Interview with Karen Erickson, Author of Christmas in Lone Pine

What can you tell us about your new release, Christmas In Lone Pine?

This book actually came out in 2012 (as Jane’s Gift). I recently received the rights back to the entire series, so I repackaged and renamed the book. It’s about a widowed mother who returns to the small town where she grew up to raise her children with the help of her family – and meets a handsome firefighter who she can’t help but be attracted to.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

Reading in general – I was a big reader since I was in kindergarten! Finding my mother’s stash of romance books in the hall closet when I was a teen made me realize I wanted to try and write a book. Took me a few years to get serious, but I finally did and haven’t looked back!

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

This is such a tough question! Okay, here they are: The Stand by Stephen King, Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis, On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves, Paradise by Judith McNaught and oh my gosh…I can’t come up with a fifth one! LOL

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

Stephen King because his mind fascinates me. He comes up with some really twisted ideas. I know all of us writers are asked that question all the time, and it’s a difficult one to answer, but I would ask him, “Where do you come up with your ideas?” Yes, I would be THAT person but seriously! The man has a crazy creative brain.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

My schedule. I can write whenever I want, wherever I want. When my children were smaller, this was ideal. If they needed me, I could drop everything and be there for them. I still can do that, but they’re teenagers now, so they don’t need me as much. But I’m still able to do things that if I worked an eight to five job, I wouldn’t be able to do. Working from home is ideal. Writing love stories all the time is also pretty awesome, I can’t deny it.

What is a typical day like for you?

In the morning I handle admin type stuff: answer emails, maintenance tasks, etc. If I’m on deadline, I’ll also write. Around 2:30 p.m. I leave to go help coach my daughter’s high school cheer team. In the evening, I’ll write for a couple of hours. I’m a night writer for the most part. I’ve tried to break that habit over the years, but I just do better at night. I don’t know why. Maybe because that used to be the only time I could write, when my kids were little and already in bed? I’m sure that has a lot to do with it.

What scene in Christmas In Lone Pine was your favorite to write?

I liked to write the family scenes, when all of Jane’s family was together (and she has a big one). Probably the Thanksgiving scene was my absolute favorite. I liked creating the family logistics. Now that I have this series back, I’m probably going to add more books to it…

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

My favorite thing to tell myself and everyone else I know is, “It doesn’t hurt to ask.” You need to ask for what you want in life. What’s the worst they’re going to say? No? Hey, they might say yes! That’s why you should always ask for it.

Karen Erickson is the author of the new book Christmas In Lone Pine.

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