Letters to Santa By Sara Allen Stewart

12/1/2018

Multi-volume author, Sara Allen Stewart, introduces us to her beautiful and heart-touching story Letters to Santa:
Christmas is a time of happiness and celebrations for many people, but that's not the case for 9-year-old Kendall Knight. After losing his father in a car accident, at the age of seven, and struggling to adapt to his mother's new boyfriend, he is left feeling hopeless and lost. Can his best friends, James, Carlos, and Logan, help him believe in the magic of Christmas again before it's too late? Or will it take a higher power?

This story really surprised me! The writing provoked such a depth of emotion in me that the last several chapters were hard to read, because I had so many tears flowing from my eyes. I went through several tissues.
No spoilers from me. But I will say the writing is brilliant, Sara captured the essence of family dynamics from so many angles perfectly, positive and negative; as well as the different points of view, kids and adults. She avoided a lot of wordiness; the writing is succinct and to the point.
There is an amazing amount of dialogue and possibly, the dialogue may well have crowded out some scene setting, but I loved what there was, and action was just enough. Sara did a marvelous job of keeping the story paced and focused on the interactions. I think it would have been easy for her to add a lot more material to make a bigger book, I am grateful she resisted that potential urge. The length of this book is very satisfying.
Letters to Santa gets a score of 4.9 stars.

This is Houdini. Sara was in a fire a few months ago and is still recovering. He is standing in for Sara photographically.

You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Santa-Sara-Allen-Stewart-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/letters-to-santa
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Letters-to-Santa-Sara-Allen-Stewart
You can follow Sara:
https://twitter.com/winterschild11
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14567305.Sara_Allen_Stewart
https://winterchild111dotcom.wordpress.com

Note: there is no sex described, some violence is described and intense emotional issues. This is not kid-lit.

Tags: family dynamics, relationships, widow, single parent, extended family, fiction, contemporary fiction
Copyright © 2018 Mark L Schultz except for the author's introduction

72 Comments

Sara Stewart

12/1/2018 08:58:53 pm

Thank you, I am so happy I found you!

Mark

12/1/2018 09:11:22 pm

I am very happy we have connected. I am so glad you asked me to promote your book. I loved it!
Some questions to start.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Are you a full-time or part-time writer?

Sara Stewart

12/1/2018 10:05:49 pm

I never know what to say about myself, so I'll start with Houdini. Houdini was in my life from the day he was born until the day I had to let him go thirteen years later. When he was eight weeks old he started having seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy. It took a couple of years to get his medications regulated so that his seizures were few and far-between. Because of his medical conditions he and I were never apart a single day in his life, he even went to work with me. His condition also did not keep him from being mischievous. He was smart and could get into, and out of, every kennel/carrier I bought. He could climb a five-foot chain link fence and once climbed a six-foot bookcase to pull down the Christmas treats I had put there. I lost him in 2012 after his vet found a tumor on his heart. He was my best friend, my spirit animal, and I miss him.

I hadn't written anything for a very long time and decided to take an online literature course. The final assignment was to write a thesis that included something personal and something educational, so I wrote about Houdini. It was probably the hardest thing I had written because I knew I was losing him at that point. It may sound silly, but he inspired me to be better. I had found early on that if he sensed I had any strong, negative emotions he would have a seizure. So, he helped me stay calm and helped with my depression. He was my everything.

I am currently a part-time writer who would love to be full-time. I am currently working on three books and I write blogs for an online store.

Mark

12/1/2018 10:29:31 pm

Houdini was a very important part of your life in so many ways. Losing him was very painful. That kind of loss leaves a very big hole in your heart. He sounds like he was so smart and talented. Climbing a chain link fence is amazing!
Why did you give me a picture of Houdini to put in your place?
What kind of occupation do you have?

Sara Stewart

12/1/2018 10:49:16 pm

It was very painful, we balanced each other out and I often feel very alone, even though I have other critters here. I gave you his picture because I don't have any photos of myself (I hate having my picture taken, I'm always the photographer) and in September there was a small fire where I ended up with second and third-degree burns on my hands and face. I lost a lot of my hair and my eyelashes.

I love to learn different things and have worked in many of fields. I love working with children and animals, so I've been a nanny and a veterinary assistant. I was actually pursuing my veterinary technician license when the clinic I worked for underwent some major policy changes that I couldn't support. That contributed to a major burnout, so I quit. I decided to work with children again and found a nanny job. Children are amazing and it is incredible to be there when they start to learn something new. It also gave me time to start writing again, so I wrote my first novel. One of my charges loved books and wanted to write a story with me, so he and I wrote my second book, which is a children's novella.
I am currently working with a friend, renovating a house, and am learning a great deal about construction.

Mark

12/2/2018 10:30:24 am

That fire had to be one of the scariest things in your life. Burns are so painful. They take a long time to heal, I understand.
You are learning some interesting skills doing a renovation. I just retired from a dual career in construction. I was a journeyman sheet metal worker and an HVAC service tech.
Have you thought about taking up your vet tech studies in the future?
I get to watch three of our granddaughters at least once a week, 3, 5, and 10. 10 is usually in school, though. It is fun to spend time with them, they are all so different.10 is writing a book, I have been sharing basic information with her about writing and structure of a book.
New questions.
What inspired you to write this book?
While this book is about kids, it really isn't for kids, is it?
Why did you choose this genre, or do you feel the genre chose you?

Sara Stewart

12/2/2018 11:54:41 pm

It's definitely frightening, unfortunately not the first fire I've been through. This one was at least contained and no damage to my house. They are very painful, especially when the muscles and nerves are injured.

I love learning to do the different things associated with renovations, I believe next on the list is setting bathroom shower tile. It's actually starting to look like a real house. I loved working with animals and assisting in surgeries and learning all involved with that, but the politics in the veterinary field are just as bad as human medicine. If I could work with my veterinarian, I would do it in a heartbeat, but I think he's close to retiring. A character in my first book is actually based on a combination of Dr.G and my uncle. I have a good friend, who is a veterinarian, and she gave up practice for teaching because she got tired of it being such a cutthroat industry.

Kids are amazing and understand so much more than people give them credit for.

