest, brightest smile I'd ever seen. It touched my heart. I not only smiled back just as brightly but kept on smiling long after we'd passed one another.

Teach me something I don’t know in two sentences.
There are 54 countries in Africa. Ethiopia is the only sub-Saharan nation on that continent that was never colonized.

What is your favorite mug or teacup if neither T-shirt with graphic or Meme
I have so many, but lately my favorite mug is a 16 ounce white ceramic mug that has "Motivated by Cats and Caffeine" in black lettering above a black line drawing of a cat's head peeking out of a teacup. My mug has a tiny chip in the rim and my husband wants me to get rid of it. Not happening.

What’s your favorite fairy tale? 
The Bremen Town Musicians

Favorite childhood book?
The Borrowers.

Last thing you googled? Why? 
The last thing I googled the spelling of annus horribilis for this blogpost.

Ha, now its the last thing I googled and I bet there are readers now who are doing the same thing. Anna, thank you so much for stopping by the campfire. We always enjoy your visits. Can you leave a bit about your book and where we can find out more?

Buylink: https://amzn.to/3mGvWci
​Ten years ago no one -- not even the man who said he loved her -- believed Sankofa Lawford's story of being attacked by a ghost. Ten years later a new ghostly assault brings her back home to a mother going mad, a brother dangling at his wits’ end and a former love wanting a second chance. She’s at a loss what to do because the pain created by memories of her own attack prove stronger than her desire to heal her family and find love again.

Mitchell Emerson believes science and reason can account for the ghostly happenings at Umoja House. He’s seeks a rational explanation that will prove him right while regaining Sankofa’s trust and love. What he learns leaves him shattered.

Now reluctant allies, Mitchell and Sankofa uncover years of lies that threaten to pull them apart until help comes from an unexpected ally: the ghost itself.
 

Read more 
For the last hour Sankofa Lawford blinked through a haze of tears at her mother’s stricken face. She held the glassy-eyed woman’s hand and tried repeatedly to get her attention. No gesture stilled the older woman’s incessant rocking. No words penetrated her intonation of the same awful phrase.
“Them that tell don’t know and them that know don’t tell.
“Them that tell don’t know and them that know don’t tell.” 
Wanda Lawford suddenly stopped rocking and stared in Sankofa’s direction. A bright glint of glee shone in her gaze.”
“Hope struggled for a foothold in Sankofa’s heart then slipped as a death head’s grin contorted her mother’s once beautiful features.
“Sankofa?”
Sankofa forced the lump of sorrow down her throat. “Yes, Mama?”
With a grip made strong from madness, Wanda pulled her daughter’s hand to her chest and leaned in so her lips pressed against Sankofa’s ears.
“A word to the wise is sufficient. Have you been wise?”
Her hissed warning parodied whispered confidences mother and daughter had shared in the past. Sankofa kissed away a tear from her mother’s cheek. 
“Yes, Mama.” She swallowed the lie with a smile. “I’ve been wise.”
Wanda Lawford cupped her daughter’s face and smiled, too.
“Good. I’m so sorry, so sorry.  It shouldn’t have happened to you. It should never have happened to you”
Sankofa took a deep breath and controlled her sadness despite the wobble of her lips.
“Rest now, Mama. Rest. Okay?”
Wanda released Sankofa’s hand only to grip her own,  rocking again, repeating again.
“Them that tell don’t know and them that know don’t tell.

Them that tell don’t know and them that know don’t tell.” 

About the Author
​As a native New Yorker, I thrive on the gothic novel that is New York City. My vintage and contemporary stories take place in African American communities like Harlem, Bed-Stuy, St. Albans and East New York. Although re-imagined in my story world, they're places I hope you will become intimately acquainted with as you and I become intimately acquainted.

annamtaylor.webs.com/
https://mailchi.mp/7d60e5679ab4/anna-m-taylor-writes
​​https://www.amazon.com/Anna-M.-Taylor/e/B0894LFCTV

Thank you all for stopping by. Before we get to today's guest here's just a little note from me.
​Even though in my neck of the woods camping season is over until next year, the virtual campfire is ablaze. These are tough times and sometimes we need a break from the real world. If you are looking for a further break check out my giveaway starting December 16th on Goodreads. Enter for a chance to win a giveaway of Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery At High Pointe Tower. Here's the link www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/316018-the-mystery-at-high-pointe-tower

The campfire is about hospitality and conversation. So, Katy, before we get to the chit-chat what can I get for you? Coffee, tea, cocoa, wine? The camp fridge is like a shooting star, you get what you ask for.
Hot cocoa please!
​
You've got it. I'll even let you use my favorite Happy Camper mug. Tell us have you ever camped, or as I call what I do, Glamp. If you’re not the camping type, tell us about your favorite adventure or vacation. What made it special to you? 
I did some camping when I was in Girl Scouts years ago, but it was never really my thing. My last camping experience was just me and my husband shortly after we got married. Nothing will test your marriage like pitching your first tent together. Starting a fire was super fun as well. We ended up driving to the nearest town for dinner. Never again, lol.

