I am often asked when I knew I wanted to be a writer. I never considered writing for publication until the 1990s, but I have always loved to write. (I even enjoyed doing research papers. As a teenager, I wrote a lot of poetry, some of which my mom still has framed and hanging on her wall. Eventually I moved on to articles for religious and children’s publications. My real passion, though, is writing Christian fiction, and I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love.
There are lots of things I enjoy about writing. One of them is starting a new series. It’s always exciting to create brand new characters and put them in a setting I haven’t written about yet. I set my first series of books in Polk County, Florida, which is where I live. Research was easy since everything was basically at my back door. My current series is set in Cedar Key, Florida. The third book in the series, Mistletoe Justice, released December 1, and I am now working book four.
I first discovered Cedar Key quite a few years ago when my husband and I were sailing in the area. We needed to get gas, so we checked the chart, and the closest marina was Cedar Key. We ended up sailing into the Cedar Cove Beach and Yacht Club. Hurricanes have since destroyed the docks there, but at that time, several boats were moored. There was, however nowhere to buy gas. One of the Cedar Key residents told my husband to grab our portable gas tank and hop on his golf cart, and he would take him across town.
Soon we were on our way, but we were so impressed with the quaintness of the town and the friendliness of the people. When I decided to write a series of books set in an island town, I knew Cedar Key had to be it. I’ve returned several times, and each time I go, I fall in love with the place a little more.
Cedar Key is the second oldest city in Florida (behind St. Augustine) and has the air of a small fishing village. It’s quaint and artsy, with no chain restaurants or hotels. Research has been a pleasure. Whether relaxing with my husband in our favorite Cedar Key condo, or sitting with my critique partners in a cottage overlooking the Gulf while we plot our next books, the hustle and bustle of everyday life seems a million miles away.
What about you? Do you have a special place you like to go to get away from it all? Comment below for a chance to win an autographed copy of Mistletoe Justice.
There are lots of things I enjoy about writing. One of them is starting a new series. It’s always exciting to create brand new characters and put them in a setting I haven’t written about yet. I set my first series of books in Polk County, Florida, which is where I live. Research was easy since everything was basically at my back door. My current series is set in Cedar Key, Florida. The third book in the series, Mistletoe Justice, released December 1, and I am now working book four.
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Cedar Keyhole Artists Co-op - a quaint, attractive venue where local artists display their wares
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I first discovered Cedar Key quite a few years ago when my husband and I were sailing in the area. We needed to get gas, so we checked the chart, and the closest marina was Cedar Key. We ended up sailing into the Cedar Cove Beach and Yacht Club. Hurricanes have since destroyed the docks there, but at that time, several boats were moored. There was, however nowhere to buy gas. One of the Cedar Key residents told my husband to grab our portable gas tank and hop on his golf cart, and he would take him across town.
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Cedar Key beach and city park, with Cedar Cove Beach and Yacht Club in the background
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Soon we were on our way, but we were so impressed with the quaintness of the town and the friendliness of the people. When I decided to write a series of books set in an island town, I knew Cedar Key had to be it. I’ve returned several times, and each time I go, I fall in love with the place a little more.
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Cedar Key Seafood Festival - vendors visit with attendees while The Lucky Dogs entertain in the gazebo
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Cedar Key is the second oldest city in Florida (behind St. Augustine) and has the air of a small fishing village. It’s quaint and artsy, with no chain restaurants or hotels. Research has been a pleasure. Whether relaxing with my husband in our favorite Cedar Key condo, or sitting with my critique partners in a cottage overlooking the Gulf while we plot our next books, the hustle and bustle of everyday life seems a million miles away.
What about you? Do you have a special place you like to go to get away from it all? Comment below for a chance to win an autographed copy of Mistletoe Justice.
About Mistletoe Justice:
Someone has framed Darci Tucker for embezzlement—and she's pretty sure it's her boss. The real criminal will do anything to make sure she doesn't talk, from breaking into her home to hacking her computer. Her only hope for regaining control, and protecting her young son from danger, is Conner Stevenson. Desperate for answers about his sister's sudden disappearance, Conner is determined to uncover why the bookkeeper was named a target. Now Darci and her son have become pawns in a deadly game, and as Conner races to protect them, he finds he wants more than justice. He may want a family for Christmas after all…if they live that long.
Author Bio:
Carol J. Post writes fun and fast-paced inspirational romantic suspense. Her book Out for Justice was nominated for an RT Reviewer’s Choice Best Book award, and her December book, Mistletoe Justice is an RT Top Pick. When Carol isn’t writing, she enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.
Enter for a chance to win a copy of Mistletoe Justice by Carol J. Post!! If you live in the US or Canada, you will win an autographed print copy. If international, then you can choose either a Kindle or Nook copy. Ends 12/17/15
How to enter: Sign into the Giveaway Tools form below (it might take a moment to load) and submit each entry you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form. Happy entering!
Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Giveaway Tools and announced here as well as emailed and will have up to one week to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Giveaway Tools or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. I am not responsible for any packages lost or damaged in the mail. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Giveaway Tools and announced here as well as emailed and will have up to one week to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Giveaway Tools or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. I am not responsible for any packages lost or damaged in the mail. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
I don't have a "place", I read books and that takes me away from it all.
ReplyDeleteThat's what's cool about books, Robin - we can visit anywhere we want without ever having to leave the house!
DeleteI love Cumberland Falls State Park, near Corbin, KY. It has a waterfall that has been called Niagara of the South and a Moonbow is visible on clear nights during full moons.
ReplyDeleteConnie
cps1950 (at) gmail (dot)com
Sounds beautiful, Connie! I love waterfalls! We vacation in North Carolina a lot and really enjoy the falls.
DeleteI don't real;ly have a special place to go to get away from things. Cedar Key looks lovely, though.
ReplyDeleteIt is, Susan. There's always something really soothing about the beach.
DeleteI like to get away on a short road trip, out for lunch and just a quiet time of peacefullness..
ReplyDeleteShort road trips are fun, Deanna. We have a few state parks without an hour's drive that are really pretty. Then of course, there's always the beach. Living in Central Florida, I can be to either coast within an hour and a half.
DeleteI love going for walks on a beach or just down the country meadow or though the woods. I find peace in the walks and talking to the Lord.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Diana
I'm with you, Diana. I do a lot of talking to the Lord while walking the dog.
DeleteTo get away from it all I go to my woods. I sit by the creek and relax. I love it there!
ReplyDelete"my woods" - I love the sound of that, Laurie! And a creek, too! Awesome!
DeleteI'm not sure where my special place is. I'm told I disappear into myself sometimes, so perhaps I carry my hiding place around with me. I know after "disappearing" I feel refreshed and inspired to write. Luckily, I usually feel inspired to join in whatever it is I was meant to be doing too, and the writing will always wait.
ReplyDeleteI think that's a common trait of really creative people, Sheila - being able to disappear into yourself. Since you feel refreshed and inspired to write, you know it's the right place to go.
DeleteCedar Key looks and sounds like an ideal place to go but since I am not able to travel far anymore we just go to the southern part of the state to Hardy Lake and camp out. very relaxing. The book sounds fabulous. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteI love camping out, Stella. We had our annual church campout a month ago, and in August our kids, who live in New England, met us in North Carolina for several days of camping in the mountains. It was awesome!
DeleteI love to go to the library to get away from it all. Lose myself in a book. =)
ReplyDeleteMe too, Heather! Libraries and bookstores - two magical places!
DeleteThe story sounds really interesting and I'm so glad there is a real option for international readers to join this giveaway too - it's such a rare opportunity. Thank you very much Carol :-)
ReplyDeleteI moved so often in my life (more than 20 times in about 30 years) so even before we left Poland it was always easier for me to retreat into the book-worlds than look for real hiding places to find peace and comfort - and in addition I could return to all my favorite book locations any time I wanted.
I real world I think the closest think would be the farm where my grand-mother lived back in Poland - but now even she moved and rented this place so it's not the same anymore and after so many years abroad I'm also no more this little girl I was back than.
Enter me in your awesome contest!!
ReplyDeleteConway, SC.
Carol,
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Cedar Key but have always wanted to go. It's not like I live far away because I too live in Polk County. I was born in Lakeland and have no plans to move anywhere else. This is home! What is the name of the series that is set in Polk County. I can't wait to read it! Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Honestly, since I can't afford to travel much, my place to go to get away from it all is simply my room with a book or movie!
ReplyDeleteOr else I do some crafting in my office. :)
Weather permitting, I like to visit a park on the Coast of Washington State. There is always somewhere to go along the water without being bombarded by other people.
ReplyDeleteMy friend lives in Central America so when it's past Christmas land it has been cold and snowy for awhile it is a nice place to escape to :)
ReplyDeleteThe "cheapest" and greatest place to get away, for me, is in a book! You can go to beautiful, interesting, happy, and/or exotic places, even in just a few pages! A good writer can take you there, and vividly display the place,that it can feel like you are right there, without the cost of an airline ticket! And, you can be in your pajames, sipping a cup of hot cocoa, cuddled up under a nice warm throw blanket! I have loved the read, I think, from my conception, when my mom, who passed away a week ago, used to read to me, in the womb!!! And reading also opens you up to learning, about anything, people, places and things, amongst other things! Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to win this contest!!! Good Luck and God Bless Everyone!!!
ReplyDeleteMy current special place to go to get away from it all is my brother's country home in Missouri. I love to sit on his porch and watch nature - squirrels scampering, rabbits hopping, birds flitting about,dogs chasing each other, and the horses in the pasture. I have even been known to sit and watch mesmerized while a spider spins her web.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway.
Not really, I just go in my room.
ReplyDeletePoland. I love that beautiful country!
ReplyDelete