The inspiration for Letters to Santa came from a news story I saw just before the holidays. Police officers were answering letters addressed to Santa, hoping to make Christmas happier for the kids who wrote to him.
It's a book about family and how difficult the holidays can be when you've lost someone you love, especially when you're a child. I was very close to my dad and lost him when I was nine. It was hard understanding why he wasn't coming home, as well as the fact I was left with a less than kind parental unit who never wanted me.
It's not really for young kids, but I've had a couple of older kids read it and tell me they could understand how Kendall felt and why he reacted the way he did.

I think the genre chose me. Most of my stories revolve around family and things that happen. I firmly believe that family isn't who you are connected to by blood, but something much deeper.

Mark

12/3/2018 12:45:59 pm

Where ever you have people, politics are not far behind. It's a fact of life. Sometimes very difficult to deal with.
Dr. G and your uncle must be very special men. Which character in the book did they serve as a model for?
Kids are very perceptive, there is no doubt about that. They may not understand the nuances of adult rationalizations, but they certainly get the results.
Who in your life served as the model for Brian and his narcissism?
Family and relationships provide a nearly limitless supply of material for books. Every person's experiences are unique and still fit within a larger, overall framework of family dynamics.
New questions.
Who designed the cover of your book?
What do the elements on the cover represent?

Sara Stewart

12/3/2018 10:59:08 pm

Very true, but when it involves the care of innocents I can't in good conscience just stand by. My rule of thumb is, if I don't trust them with my pets, I can't recommend them to anyone else. I won't lie and say they are good at their job when they aren't or say that tests the vet wants to run are necessary when I know they're not. Life is hard enough and a lot of people can't afford a $150 blood test that is not truly diagnostic.

In my book Those You Trust, the character, Doc Akins is a country vet. He has many of the qualities Dr. G and my Uncle John share. Last year I took in a little stray kitten and named him, Doc.

Kids definitely know more than we think they do.

I've known many people like Brian, the first being my ex-maternal parental unit. She was manipulative and cruel, yet managed to convince the outside world she was a doting mother.

I designed the cover for Letters to Santa. A friend helped me place put the elements into place and I had to hire someone to put it into the correct formatted size. I love photography and am trying to learn more about photoshop because, honestly, the hardest part about publishing my books was the cover. The artist didn't listen, didn't keep on schedule, or they decided to ask for more money after the book was published and threatened to sue for copyright infringement if I didn't pay more.

I wanted to incorporate the beauty and magic of Christmas, yet make people wonder about the other items on the table.

Mark

12/3/2018 11:15:25 pm

I can appreciate what you are saying. Unnecessary testing and procedures are not just a drain on the wallet, but they put the patient at risk also.
That is a nice name for a cat.
A narcissist is an amazingly talented person, a consummate actor, and all for self-aggrandizement. I never want to run afoul of one also.
I love the cover, it expresses many elements of the story quite well. Photoshop is a powerful program.
New questions.
How do you think your book compares to a book published by a major publisher?
There are many unethical practices in publishing, which one is the most unbearable in your mind?

Sara Stewart

12/3/2018 11:35:57 pm

They do. Stressing out an animal for an unnecessary test is just wrong. It can put the animal in distress and the humans at risk of a serious bite or scratch.

He is nothing like the character. He is always getting himself into trouble and very clumsy.

I've known too many narcissists and they are excellent at concealing their true nature. They do make a fascinating study though, once you've identified what they really are.

Because i self-published I didn't have the advantages of someone else taking care of editing, formatting, proofing, the cover, promoting, etc. I also didn't have to give up control to someone else. My stories are my own and I wouldn't want give them up.

So many things to choose from but stealing someone else's work has to be top of the list. I have a friend who writes stories on an online site and we found two of her stories posted on a different fiction site. I googled keywords, we found she had done this to four other people. I contacted the writers, the writers contacted the fiction site, and this person was taken down. Stories are so personal, writers puts a piece of themselves into every scene, every character, and to steal that is to steal a part of the writer's soul.

Mark

12/3/2018 11:55:14 pm

Your "Doc" is just a kitten and the cat will outgrow all the kittenish behavior.
There must be a lot of narcissists hiding in plain sight. That's what they do so well. I am not aware of any, personally.
I think you identified an important advantage of being self-published. You have full control. You also reap all the profits. I recently read a blog, I think it was "The Creative Penn", one of my favs BTW. She mentioned an author who had the foresight to retain movie rights. His book was turned into a movie, fifty years after he wrote it. Intellectual property rights are a big deal these days. Guard them carefully.
That person, stealing the work of other authors, is she a narcissist or just lazy?
New questions.
Did you have a favorite book as a child?
Do you have a favorite book by another author or authors?

Sara Stewart

12/4/2018 12:51:24 am

I think part of his problem is he has visions issues. He has difficulty seeing when things are close to him so that would explain his clumsiness, just not his goofiness.

There are quite a few narcissists out there, I've worked with a few. Add that to the "God complex" that some people in the medical field have, and it's sad to find that some people really have no empathy for others.

Having a publisher would mean more profit, but I don't think it's a good trade. Amazon gets nearly half of a print sale, after doing away with our estores. If someone purchased my book through my store, I received all the profits, now Amazon gets close to half. I would definitely keep all rights, including creative consultant.
The thief was lazy, she didn't even bother changing the titles, even though one of them had been posted on the very site she was using.

I loved Little Women and Les Miserable.

Monsters, by Gareth S. Young. I'm also reading his book, The Wolves of Dynamo. Also, anything by Ben Patrick Johnson.

Mark

12/4/2018 10:07:30 am

I have not had a pet with vision issues. So your experience goes beyond mine.
It's easy for me to believe that you can spot a narcissist much easier than me. I haven't had your experiences. I would not be surprised if medicine is one of several fields of choice for narcissists, considering the prestige attached to it and similarly for careers in the legal field.
Since you like those classics LW and LM you might also enjoy Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I read it and Dracula, just a few years ago, the latter was somewhat boring. Frankenstein blew me away! It was nothing like the movies, very erudite and heart-felt. Dr. Frankenstein never gave his creation a name. The doctor had issues. I would like to know your opinion of the book someday.
New questions.
Does writing have a spiritual or healing component for you, does it energize you or make you feel tired?
Is it important for writers to tap into the emotions of the characters?

Sara Stewart

12/4/2018 11:11:41 pm

I've had several with vision issues, including eye loss and one little pug who lost an eye and then went blind in the other.Never even slowed her down, though.

