QUESTION 1: Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an author? What first inspired
you to start writing, and how did A Becharmed Callie Christmas come to life?
ANSWER: I began writing at a young age, starting with songs, then progressing to poetry and short
stories, and eventually expanding into picture books and Young Adult fiction. From
there, I wrote my first novel. Since then, I have written an entire series titled the
Renegade Series, which takes place during the American Civil War and centers around
several families. I was inspired to write this series because I wanted to tell the story of a
typical Southern soldier and help my readers understand why he enlisted in the
Confederate cavalry. A Becharmed Callie Christmas is a side story that falls between
book 1 (A Beautiful Glittering Lie) and book 2 (A Beckoning Hellfire). This novella tells
the story of Callie Mae Copeland, a minor character who is turning 16, and how she
deals with the impending war encroaching on her home.
QUSETION 2: What do you love most about the world and characters in this story?
ANSWER: Most of the characters are young and naïve about the war. Callie is an only child who is
spoiled and raised by older parents who dote on her. She is every bit a Southern belle. I
loved putting myself in Callie’s place by imagining the excitement she feels while
planning her big event, her family’s annual Christmas party, even though the war is
close. She insists on pretending there is no danger, but deep down, she knows it is a
much bigger and scarier situation than she cares to address.
QUESTION 3: What message or feeling do you hope readers take away after reading A
Becharmed Callie Christmas?
ANSWER: I hope my readers will take away the message that, even though the world can become
quite terrifying, Christmas is a time to come together, celebrate, and be optimistic about
the future.
QUESTION 4: How does this book fit into your larger body of work? (Are there recurring
themes or favorite elements you often return to?)
ANSWER: This book, part of the Renegade Series, is a side story about Christmas. The theme is
that, even though the world is changing, some things still remain the same, such as love
and fellowship. In this ever-changing world, we are compelled to change with it,
hopefully for the better.
QUESTION 5: What was your favorite scene or moment to write, and why?
ANSWER: I especially liked writing the Christmas party scene, because I could imagine the
anticipation Callie feels for the event, from the moment she finds the bolt of fabric at the
Mercantile to sewing her new gown, to flowing down the steps with all eyes on her.
QUESTION 6: How do you balance the magic, heart, and humor that shine through your
stories?
ANSWER: When I researched my books, I found it interesting how the soldiers kept their sense of
humor, even in the worst of times. This was profound to me, so I tried to carry that
through in the series. Another interesting fact about the Civil War is that people
remained positive, even when terrible things were happening all around them. Even in
the darkest hour, Christmastime shone through for them, providing a light in their most
dismal days.
QUESTION 7: Are there any upcoming books or projects you’re excited to share with
readers?
ANSWER: All four books in the Renegade Series will soon be available in audio format. Right now,
A Becharmed Callie Christmas and Fool’s Gold Folly are available in audio, as well as
paperback and eBook formats. Next year, I will begin writing the fifth and final
installment of the series.
QUESTION 8: And finally, what’s something readers might not know about you, a fun
fact, writing ritual, or personal inspiration behind your stories?
ANSWER: I listen to period music when I’m writing to help put me in the proper mindset. I am a
musician/singer/songwriter and love music, so I incorporate it into all my books. I am
also an animal lover. I adore horses, but could never own one because I’m severely
allergic to hay. Over the years, I have had many pets, including a quail and a chicken
that I hatched out of a tiny incubator. My first dog was a dachshund. My husband (we’ve
been married for over 40 years) and I now have two doxies and two cats. I situate as
many animals as I can into my stories, including one of the star characters, Renegade,
for whom the series is named.
About A Becharmed Callie Christmas
This novella takes place between A Beautiful Glittering Lie and A Beckoning Hellfire in the Renegade Series. It tells the story of Callie Mae Copeland, a young Southern belle coming of age as war encroaches on her home, and the hope and joy that Christmas brings even in uncertain times.
📚 Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook formats.
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