KATY: Christmas in Meadow Creek is about fourth-grade teacher Sarah Laughlin, who left her big-city life and dead-end relationship behind for a fresh start in the small, Wisconsin town of Meadow Creek. But the holidays are going to be lonely this year. Until she meets firefighter Lincoln Thompson. Suddenly, the hope of spending Christmas with someone she cares about is within reach.
Lincoln loves his home town of Meadow Creek, but ever since his long-time girlfriend left him for a better life in the city, he wonders if he’ll ever find love in this small town where everyone knows everyone. Then he meets Sarah during her class’s field trip to his firehouse, and a spark is lit. But when they discover a startling connection, their newfound relationship is put to the test.
I wrote this book in response to Anaiah Press putting out a call for Christmas novellas last year. I woke up one day shortly after Christmas with a basic idea for a story, and three weeks later, the whole novella was written!
LAURIE: And is this the first book you have coming out with Anaiah Press?
KATY: No. I have one other book with Anaiah – Blast from Her Past is a contemporary Christian romance published earlier this year. I also wrote A Heart Held Captive which comes out next spring.
LAURIE: What led you to publish with Anaiah Press?
KATY: After I’d completed the manuscript for Blast from Her Past, I researched various Christian presses and submitted to a handful. Anaiah was the first that responded wanting to pursue my manuscript, and I have truly enjoyed my relationship with this publisher from day one.
LAURIE: What draws you to writing Christian romance?
KATY: I love the emotional journey and happily-ever-after endings that comes with the Romance genre, and I want to show that God can and should be part of all relationships. I typically alternate from both the hero and heroine’s point of view, so the reader gets drawn in to both of their joys, pain, insecurities, etc.
LAURIE: Are there any authors who’ve influenced you in your writing? Do you have any favorite authors?
KATY: I enjoy reading a variety of authors, so no real favorites that stand out. But I have recently read a couple books by Sally Bayless and really enjoyed her writing. I connect with her style and enjoyed the story lines and characters in her books.
LAURIE: How long has it taken you to get published?
KATY: The first full novel I wrote was probably twelve years ago, but it never went anywhere. Looking back, it was really bad – ha! But shortly after that, I had my first child and was working full time, so I didn’t have time to spend on writing.
Once I picked it back up again a few years ago, I wrote the manuscript for Blast from Her Past and submitted it to a few publishers. From the time I started submitting it to when Anaiah offered me a contract was less than six months.
LAURIE: What advice would you give to other writers trying to break in to the Christian market?
KATY: Do your research to find what a specific publisher is looking for. Get connected with other authors on social media. Find a critique group, partner, or friend (preferably someone with writing or editing experience) who can review your work and offer valuable feedback.
LAURIE: What hobbies do you like to do when you’re not writing? Anything else you’d like our readers to know about you and your work?
KATY: If it was nice out year-round in Wisconsin, I would take a walk every day. I also enjoy baking and watching movies with my family.
LAURIE: Where can your readers find you on social media?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyEeten/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KatyEeten
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KatyEeten/
Website: https://katyeeten.wordpress.com/
LAURIE: And finally, how long do we have to wait for your next book?
My next book is due out in the spring—late March to be exact. Watch for contemporary Christian romance, A Heart Held Captive, also published through Anaiah Press. Thanks so much for hosting me, Laurie!
LAURIE: It’s been my pleasure! And now, here’s the gorgeous cover for Christmas in Meadow Creek along with its backcover blurb. It can be purchased on Amazon at:
amzn.to/2DMhbl8
Lincoln loves his home town of Meadow Creek, but ever since his long-time girlfriend left him for a better life in the city, he wonders if he’ll ever find love in this small town where everyone knows everyone. Then he meets Sarah during her class’s field trip to his firehouse, and a spark is lit. But when they discover that Sarah’s troublemaking student is none other than Lincoln’s beloved nephew, their newfound relationship is put to the test. Can they navigate through the complexities of family dynamics to find a love that will last?
Author Bio:
Katy Eeten lives in southeast Wisconsin with her husband and their two sons. She works full time, but her true passion is writing. In addition to Christmas in Meadow Creek, she has also written Blast From Her Past. Katy enjoys taking walks, baking, and spending time with her family.