The medical field is definitely full of narcissists and it can be dangerous because they always think they're right. They don't want to listen or double-check their findings. Second opinions are important for a very good reason.

I have actually read both of those and Frankenstein is one in the best classics. The fact it was written by a woman in a time when women were considered less intelligent than their male counterparts is incredible. Not to mention the fact it was full of medical/technological ideas that were far ahead of the times. I also love Dickens, A Christmas Carol is another favourite.

Writing is definitely healing for me, when I don't have time or have a block, I feel like I'm going to lose my mind. I started writing when I was little and had boxes full of stories and poems. I lost them all in a house fire and just stopped writing. It took a long time for me to start again and I found myself more grounded and happier than I had been in years. When I have time I find I write throughout most of the day without even realizing how much time has passed. I never feel tired when I'm writing.

I think it's important to be able to put yourself into every character, good or bad. If you don't, how can you know what they think or how they will react in a scene? We all have positive and negative emotions, all know people who trigger those emotions, and a writer needs to be able to convey that so the reader can feel that. I can't get interested in a book I'm reading if I don't connect with the characters.

Mark

12/4/2018 11:21:06 pm

You have had more than your share of fires, it sounds like.
You are so right about the medical field. My wife worked in the medical field for quite a few years, The stories she told me about all the Prima Donnas, I bet most of them were narcissists.
There is a great deal to admire about Mary Shelly's book.
I think you are absolutely correct about emotions, they are a huge factor that binds us together, even when different languages get in the way.
So nice that writing has that affect on you, some people are just the opposite. You were definitely born to write.
New questions.
Have you ever used yourself as a character for the starting point of a story?
Have you ever used other acquaintances as the basis for a character, to the point they have recognized themselves in your book?

Sara Stewart

12/4/2018 11:46:17 pm

Definitely, two too many.
The God Complex is rampant in the medical field,one of the reasons I finally left the vet clinic I worked at.
There really is, she was so far ahead of her time.
Emotions are important in bringing a character to life.
Thank you :)
Not literally, but I try to put myself into every character.
Well...I based a character in TYT on one of the vets I worked with and she probably hasn't read it. A friend/co-worker knew who it was immediately. Same co-worker also recognized Dr. G in the character of, Doc.

Mark

12/4/2018 11:59:18 pm

I suppose you cannot help from putting a bit of yourself into every character. I think it would be necessary.
As long as you can blame the co-worker for a vivid imagination, you have plausible deniability. ;-)
New questions.
What is your writing routine when you sit down to write?
Did your writing process change much from your early books to your current book or did it stay the same?
What software do you use to write and publish your books, and why did you use those?

Sara Stewart

12/5/2018 12:16:18 am

It really is necessary, at least for me. It does get a little scary when I realize I can relate to a bad guy on some level, but I think we all have a dark side.

She's one of my closest friends and left the clinic not long after I did, so she thinks it's hilarious. In fact, the owner lost his entire long-term staff because of the policy changes he made.

I don't really have a routine. I have my laptop set up on the coffee table and just kind of write. Television is always on and if I need to think out a scene, I'll do something else for awhile.

My process is the same and other writers have told me it's wrong. I didn't listen, obviously. I usually see what I'm writing in my mind, like a movie. Then I just write what I see and hear. I need to know how a character looks, acts,speaks, etc. so I know how they will work in a scene.

Mark

12/5/2018 10:28:05 am

You are right, every person is a mix of good and evil. Every person wants to be accepted for who they are, they will do the things they need to do for that acceptance. Sometimes it's hard to tell who their audience is but every bad character thinks they are the hero of their own story.
That is amazing how those policy changes affected his business. Do you think he planned on driving his staff away?
Your routine makes a lot of sense to me. When I am reading I have my radio on, I am a news junkie. When I am proofreading the radio goes off, I want to bring all my faculties to bear. Doing something else, is a tried and true technique. I have heard some authors who like to make cookies, others putter in the garden or clean the house. They all do something that doesn't engage the higher reasoning and creative mind. Another technique allows the author to work on a different project, perhaps a different genre. Some write short stories, others poetry, still others write a side story about the character involved in the blockage, hoping to explore the issue. There are many ways to deal with writers block.
Another technique is non-linear writing, there is a guest post on my website. Rick suggests to write the easiest chapters first, starting with the last chapter. That way you know where the whole story is driving.
New questions.
What software do you use to write and publish your books, and why did you use those?
Are you a plotter, a pantster, or a hybrid?
How long does the research process take before you start to write a book or do you do the research as you write the book?

Sara Stewart

12/5/2018 11:01:38 pm

Very true. If we don't accept that we have a dark side we aren't being honest with ourselves. We need to be balanced in order to learn and empathize with others and that includes understanding that we all feel anger and hatred. No one is perfect.

I don't think he did, which is ironic because he liked to tell a story of a colleague who had his entire staff walk out one day.

I usually have classic television or movies on, or music channels. If I need a break I will usually work on a project, like taking photos or beading. I love photography and like to play around with the new apps.
I actually will work backwards if I'm stuck. I know where I want to end, so it can help to retrace the steps, so to speak.
Oops, for got to answer this question before. For TYT I started with Word. The Business 365 was just out and I found it amazing...at first. I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong because the formatting and editing tools were easy to use, but every time I saved and closed out it lost my formatting. I spent two weeks trying to format and over 800 page book, having to start over every day. Finally, I called them and they used their system to navigate mine and they couldn't figure out what was going on. I cancelled the service and started using Apache Open Office which worked well, but there is no support. I used YouTube to figure out any issues and it worked well, until I used it for Letters to Santa. Updates made it difficult to format and there was very little info on YouTube about the new version. I also didn't have much time to format it as I was working 12-14 hour days, so I hired someone on Fiverr to format it for me.She did an excellent job and I plan on using her again when I finish the second half of TYT. I am currently using WPS Writer with very few issues.

I'm a hybrid. I know what I need to research before starting out but then the story will take a new direction and I will need to research some more. I love research and feel it's important to be accurate. I love to learn about legal/medical procedures and probably go into too much detail, but it's how I like to read as well. If there's a surgery or a legal matter I always want to know everything going on and I tend to write that way. It's also extremely important to research if you are writing about different cultures. I am writing a story with characters who are Objiwe and want to make sure everything is accurate.

