Today on Meet the Author, I’m interviewing Jamie Adams, author of Cold Creek Mountain, a new release from Anaiah Press.
Welcome, Jamie. Thank you for joining me today. Let’s get started by telling us a little bit about yourself.
Hi, I’m Jamie Adams and I love to write Christian western romance. I live in the Ozarks with my husband and twin daughters. We enjoy the quite slower pace here in the woods. An avid reader since childhood, I have a head full of stories waiting to be written.
What can you tell us about your book, Cold Creek Mountain?
Lilly Fletcher is a governess with three young children who need to be delivered to their uncle on Cold Creek Mountain. She hires ex-scout Hayden Dawson to guide them up the rugged mountain. When the ride up Cold Creek Mountain doesn’t go as planned, they must find a way to work together to protect the children. Lilly struggles with how to find the strength to leave her wards behind and her growing feelings for the complex man chosen as their guide.
Sounds like you have some great characters. Who was your favorite character to create?
In Cold Creek Mountain, Hayden was my favorite character to create. He’s very wounded and yet has integrity and strength that allows him to grow throughout the story. By the end of the book he sheds the burden he’s born for way too long and embraces the love and happiness he has been running from.
When it comes to writing styles, are you a plotter or a panster?
I’m a panster but try to plot as much as possible because it does make a difference. Plotting allows me to see where the story is going, which motivates me to continue writing.
Besides being an author, do you have a “day job”?
I have a ‘day job’ but it takes place during the wee hours of the morning and/or late at night. I’m an ESL teacher to children in Asia. I love the job but because of the time difference the hours are odd.
That is very interesting work. With that kind of work schedule, where do you find time in your day to write?
I take a midmorning nap most days and write in the afternoon.
Most of us have a “dream job” we would do if we weren’t already working and writing. What would be yours?
I would be a librarian. I love books. Walking into a book story or library for me is like a kid walking into a candy story. I worked in a library while in college and loved it.
Your book, Cold Creek Mountain, was just released by Anaiah Press. Can you share an excerpt from your book with us?
No one said a word as they rolled past the buildings on East Main Street. The rhythm of the wagon wheels combined with the clatter of horse hooves was the only sound. A rooster atop the livery barn broke the silence as the sun peeked over the top of Cold Creek Mountain. Frank Brown stepped from the stables and waved. The surprise on his face promised everyone in Timberline would soon learn Hayden drove out of town with a pack of kids and a well-dressed woman.
Tongues would be wagging by the time Mayor Orbison signaled the beginning of a new business day with his bugle. Hayden winced. He hated being the center of attention. Mrs. May would have a good time letting everyone within a ten-mile radius know she’d orchestrated the whole thing. He’d have to stay out of town for a while and avoid the gossip until something more interesting happened. Still, he wouldn’t trade his community for anything even if sometimes their excessive attention made him squirm.
“I’m Prudence Mason.” The little girl sitting between him and Miss Fletcher squeaked out an introduction. Her high-pitched voice shook him from his musings.
“I’m proud to meet you, Miss Prudence.” He pulled his attention away from the trail long enough to give her a nod. Features similar to the boy’s, this one had dark brown eyes and a light sprinkling of freckles across the bridge of her nose.
“Oh, forgive me.” Miss Fletcher shifted until she was facing all four of them. “Mr. Dawson, I forgot the children weren’t with me when we met yesterday. As she’s already told you, this is Prudence, the oldest of the Mason children. Next in age is her sister Violet, and then there’s young Timothy.”
“Everyone calls me Timmy.” The boy spoke with the fervor of a ringmaster at the circus.
“Howdy.” Hayden took a quick glance behind him.
Timmy knelt with his hands on the back of the seat. He didn’t appear to be the least bit interested in taking a nap. The boy’s sister, Violet, was right beside him. She gave Hayden a shy smile and then lowered her gaze.
It was an interesting group he had in his care, Miss Prim-and-Proper, her young double, a lion tamer in the making and a shrinking violet. Hayden’s shoulders stiffened and the thumb on his right hand twitched. He took slow, deep breaths to calm his racing pulse. He couldn’t let this family down. He wouldn’t. Not this time.
What’s next for you as an author?
I’m working on a western time travel story. The idea may sound a bit out there, but the story has been so much fun to write. I am also working on a western romance that I hope to have ready for the publisher to preview before summer.
Thank you for spending time with me today. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future.
Where can readers find you online?
Website: https://jamieadamsauthor.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Roosgal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamieLAdamsauthorpage/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085WLL1HB/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
Carol Underhill 