LOL! I have a torch and firestarters. I highly recommend them when camping. Is it cheating? Nope. 
Tell us about your latest project and what’s on the horizon.
My latest book is contemporary Christian romance First Class Christmas. When Mandy Brockman gets a last-minute seat reassignment on her flight home, she meets CJ Hawkins and her life is never the same. It’s a sweet, clean read perfect for the holidays. I’m working on another romance that follows four different yet interconnected relationships, but it has a ways to go yet.

Sounds wonderful. Many of my readers love sweet and clean, add in Christmas and I'm sure they'll love it. Do you have a tagline? Life Motto? 
Everything in moderation” is one I use a lot. My dad used to put things in perspective by asking, “Will this matter in five years?” whenever I stressed out about something.

Wise man, your dad. For some authors like me writing is a long process. How long did it take you from conception to publication?
I don’t recall specifically, but it probably took 4-6 months to write. Then submissions and acceptance by my publisher took another month or two. I submitted early in the year, so it’s been a waiting game for my release date. So glad it’s finally here!
​
So are we!  Are there any mentors, authors, or books you would like to give a shout-out to?
My first-ever book was published on the same date and with the same publisher as Jennifer Pierce, who writes romantic suspense. I also adore Christian romance from Jaycee Weaver. Both great authors—among many, many others!

Katy, please tell us what literary success look like to you.
I would say success means following through on what I start, growing in the craft of writing, and enjoying the journey along the way. I also hope my stories inspire others.

Life Hacks for Authors. Do you have any tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others. I’m also interested in how you have been managing your life and writing with COVID-19.
I’ve found that when an idea comes to me at an inopportune time, it helps to jot down the gist on the “Notes” app of my phone so I don’t lose it. The microphone function even allows you to speak your ideas, and Siri or whoever just magically types it out for you. I mean, are we, like… living in the future, or what? As for COVID-19, I’ve been super fortunate that I already worked remotely so there was no transition or learning curve there. And my kids are old enough to be pretty independent with the distance learning stuff. It’s hard to find time to write when they’re always home, because I feel like no matter what I do or when I write, I’m ignoring my family. But I do my best to strike a good balance between work, family, writing, and relaxing.

Now the fun questions 
Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?
My dad walking me down the aisle at my wedding. He died two years later, and I miss him so much.

What's your favorite candy, cookie, pasta?
Candy – Dove Dark Chocolate (is that considered candy? lol); Cookie – warm, fresh-baked chocolate chip; Pasta – lasagna (but no ricotta cheese!)

Favorite childhood book?
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Last movie you saw? 
That Thing You Do. I liked it as a teen, and decided to watch it with my kids recently.

What weird talent do you have?
I can sound like a trumpet using just my voice and lips. True story.

What’s your favorite ‘90s jam?
“Stay” by Lisa Loeb. I used to know the whole song, and I thought I was pretty cool busting out the lyrics as a teenager.
​
Katy, thank you so much for taking the time to be with us at the campfire. Could you leave us with some information about your book and where to find out more?

First Class Christmas by Katy Eeten
When Mandy Brockman flies home from her friend's destination wedding, her heart is on empty at the thought of spending Christmas alone. It doesn't help that her ex is on the plane, seemingly unaffected by their breakup. But the kind-hearted man seated next to her seems to have it all together—and he's handsome to boot. She knows her emotional healing won't come in the form of another guy, but will the source of this man's peace and joy help Mandy find the Christmas she's looking for?

CJ Hawkins is captivated by the beautiful, feisty woman he meets on his flight. The only thing is, she's fresh out of a relationship, and he has no interest in being anyone's rebound. But the more he learns about Mandy, the more he's drawn to her unique mixture of compassion and spunk.

Can he figure out how to make their relationship take off before this First Class Christmas is grounded forever?
 
Buy Links:
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/First-Class-Christmas-Holiday-Extravaganza-ebook/dp/B08KSJHMW4
B&N https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-class-christmas-katy-eeten/1137850777?ean=9781522303251
 
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyEeten/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KatyEeten
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KatyEeten/
Website: https://katyeeten.wordpress.com/