Researching is different for every project. I know doctors, vets, lawyers, and police officers so I can ask if I have trouble understanding something. I also use the proper websites to research, meaning not Wikipedia.

Mark

12/5/2018 11:14:42 pm

You have had a lot of trouble with software. It's so easy for things to go wrong.
You sound like a very thorough researcher. Wikipedia can be good for providing a quick overview of a topic, but you are right, you can't bet the farm on it.
New questions.
How early was it that you realized how powerful words can be?
Do you have other writers you connect with, as in a critique group or support group?

Sara Stewart

12/5/2018 11:38:38 pm

It really is. When I changed the cover on TYT I needed to change the cover artist's name on the manuscript and I only had the pdf version. I had to find someone to do it for me and found that after changing that one thing, some of the formatting changed to the manuscript and I had to hire someone to fix it all. It was very frustrating.

No, as anyone can change the information on Wikipedia, it's really not a secure site. I do like the fact it often has links to original research sites.

I think I was four or five. Ex-maternal parental unit liked cuddle and coo to a younger sibling, telling her how she was "mommy's little princess" and how I was nothing but trouble, it hurt a lot. My dad would tell me not to listen to her, that she didn't really understand how to love and we needed to help her. I was 13 when she told her best friend how she never knew she wanted kids until younger sibling was born. I knew then I would never be important to her so I stopped trying. Words can empower or they can damage and she knew the moment I stopped allowing her words to control me and it infuriated her, but there was nothing she could do about it.

I have several friends who write on various sites and we are always using each other a sounding board. We usually chat every day and I consider them my family. I'm also part of a wirier Twitter chat group.

Mark

12/5/2018 11:51:38 pm

I know nothing about graphics. I can copy and paste a picture, I can use the basic editing tools in windows, but that's about it. I don't know how to make the nice looking cards with spiffy sayings on them. I want to learn when I grow up ;-)
The links on Wikipedia are gold for sure.
That kind of attitude from a maternal unit would be devastating if allowed. It's good that your father was there to help you keep perspective.
That is good to have fellow writers to work with. Are any of them local to you? There are a number of groups on twitter. Which one are you in?
More questions.
Do you have alpha-readers and/or beta-readers to help you smooth out a lot of wrinkles before publishing? If you don’t, why?
If you do have alpha- and beta-readers, how did you find them?

Sara Stewart

12/6/2018 12:07:30 am

Pizap and Fotor are good starting apps, you can do some fun things with them. I also like Photo Art Pro and Picsart for fun frames and morphing tools. I also use Gimp for cleaning up old photos.

They definitely are and I'm glad they require them.

It really is, some people should not be parents. My dad died when I was nine, so I was left with her and she hated she couldn't control me.

No, most are scattered about the country and world. Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, Tennessee, Canada, England, Ireland, Denmark are a few of the places. A. Alico started a private group chat about a year ago, again with people from all over the world. He is also one of my favourite modern authors. He posts a great deal of his poetry on Twitter, he touched the heart.

I have my writer friends read my work and they critique it for me, making suggestions when needed. I usually write as much as possible for a project and then see what parts they react to most.

I found them on various writing sites and we became friends.

Mark

12/6/2018 12:20:51 am

Thanks for those tips.
That's good you have those writer friends. I would encourage you to look closer to home. I have several followers in eastern Washington. I bet you could find them if you looked. I was very fortunate this year to meet several people I follow on Twitter. It was fun to connect with them IRL. It turns out, one lives only a couple of miles away.
New questions.
At what stage in your writing process do you give a manuscript or partial to the beta readers?
If you do, what kind of questions do you ask them to get the feedback you want?

Sara Stewart

12/6/2018 12:27:01 am

I would, but I have social anxiety and have difficulty meeting new people. Connecting on the internet has been wonderful and I plan on meeting the friends I have made, some day, but I've known them for years now.

I usually go chapter by chapter, that way I can make adjustments as I go along.

I usually just ask for their thoughts,how it made them feel, if any technical dialogue was too hard to comprehend, what they would change if they could.

Mark

12/6/2018 09:36:14 am

I understand how hard it is to meet new people. Even locals can be kept on the internet until the comfort level is there.
Chapter by chapter is a good idea. The feedback returns quickly, and adjustments are easier. The technical stuff is good to judge, for sure.
New questions.
What is the most important thing you learned from publishing your latest book?
What are three things, that you wish you knew before you wrote your first book?
What is the most valuable piece of advice you have ever received from another writer?

Sara Stewart

12/7/2018 12:28:12 am

It can be very difficult. I'm shy and an introvert, so that doesn't help.
It really does and it helped me to rewrite something that was a little too much to take in for the average reader.
1: Don't take anyone at their word, get it in writing.
2: That some people will lie about their skills
I wish I had known about Fiverr for formatting (it would have saved me weeks of work)
Make sure to save a copy of the manuscript in a .doc and then to Google Drive. My computer died and I only had the pdf, which I can't edit.
3. Be true to yourself and write something you would want to read.

Sarah

12/6/2018 07:02:48 pm

Hi there,
I was wondering whether you find it easier to write the action, descriptions of characters and scenery or dialogue? Personally, I like the little details you can add that make the difference.
When writing scenery/setting, do you take inspiration from pictures you find or maybe from what’s just outside your window?
For dialogue, do you research any speech patterns or slang to make a character more believable? Would you branch out to writing characters with different accents, possibly even internationally in the future?

Mark

12/6/2018 07:21:44 pm

Thank you for joining us Sarah. You have asked some interesting questions. I like them. Are you a writer also?

Sarah

12/7/2018 05:44:10 pm

Hello and thank you.
I have written on a few internet writing sites before, which is how I came to meet Sara and Dani.
As of right now, I’m in my second year of university, studying for a degree in Creative Writing, so hopefully in the future something might become of it.

Sara Stewart

12/7/2018 12:32:15 am

It's easiest to write dialogue, the characters usually tell me what to say. I love writing action scenes, though. they are fun and it's a challenge to write them so a reader can visualize what it is I'm seeing in my mind.

I have researched different regions in the US and find myself using the English spelling of colour, neighbour, trash bin instead of can, etc. I'm also writing a story that includes Indigenous Americans and their speech patterns are different than "regular American".

