Publication date: August 7th, 2020
Synopsis:
It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but... Dr. Alan Garcia uproots his practice in Miami to Snowflake, Montana, hoping to escape career-ending false-accusations and find a fresh start in the small mountain town. Alan isn't looking for love, but when Rachel Welch brings her nephew in for an office visit, her neighborly generosity and family-first philosophy moves his heart like no woman he's previously known.
Rachel Welch, a native to Snowflake, has suffered from PTSD ever since the car accident that seriously injured her parents. Dr. Garcia is her best hope to find relief from panic attacks, but one look into his dark eyes and Rachel knows that a doctor-patient dynamic is far from the relationship she wants.
With Christmas right around the corner, maybe Rachel and Alan's snowballing romance will survive Alan's pride, Rachel's fears, and Snowflake's rumors. That is--if spending time together outside of the office doesn't get them both fired first.
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Author Q&A
Explain the title?
The story takes place in a factious town called Snowflake, Montana around the Christmas holiday season.
What inspired you to write this book?
I was hiking in the Montana and Wyoming mountains with my husband and I like holiday themed romances.
What did you learn while writing this book?
I have the ability to create an entertaining full-length novel. All writers need their work edited, but my grammar isn't as bad as I've always told myself.
Can you tell me what the book is about?
The shortest answer is two medical professionals are attracted to each other, but their ability to date becomes forbidden. The story unfolds as they find a way to be together anyway no matter the cost.
Were any of the characters inspired by real people?
No, but there are a few characteristics or personality traits I infused in each characters that I've witnessed live.
How do you prioritize your work?
I create a skeleton plot, then create the cast and finally let the characters drive the story forward.
How do you determine if a piece of writing is good?
I step away from a scene and read it again a couple of days later. If the emotion I wanted to convey rings true to me, then I keep it. If not, I rewrite.
How many hours do you spend writing?
When I am full creating-new-words mode, I write about a chapter a day. That can take 4 to 7 hours.
What was the hardest scene and easiest scene to write?
The first scene of the book is the hardest to me. I always over think it. The easy scenes are when the character's emotions are predictable to me.
How do you select character names?
I try to find last names that are true to the character's genetic background. Then I try to see if I can narrow that list down to one that is easy for me to spell. Some say a story shouldn't have two characters with names that start with the same first letter like: Tom and Tina. I create a list and fill in names with letters. I haven't yet used in the story. Again short names are good, but not required.
What was the most difficult thing about writing about the opposite sex?
It did take me a while to get comfortable in the skin of Dr. Alan Garcia. But, if you people watch (men in this case) you begin to pick up on mannerism and thought processes that help round out the male character.
Do you want each book to be unique, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
Industry wisdom suggests writing a series is wise. A Snowflake Christmas is the first book of a series of three. My short stories, at the moment, are each self contained. It's possible my future short stories will be off shoots of my future series.
What other author friends do you have and how did they help you become a better writer?
I had the privilege of participating in an anthology, Romancing The Holidays, which is a fund raiser for First Coast Romance Writers with a portion of the proceeds going to FeedAmerica.org. The other eleven authors in that novel taught me so much about the industry. Romance Writers of America offers a great deal writing craft related seminars and conferences. I think I will always be honing my craft and be open to learning.
What do you think is the most important scene of the book?
Even though the scene is not spiritual in nature, it that takes place on Christmas Eve in Snowflake's tiny rustic church. Many storylines and character arcs converge.
Does this novel have a theme?
That giving doesn't have to be something of monetary value. This small town has created a barter system called Snowflake Currency. A person can have what they may think is nothing, but still be able to find something to give.
Excerpt
Rachel didn't quite know what to think about the lock and key, but it drew her eye and reminded her of the gift she had placed on the counter. "Oh, the bag is for you. That's a loaf of my cafe's holiday cranberry bread. Welcome to Snowflake." She liked working in the restaurant her parents had built, but nursing was her passion. She just needed to convince the new doctor to hire her since this was the only nursing job for miles.
Dr. Garcia opened the foil and breathed in a deep whiff of the baked good. "How thoughtful. Smells delicious, makes my taste buds water." Surprise flashed across his face, but as he spoke a warmth eased into her words. He stepped toward her. "I guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other, neighbor. Your gift means a lot to me." He started to shake her hand, but Jacob launched into a coughing fit that held him in place.
"Ah, Parrot, sorry you're not feeling well," cooed Rachel while she stroked the small of his back.
As he reached into a glass jar of candy he added, "This might help." The doctor exuded compassion as he redirected his attention to the cuddling boy. Rachel snuck a longer peek at his face, flecks of green and gold sparkled in his hazel eyes. He's a healer, not a male model--don't gawk. The scent of cherry, a welcome distraction, tickled her nose. "Can I give your son a lollipop?"
Seeing Jacob's eyes widen, Rachel couldn't help herself. "He's not my son." Oops, that was a little blunt. "I mean I get your confusion since we have the same last name, but he's my nephew." The doctor continued to stare, stone faced.
"I'm available, you know." She had been fidgeting with the cuff of her sweater, but then her head ricocheted back. She wanted to become the smallest item in the room. Rachel cleared her throat. "Scratch that; I'm single." She flinched, drawing her eyebrows together. "You didn't need to know that either." At first, he pulled back slightly, but then a grin tugged at the corners of his lips until he looked away.
"What I meant to say was, yes, you can give my brother's son the lollipop. His mother is expecting. I'm helping to care for him in case he might be contagious." Rachel reminded herself that this visit allowed her a sneak peek at the new doctor before deciding if she wanted to work for the out-of-towner. Too many local men knew her family name and wanted to cash in on her assumed wealth. Looking down and away, she clamped her mouth together to keep herself from spewing more unnecessary words. Get a handle on the over-sharing.
About the Author:
Vickey Wollan caught the writing bug in elementary school, and her thirst for reading novels started in junior high. Although her career included journalistic and public relations writing, she recently jumped with both feet into writing romance stories.
She writes heartwarming, sweet, contemporary romances that tickle the funny-bone and wrap up with an always satisfying happily ever after.
Vickey lives in Central Florida, but her travels inspire her stories. She likes the outdoors and sports so she creates heroines who are strong and multi-talented, but are still attracted to sexy modern men who appreciate the love of a capable woman.
With a background in wellness, she allows her creativity to emerge during a good workout. When not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking through the beauty of nature, or chilling-out with her husband.
She appreciates hearing from readers. Reach out to her at vickeywollanauthor@yahoo.com
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