Melody Carlson's Let Them Eat Fruitcake! is set during the weeks after Thanksgiving and leading up to Christmas. It's a realistic view of family and friends dealing with real life, love and disappointment in the midst of all the expectations that come up during the holiday season.
Here's a glimpse of Carlson's writing journey.
What got you started along The Writing Road?
Since I was a small child, I've always loved "story." Whether picture books, plays, daydreams, or a storyteller, I was captivated. As soon as I was able to write I began creating "stories" of my own. And all through school I continued to write and was often told by teachers that I was a "good writer." Of course, I thought they said that to everyone. And I didn't take my writing seriously. Sometimes when things come easily to us we take them for granted and don't perceive those abilities as real gifts. It took me a long time to realize I really was a writer. In my mid- thirties, I finally hit the place where I felt driven to write--like if I didn't start writing seriously I might explode or implode or something messy. I had no specific plan, but soon joined a critique group, read some books, attended a conference and it wasn't long before I sold my first short story.
Who has helped you along The Writing Road?
Early in my life, I had the same reading teacher (Mr. Lamb) three years in a row. He taught me to love good literature and to appreciate poetry. Later on, when I got serious about writing, my critique group was enormously helpful. I'm sure I learned more about writing from them than anyone. Then I worked in publishing for a few years and learned some more valuable lessons about what's involved in the making of books.
What's next for you along The Writing Road?
As always, I've got a pretty packed writing schedule--a new YA series to begin as well as a new adult series that I can't wait to start, some stand-alone YA books and Christmas novellas. I'm also getting more involved with a producer in Hollywood who's taken serious interest in getting some of my books to TV and film. Although it's a long shot, it's interesting and fun, not to mention educational.
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2 comments:
count me in . . . i actually love fruitcake :-)
Oh, the infamous fruit cake that's passed from person to person every Christmas.
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