Dani

12/6/2018 07:43:02 pm

Hey, I have a couple of questions to ask you.
If you were given the chance, would you consider changing anything about “Letters to Santa,” whether that be something about the characters, setting, plot, etc.?
Also, while first writing the story, was there anything that you thought about doing differently but decided to change or go in a different direction later on?

Sara Stewart

12/7/2018 12:37:57 am

I would add a character named, Dani and make her an elf who wanders away from the North Pole and gets lost :)
Seriously though, I was thinking of adding more from Brian's POV, but decided it would interfere with the flow of the story line.
I was thinking of revealing who Santa was but decided Santa should always be a magical mystery

Mark

12/7/2018 01:05:55 am

Hi Dani, Thanks for dropping by. Those are great questions. You must be a writer also. I might even borrow one, if that's okay with you.

Dani

12/7/2018 01:12:02 am

Thank you! And yes, I am a writer. You can borrow one if you’d like, that’s fine with me. :)

Sara Stewart

12/7/2018 12:39:31 am

Here's a question for you. You've read Letters and what would you have done differently?

Dani

12/7/2018 12:51:50 am

I think something I probably would have done differently is make Kendall’s mom a bit more understanding – have her actually listen to Kendall a bit more about how he was feeling and what he was going through. But that’s not something I would change from your story, because I feel like the way you wrote her character is realistic. Parents don’t always listen, and sometimes love can make people blind to what is truly going on around them. While I like to think that a parent would be more understanding towards her child, I know that that’s not always the case.

Sarah

12/7/2018 05:55:46 pm

Thought I’d add my response for this question.
I think that you did a great job of getting the conflict across and the desperateness of the situation, but maybe there was the possibility to set the scene more, draw on whimsical aspects of the space around them to not only set the scene but perhaps provide foreshadowing for the readers.
However, that is personal taste and I think that what you have created is a well-written, emotional and succinct novel.

Mark

12/7/2018 06:15:47 pm

I found LTS to be just like you say, well-written, emotional and succinct. The last several chapters were very hard to read through my tears. Sara has set a high bar!
I am glad to see that you are taking classes. Your comments tell me that you are taking the writing craft seriously. I hope to read something you write, one of these days. What genre are you drawn to? Are you working on a book now?

Mark

12/7/2018 01:12:43 am

Getting it in writing is so hard for many of us to do. We want to trust the other person and their word. It's frequently not the wise choice.
Saving work is so very important. Sometimes I email myself something just so it is in the cloud, as a backup.
I like that, write something you would enjoy reading.
This has been fun to hear the opinions of Dani and Sarah.
New questions.
You have published a number of books. You are writing more. Are you writing anything strictly for your own pleasure, not necessarily planning to publish it?
Do you think a strong ego is an asset or liability for a writer and why?
Can you describe your ideal reader? Who is the core audience you are seeking to find?

Sarah

12/7/2018 08:08:43 pm

For some reason I can’t reply up above so I’ll add it here.
I usually write within the genres of social realism and action, though I would branch out to any if the idea came to me.
Goodness, I would love to write a book someday, but unfortunately university has me pretty busy with coursework deadlines. Perhaps once I’ve graduated in a year’s time or so.

Mark

12/7/2018 08:23:28 pm

I have no doubt that university keeps you busy. That is their plan. What is your favorite genre to read? That might be a good place to start with your first novel.

Sara Stewart

12/7/2018 01:55:46 am

It's very important, even if it's someone you know.
It's very important and I thought I had a copy uploaded to Drive, but I could only find my pdf version. Luckily, I found someone to fix the issue I was having and she gave me a .doc version as well.
I think it's true. I don't think i could write something I didn't want to read. I've read my books several times.
Dani and Sarah are...special! They are two of my closest friends and I give them a hard time, but I love them more than life.
Not books, but I've written a couple of poems that are personal.
I think a strong ego is a liability. You need to be able to accept criticism and that not everyone is going to like your work. It's terrifying to publish something you've put your heart and soul in, just to have it rejected by someone. You can either become angry or accept not everyone has the same likes and dislikes. Not everyone is going to connect with you and sometimes people can get downright nasty, but you either learn from it and let it go, or let it fester until it consumes you.
My ideal reader is anyone who will read my work, fall in love with it, and giving it as a gift to everyone they know :) No, really it's someone who will give honest feedback and hopefully enjoy my work. Maybe, someone who has had similar experiences and realizes they are not alone.
I think the core audience varies depending on the book. TYT and Letters to Santa is geared towards young adults and older readers, The Mission is a children's book.

Mark

12/7/2018 12:31:18 pm

Balance in ego is important, indeed, balance is important in all areas of our lives. I suppose a narcissist is close to being as unbalanced as possible. The idea that not everyone is going to love your book is frightening. You are correct, everyone has different likes and dislikes. Just as every book has an audience, every book has a non-audience. Those people who won't like the book for individual reasons. You are definitely on the right track.
Many authors get really shook up when a negative or poor review is posted. They may have several glowing reviews. I believe the negative review is good for two reasons. First it validates the positive reviews. These are not just reviews posted by your family, friends, dogs and cats. Second, there might actually be a criticism that is worth examining. It might lead to an improvement in the story or writing.
New questions.
What are common traps for beginning writers?
Do you have anything you consider to be your writing lucky charm?
What is the biggest obstacle you face in writing?

Sara Stewart

12/7/2018 10:06:55 pm

Narcissists definitely need to be watched carefully. They often border on being sociopathic and can wreak a lot of havoc in your life.
Exactly, I have a friend who adores romance novels an I can't stand them. Everyone has different tastes and just won't be interested in certain genres.
I like reviews that give detail. Good reviews always give a warm, happy feeling, while bad ones make me review my own work. I think if someone is going to leave a bad review it should explain why, not just, "Oh my God, this is the dumbest thing I've ever read!" I appreciate feedback that gives direction in an area that is lacking, not a personal attack.
Some common traps would be thinking your work is the best thing ever written, or the worst. Also, thinking it's easy to publish. Even self-publishing requires researching how to do it - are you doing the editing/formatting/cover. What companies require money upfront and which are a pay as ordered site? What are the laws regarding using names?brands/companies in your work? What are copyright and trademark laws?
Someone I know said she was going to write a book using the name of a real person. I tried to explain to her that she can't do that without written consent and she got very angry. I even sent her the links to the legal sites explaining the laws regarding this. She eventually listened and was glad I told her, but there are a lot of things to consider, it's not just sitting down, writing, and publishing. It's a lot of work.
My pendant of Houdini.
At the moment, time is the biggest obstacle. between work and recovering, I have very little time to write, even for the store I write blogs for, and it's very frustrating.

