Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Cold Justice Review/ Blog Tour

There are two things that make a book stand out—characters and plot. Can the characters wrap you into their struggles? Can you envision yourself beside them on their route to a triumphant conclusion? Kathi has done a wonderful job of with each of her characters. You easily cheer beside them as they unravel the mystery. Too often the story dips in the middle, lulling you to sleep, or ends far before the last page. Kathi wraps you into the story from beginning to last word. Not once do you want to put the book down or lose interest.

I was fortunate to meet Kathi Oram Peterson at an Author/Blogger Lunch and found her delightful. She has answered a few questions for us.

Lydia:  Where did the idea for this book come from?

Kathi: My editor actually asked if I could do a second book using the characters from River Whispers. So I thought about the characters in that book and decided part of Samuel's Alaskan past would become central to this second novel.  I was also able to tell more of Wakanda's story. Even though she is a secondary character, the life she'd led and her history was fun to use in this adventure. Plus, I loved really testing Regi, one of the main characters. I worked hard to make Cold Justice a stand alone book so people didn't feel they had to buy River Whispers to understand what was going on in story line.

Lydia: What research did you do to keep the events factual?

Kathi: Oh my stars. I did a ton of research. You should see my file. I had to research traveling to Alaska by boat and by plane, what would happen when crossing the border between Canada and the US. I also did extensive research into the different Native Alaskan tribes. I borrowed some customs from many and made a fictional clan. I had to research law enforcement in Alaska, what US Marshals would do, the FBI, and tribal counsels. As recent as 2011 there was a new law passed by Congress allowing the tribes to do a lot more self governing. And, of course, I had to study the weather. Alaska during February and March can be extremely cold, but it all depends on where you live in Alaska. There were other things I researched, but to tell it all I'd have to write another book.

Lydia:  What is your favorite part about writing a novel?

Kathi: My favorite part is once the rough draft is written going back and filling the book with color: adding more visuals, developing more characterization for each character that makes them ring true, and smoothing out the writing with intense editing. I know for some writers the fun part is creating the story. That's fun too, but for me it's going over the story and breathing life into it.

Lydia:  What is something unique your readers do not know about you?

Kathi: Hmm, I love going to good movies. I'm becoming more selective, but there's nothing like seeing story come to life on the big screen. I've written a screenplay of An Angel on Main Street. I don't know if it will ever be made, but I was lucky enough to see the book published, so it's possible.

For those who love to read mysteries and soak up knowledge about culture and geography at the same time, Cold Justice is the book for you. It’s captivating and cleverly written. Check out the following for ways to win and learn more.
·  Leave a comment below for a chance to win an adorable bear from Build-a-Bear-Workshop.  Must be posted before July 1st, winner announced July 3rd.
·  Return to Kathi’s blog each day this week and check out other review of Cold Justice, and a wonderful book trailer.
·  Check out Goodreads where Kathi is having a drawing to give away two copies of Cold Justice.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Queen of Evasion


I’m often amazed at the level of subterfuge Mothers go through to endure.  Since summer break began survival mode kicked in. It’s enough that I have to give up my peace for the constant pattering of feet, but now I’m pestered with requests. We’ve worked past “I’m bored” with threats to clean despicable places and progressed to “When can I?”

In preparation for the long summer days, I booked our daughters into summer movies, play dates in the park and each has a summer class. Between that and meal time, I insist that they find something to do. The problem is their idea versus mine.

I think the pile of toys and neighbor kids as adequate entertainment, but they have come up with requests, usually “take me somewhere”. When they ask when the next time they can go ______, I’ve turned into a recorder and say “Some time.” Noncommittal is my defense. Unfortunately I only get away with it half of the time. They shrug and walk away or torment me for a specific time. Then I pull out the guns—“I’m not sure when.”

It’s only been a week. Can I survive? How do mothers endure? Must we resort to lying and dodging? I’m determined to be strong. There must be a line between caring for our children and being their source of entertainment. I once read “If a mother’s place is in the home, why am I always in the car.” I will fight that scenario. Oh, to have lived ages past when kids were self entertained…

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Quirks

I had an epiphany this morning as I lay in bed cringing at each clink and bang in the kitchen as my husband got ready for the day. Two actually—I have Superman hearing and my irritation over the noises my husband created is really my own fault. It would be unfair to criticize or place the blame on his shoulders. My annoyance is merely a reflection of my own quirks--a skewed perspective.

How many times do we find faults in our spouse that result from our finicky natures? Do we find issues with things another person would shrug off? I thought about writing down all my complaints about my husband’s nuances and then I pictured him doing the same and tossed the idea out. The word petty came to mind and I’m feeling guilty.

Perhaps a mental list would work. I’ve already started on mine—the exhuming of fumes in front of me…just my super scenter in overdrive, the clothes strewn on the floor…just a reaction to my voiced impatience to have him by my side. No, it’s not all my fault, nor should he be excused from details, but could I be more tolerant. YES. And maybe if I tossed out the annoyance at his quirks I might find some missing sparks. PerhapsJ