Authors become very familiar with the characters they create. While plotting and planning, sometimes stories emerge that beg to be told. Full-length novels need focus, and the fewer “rabbit trails” the better for writers and readers.
I was grateful for the opportunity to fill in the blanks from my full-length novels when I was asked to participate in a novella project and then create a short story as a gift to newsletter subscribers.
Rejoicing with Joy is Junior Caldwell’s story. He has an idea about raising money to help his best friend Cody Billings with medical expenses. Accustomed to doing things in a big way, no simple car wash or silent auction will do. Junior is organizing a long-distance bicycle ride through the hills of Arkansas. Bored after his family’s Thanksgiving dinner, he pedals off to scout out a lunch spot for the riders.
Christmas Joy Fredericks is fidgety that day as well. When she meets Junior, she is stranded on the roof of her grandfather’s house. Installing Christmas lights seems like a doable task, until the ladder she was using ends up on the ground. With her family napping after the big meal, she is very grateful for the energetic young man who recognizes her dilemma and comes to the rescue.
Junior’s heart for helping leads him to do what he can to make Joy’s Christmas happier. His own dream of helping others live more active lives finds inspiration in an unused gymnasium in Joy’s hometown.
Readers who loved the first two Crossroads books will enjoy watching the beginning of a very important relationship for Junior. As an added bonus, two more historical stories by wonderful Christian authors spark Christmas spirit.
My short story The Cleft of the Rock gives a closer look at the romance between former rodeo announcer Smiley Caldwell, and the Billings’ boys favorite aunt, waitress Candace Rivers.
During a weekend motorcycle excursion, this mid-life couple comes together as they share their hearts after devastating loss.
After being offered to followers of the Scrivening Press website, I have been happy to share this emotional tale with new subscribers to my monthly newsletter. If you’re in the mood for a hopeful and romantic read, please send me a message. You’ll receive a pdf by return email.
Both of these shorter stories stand alone, but since they share the same characters, they enhance your Crossroads reading experience.
Don’t forget to tell me about your efforts to help promote Love Never Fails. Meanwhile, use this link to purchase the novella collection that includes Rejoicing with Joy. Celebrations of our Lord’s birth are always in season.
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