Mark

12/7/2018 10:25:02 pm

The best or the worst, both views are somewhat delusional, opposite ends of a swinging pendulum. Constructive feedback is so very important. Cue the beta readers and critique partners.
I have to assume your friend was trying to out this person in some way. I am glad she listened to you. You were a good friend to her, keeping her from driving off that cliff.
That pendant is a nice memorial to your furbaby, I am guessing.
Time is a problem for everyone. We get only a certain amount and we are free to use it as we see fit. Sometimes, we feel like we don't have much choice.
New questions.
Do you struggle with writer's block and how do you overcome it?
Do you see an advantage of writing under a pseudonym, why or why not?
If you branch out into a different genre, will you use a pen name?

Sara Stewart

12/7/2018 10:36:30 pm

Definitely, only I think narcissism is a choice. People can learn to be kind and stop being so self-absorbed.
Exactly.
She actually adores him and wanted to write a love story with the two of them. He has a girlfriend.
Yes, it makes me feel like he's still close.
Not much choice at the moment, I just need to start squeezing it in whenever I can. Unfortunately, once I get started it's hard to stop and that can interfere with work.
Not so much writer's block, just lack of time. If I am stuck on something I'll backtrack from the ending, or I'll just work on another story. usually the answer will come...usually at three in the morning when I'm trying to sleep.
I think there is definitely an advantage to using a pseudonym, depending on your genre. If you write a lot of children's books, and decide to branch out into adult literature, it's probably a good idea.
I am actually working on a book now and will probably use a pen name, as it's in a completely different genre.

Mark

12/7/2018 10:47:08 pm

Our choices make a lot of difference. When someone complains about not having enough time after telling me about their 5 favorite shows on TV, I just smile and ask them what are they going to do to find more time. They don't usually see that cutting one show out might give them the time they seek.
Those are good solutions to writer's block. You are not the first or only person to be woke up by the muse. I know one writer who keeps a notepad and pen beside her bed. She wakes up almost every night at 2:30 am with one or more ideas.
There are many reasons for pen names. That is a good one.
New questions.
Are there any writing styles or genres that you disliked at first but soon came to like?
Do you think that a writer needs to read books, why or why not?
What type of book is your favorite guilty pleasure to read for fun?

Sara Stewart

12/7/2018 10:57:09 pm

Very true! My work schedule will probably be slowing soon, so then I will have more time. Even if I'm not writing, I'm usually researching for something I am planning. I'm writing two stories based on the supernatural and I want them to be accurate.
Good to know I'm not alone!
Thank you :)
Not really, I pretty much like everything except romance novels. Not a big Harlequin fan, probably never will be.
A writer absolutely needs to read every day. If you don't read, what's the point in writing? It's like a mechanic not driving a car. I've found most writers have a thirst for knowledge, to discover new things, how else can you create different worlds?
Honestly...comic books.

Mark

12/7/2018 11:13:46 pm

Construction is like that, especially with a small company. Even big companies can feel the pinch whenever the economy has a little burp.
I have only recently, the last three or four years, read any romance. I have never read a Harlequin novel. Next week's promotion is a romance anthology set in a small town in Georgia. Four authors, four stories, some sharing characters, about Christmas. Very timely. Very good!
Comic books! Shh. I love comic books. I wish I had all the comics I bought when I was a pre-teen.
New questions.
What was a hurdle you faced in writing this book and how did you overcome it?
What were your intentions or your goals when you wrote this book? Do you feel you were successful in getting that message across to the reader?
Would you agree or disagree with the statement: suffering is a requirement to be a good writer, and why?

Sara Stewart

12/7/2018 11:25:13 pm

Definitely, I am going to have to find a permanent job soon, although I absolutely love working with my boss.
I've read stories that have romance in them just not a fan of actual romance novels. The anthology sounds interesting, though. I do love Christmas stories!
So do I. I lost them all in a house fire, including a number ten issue of The Fantastic Four. People have to be careful these days, I bought a comic for one of the children I nannied for...it was at least a "PG" rating. Cursing, adult situations, I now read them before giving to a child.
The most difficult part was not giving too much away. I wanted people to wonder what was going on and why Kendall was acting out.
My intentions were to show that not everything is as it seems. That sometimes believing in something IS enough. I think I was successful.
I think we all suffer, at one time or another, and it helps us to understand what others may be going through. It's important to be able to empathize with the good and the bad.

Mark

12/8/2018 10:06:51 am

You achieved your goal, quite well. You had me wondering why Kendall was so upset. His protective actions of Katy made me think he was concerned for her safety. Brian was the only new element in the picture. All in all, you did a really good job of leading us to a conclusion.
Everyone has suffering in their life, of one kind or another. Some of us don't learn the empathy lesson as well as others. The teacher is patient, we get to take the class as many times as necessary until we do learn it.
New questions.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer to enhance your career?
Do you subscribe to any magazines, newsletters, blogs or podcasts that enhance your writing career?
What are your favorite reference books for grammar and writing?

Sara Stewart

12/8/2018 11:25:47 pm

Thank you :)
Very true, it costs nothing to be kind, more people should try.
I had a book signing at a local Indie book store, I sold quite a few books that day, so it evened out. Probably, the best investment was finding you. I love writing, but have no idea about marketing.
I read, The Creative Penn, Rayne Hall's blog, Shannon Thompson's blog. I have several books on writing that my aunt gave me once.
It really depends on what I'm writing. An example would be when I write a child, they don't use proper grammar or spelling, so I just write how they would speak. Otherwise, the Oxford Dictionary, I have a legal dictionary, various veterinary reference books, a PDR, and various medical/legal sites that are current on procedures and laws.

