Tamara Passey, author of the The Christmas Tree Keeper: A Novel, was born and raised in Massachusetts around a large family, one that has served as inspiration for most of her writing. She loves most creative endeavors and when she isn’t writing or re-writing, you can find her baking or cross-stitching or walking–though not all at the same time. She lives with her husband and children in Arizona.
Welcome to the books of
Eleanor is saving her grandmother's fudge business but is becoming like Scrooge in the process.
The consultant she hires to help is a friend from high school who hasn't given up his secret crush for her.
Will the Christmas spirit melt her heart or will she miss out on the love of her life?
Q&A With the Author:
1. Describe yourself in
50 words or less.
50 words or less.
I like to create stories with words. In between writing projects, I like
to paint pictures. I’m a self-taught cook and a self-taught author. I like art
museums and gardens. I read eclectically. Memoir, historical, classics, young
adult. I love to go on adventures with my family.
to paint pictures. I’m a self-taught cook and a self-taught author. I like art
museums and gardens. I read eclectically. Memoir, historical, classics, young
adult. I love to go on adventures with my family.
2. What do you love most in the
world? My family and simple joys like autumn leaves and apple pie.
world? My family and simple joys like autumn leaves and apple pie.
3. What inspired you to become an
Author? So many good books.
Author? So many good books.
4. What is your favorite Winter /
Holiday tradition? Attending an annual concert and lights display with
family.
Holiday tradition? Attending an annual concert and lights display with
family.
5. What is your trick for getting
past writer's block? And what advice do you have for other authors who are
struggling to tell their story? My trick is a non-negotiable deadline—like
a holiday. That keeps me in my chair and writing as much as possible. For
authors struggling—when you are tired, learn to rest, not quit. In the words of
Julie Berry, remember when life is hard, writing is the antidote.
past writer's block? And what advice do you have for other authors who are
struggling to tell their story? My trick is a non-negotiable deadline—like
a holiday. That keeps me in my chair and writing as much as possible. For
authors struggling—when you are tired, learn to rest, not quit. In the words of
Julie Berry, remember when life is hard, writing is the antidote.
6. Now that we've gotten to know
each other, tell me a story. It can be long or short. From your childhood or
last week. Funny, sad, or somewhere in between. Just make sure it's yours.
What's your story?
each other, tell me a story. It can be long or short. From your childhood or
last week. Funny, sad, or somewhere in between. Just make sure it's yours.
What's your story?
How about a poem that tells a story?
Raising Daughters
They need you and need you and need you
Until they don't
Because you've taught them well and
Shown them the way and
Given them all you have
Your heart and your soul and your favorite flat iron.
They thank you, they hug you, and they leave you
In one motion
They are off and you wouldn't have it any other way
This is why you carried them, why you fed them, and why you held their
hand
hand
So one day
They could let go
And live their beautiful life.
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Part 2 Official Event page
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Part 2 Official Event page
, was published in July 2018 and will be the first of at least three books in the Running Store Mystery series.
I grew up in Arkansas, just a few miles from Louisiana. Violet Patton was a grandmother. I took her name as a pen name in her honor. She didn't read much and when she did it was True Confessions magazine. She married a man twice her age at 18 and she did not have romance in her life, but she longed for it. She was tough, picking cotton, milking cows and tending a garden to keep her family alive. Behind her toughness was a sweet tenderness which showed through her beautiful blue eyes. Now as I age, I miss her more and more. Her photograph graces my desk, and I often ask for her advice or read my stories aloud to her. I can hear her laugh as I read my stories and I remember that spirit she never lost despite her adversities.