Mark

12/8/2018 11:40:43 pm

Congratulations on the book signing. Let me encourage you to do more of those.
I read The Creative Penn, Anne R. Allen with Ruth Harris, Kristine Kathryn Rusche, and Linda S. Clare and several others. I should take a look at the other two you have mentioned.
Marketing is a tough nut for almost every author out there, unless your last name is King or Rowling. I am one very small part of this process. It really is a daily slog. Just like writing, you have to spend a little bit of time nearly every day to advance your book in the market. There is a great post in my guest blogs you may find interesting: https://www.wordrefiner.com/guest-blogs/writing-tips-grab-your-first-1000-readers
Actually, all the guest posts are really good, by authors.
You have some good books there. I am going to get The Chicago Manual of Style soon, many authors use it and I probably should too. There are a lot of other good resources out there, conferences, retreats, webinars, etc.
New questions.
Why do most authors write in 3rd person POV instead of first and second POV?
Were you a plotter or a pantster when you started writing? How about now, has that changed?
Do you think you were born to write or did you have to learn the craft?

Sara Stewart

12/9/2018 12:08:06 am

I would, but Barnes and Noble doesn't really seem interested and the only other one we had here closed down a couple of years ago. Plus, it was kind of terrifying.
They are wonderful.
I'm going to check that out and get some tips.
If you're writing a novel, writing in the first person would just be strange. You can't have a complete story with only one person's perspective. Second person seems like the narrator is trying to convince the reader, not tell an actual story. Third person you can see various thought, feelings, etc. The story is more complete.
I have always planned the beginning and end. I tend to let the middle bits do their own thing and that hasn't really changed much.
I have always been a writer. When I was little I wrote hundreds of poems, stories, observations. My dad was in the Navy and I would write him stories to cheer him up, if he was away. At least that's what my child mind thought I was doing.

Mark

12/9/2018 12:29:20 am

I am a little surprised about Barnes and Noble, I imagine it's at the managers discretion.
Meeting strangers can be a little stressful, but it's a good feeling to make a connection also.
I have read a number of books in first person and find I really enjoy them, they are very intimate. They must be challenging to write also. I am thinking of a book I reviewed sometime ago, The Divinity Bureau, a YA dystopian novel told in first person. Each chapter alternated between the two major characters. It worked quite well. A Perilous Thirst by Rhani D'Chae is a short story told in First person strictly from one person's pov. It was quite well done also. You might find it interesting.
I have no doubt your dad appreciated all of those. Our daughter's first child, 10, is starting to write and I am encouraging her as much as I can.
New questions.
How many times did you rewrite the first page, first chapter?
What is the biggest myth about writing that would help aspiring authors?
Do you have any problems when writing about characters of the opposite sex, why or why not?

Sara Stewart

12/9/2018 01:00:41 am

I was surprised they don't really seem to be interested in supporting local authors. The hoops you have to jump through just to get them to "possible carry" a book is crazy. You have to pay for shipping and returns, it's hardly worth it.
I'll have to check them out. I've chatted with Rhani a few times, that's how I found you :)
My dad wanted to be a journalist, but gave up his scholarship to join the Navy during the war. He was always telling stories, making things up as he went along.
Ummm...I didn't rewrite the first page/chapter. Are you supposed to??? :) No really, I rewrote other parts of the book, but not the first parts.
That writers have perfect grammar and spelling. They do not. Mistakes happen to everyone and there's nothing wrong with it, as long as you correct it after it's found.
No, I don't think I do. I tend to see the dialogue/scene in my mind like a movie, so I just write what the character is saying, regardless of gender.

Mark

12/9/2018 10:32:52 am

Most of the big bookstore chains are gone. Amazon has driven them out of business. I worry about what will happen when only Amazon is left. I would hope it might be easier to have a signing or reading in the store, most of the B&Ns in my area have those on a regular basis.
Glad to know Rhani is the one who recommended me to you.
A lot of authors sweat blood over the first paragraph and page. If you can't hook the reader in that amount of space many won't finish the book, or so says the popular wisdom.
New questions.
How do you balance the demands on your time as a writer with personal relationships?
Did you have pieces of the story that were removed from this book? If, so why did you remove them?
Do you have any other passions or creative outlets to pursue if you didn't write?

Sara Stewart

12/9/2018 01:53:03 pm

They have run so many small businesses and older chain out of business, it's sad.There is one Indie store here, Auntie's, and they amazing! I could, and have, spent hours there.
Love Rhani's tweets, such a sweetie!
I haven't really had a problem with the first, sometimes I have issues with how to end something, though. In Letters I wasn't sure about the last chapter, but after I wrote it decided I loved the closer and the passing of one generation to the next.
Well, my critters are happy to lie around as I write. Other than that I don't have too many personal relationships. The people I work with are my friends and we hang out quite a bit, and I have one friend I do things with once in awhile. Usually, it's my girls online and we all chat as I'm writing. I've always had a small social circle.
I was considering a chapter delving more into Brian's psyche, but decided it would take away from the mystery and magic of the story.
I love old movies, I'm going to see White Christmas this evening. I also love making jewelry and am currently learning more about woodwork and carving. I like to learn as much as I can about things that interest me and then move on to the next subject. My dad was the same way. :)

Mark

12/9/2018 04:04:24 pm

How about used book stores? Are there many of those in your area? A coffee shop is another possibility, a good size shop with a dozen or more tables could be a good venue for a reading, and you could easily sell some books there.
The closing chapter really brought forth a realistic happy ending. It was very hope filled. I am glad you included that.
I think you made a good choice about leaving that chapter about Brian out. It made for a lot more suspense, without being over the top.
New questions.
Do you experiment with writing or prefer to stay in the safe zone?
What area of your writing has the greatest need for improvement at this time?
What non-writing skill could you learn that might prove to be useful for writing in the future?

Sara Stewart

12/10/2018 12:58:16 am

Auntie's is pretty much the only one around. I even stopped in at Barnes and Noble tonight, it's in the mall with the movie theatre, and they said I have to go through the online process.
Not sure I could do a reading, maybe a friend could read for me.
I really liked the ending as well. There is a common place in all my published under a pen name. My friends and I often challenge one another to write something outside the box.I think it's important to push yourself, it helps you to face fear and uncertainty in real life.
My photography helps. I will often take a photo and then create a story or poem around it.

Mark

12/10/2018 12:22:59 pm

I love photography. My bio-dad was a professional photographer, he taught me a lot about composition and exposure. I learned how to process film and make prints in the darkroom.
New questions.
What scenes do you find hard to write and why?
Do your friends and family members buy your books?
When do you think your next book will be published?
What will you do differently with this new book, in terms of publishing?

Sara Stewart

12/10/2018 01:30:05 pm

I would love to learn to develop film. A friend gave me his old film cameras and it's getting difficult to find anyone, locally, who develops film prints.

I think it depends on what mood I'm in. When I'm down it's difficult to write levity or about loss. I'm not very good at writing what they call, fluff.

They do but I don't think they read them. It's wonderful to support a writer financially, but it's rather pointless if they aren't reading my work.

It's hard to day, at this point. I'm nearly halfway finished with the second half of TYT, but life keeps getting in the way. I am aiming for publishing it by summer next year.

Well, Createspace is gone and was switched over to KDP, so I will probably use that, although IngramSpark is also an option. Their fees seem to have come down and they have the option of hardback, which would be amazing. I'm also going to hire the person on Fiverr I've worked with before to do the formatting.

Mark

12/10/2018 02:28:02 pm

Processing black and white film into a negative is very easy. Only a few chemicals are required, a light-safe tank and a light-proof bag can frequently be purchased in a kit. Color photography requires more chemicals and more time, but is a very similar process. Making prints requires a dark room, because photographic paper is very sensitive to light. An enlarger, running water, a big sink are all very helpful for that part of the process.
I have no doubt that mood makes a difference, I would imagine that fatigue is impactful also.
It would be nice if the read the books, but at least they are buying them and not expecting them to be free. They care enough about you to buy them.
You have learned a lot and publishing your next book will probably be easier than the last one.
New questions.
With Letters to Santa, a sequel might not be feasible. With that big gap of time, you could insert a new story as a midquel. Have you considered that?
How do you deal with a difficult section in a WIP? Have you ever read that section out loud to sort out the difficulty?
Do you use music or some other stimulus to cultivate a feeling within that will help you write certain types of scenes?

Sara Stewart

12/10/2018 09:57:59 pm

I used to develop x-rays at the last clinic I worked at,, using a dip tank. I imagine they are quite similar. Photography has always been a strong interest of mine, I was considering of doing a book of abandoned farmhouses and buildings near the area my aunt lives.
Very true.
I know, but it would still be nice to know they are reading, I appreciate their input and trust their feedback.
I certainly hope so. I learn something new every time and it still seems difficult.

I have actually used the families in Letters to Santa in my other books. I love the characters and seeing them grow. TYT was my first novel, but the timeline is after Letters.The second half of TYT will be picking up where the first book left off.
If I am having too much trouble, I have one of my writer friends read it and tell them what I was trying to do. They always have excellent suggestions and have helped me a great deal.
I do! Some songs have inspired a scene to go a different way, while others get me into a better frame of mind to write.

Mark

12/10/2018 10:12:05 pm

You have some good plans for the families in LTS. That is exciting to hear.
Then you are knowledgeable about the chemicals, that will prove useful to you for developing the negatives. There are cameras that use very large negatives, 8X10 inches and above, there are smaller too. The large format cameras are expensive.
A lot of authors use music to motivate and suggest, you have lots of company in the way among fellow authors. I know of at least one writer that blends music into her books, she quotes song lyrics at the start of each chapter.
Last questions.
Was it difficult to choose between self-publishing and traditional publishing?
What are the three most important considerations for an independent author to be certain of when self-publishing?
What are your thoughts on bad book reviews?

Sara Stewart

12/10/2018 10:34:59 pm

I think the hardest part will be letting my characters go,they are all so much a part of me.
I may have to try my hand a developing, one day.
Good to know I'm not alone! Music is designed to make you feel, so it would make sense that it serves as inspiration for writing.

No, I wanted to keep total control of my works, I didn't want someone telling me I had to change or cut something. I wrote my books they way I wanted to, and wouldn't appreciate someone telling me to do it differently.

1: It's a lot of work that you are totally responsible for, from writing and editing to the cover.
2: You most likely won't make big money from self-publishing. It's a work of passion, not profit.
3: You have to figure out how to promote your work. This is the part I struggle with and finding help from other authors makes a huge difference.
It depends. Some people just won't like your work and that's okay. It doesn't mean you're a bad writer, it just means you didn't connect with that reader on all points. However, I think if someone is going to leave a bad review, they should state why. Not just say "it was dumb", "I hated it", things like that. i have a review on TYT by someone I actually know, who was angry at me, and decided to trash my work. Amazon is frustrating when it comes to reviews. They will remove a good one in a heartbeat if they think someone you know wrote it. they won't do this with bad reviews.I even sent them copies of the threats and her name, they STILL refused to remove it. When I asked why it's okay for someone I know to leave a bad review, yet not a good one, they had no answer. I even pointed out that she had obviously not read the book as a great deal of her criticism was based on something that wasn't even IN the book. When I review a book I always try to find something good to say, even if I didn't care for it, because there is usually something redeeming in every story.

Mark

12/10/2018 10:54:21 pm

Maybe you will keep finding stories to write, then you can stay with these characters you love so much. On the other hand, it might be very nice to make a whole new set of characters and do different things with them. You are in control.
You are right, the self-publishing author is responsible for every aspect. You either do it yourself or find someone to do it for you.
You are correct about promotion, many authors find it harder than almost every other activity related to writing. Our week of promotion is just one small link of a long chain, a chain you forge one link at a time. You might be able to snag an interview in the local newspaper or on the local cable access channel. Search for those hungry for content.
Amazon is so weird when it comes to reviews. Your case is a perfect example. It really makes no sense at all.
Our week has come to an end, Sara. I have really enjoyed our conversation. I thank you for contributing to the fountain of writerly wisdom here. There are over a year's worth of weekly interviews.
I am very happy to tell you that the review and interview have been viewed over 1000 times during this week.
Thank you again.

Sara Stewart

12/10/2018 11:02:19 pm

That is very true. I may have one or two more stories about the boys and their antics :)

Promotion is the hardest thing I've done and I am so happy I found you. You have made me think about things I hadn't considered before, some things I may be able to try soon. I can't speak in public, but I have a friend with an amazing voice who is no afraid of reading in public, so I'm going to look into the local shops.

Thank you so much for all of your help and advice. I truly appreciate everything you have done.

That is a lot!!!

White devil link

10/6/2021 05:57:56 am

I need backlink for my blog please give me a chance

Letters to Santa By Sara Allen Stewart

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