Welcome, Janet Kaderli!!!

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Like I mentioned Monday, I've known Janet all my RWA career. I read this book in manuscript form a few years ago and I read it again this weekend. It's just the most adorable Christmas story, with characters who really came to life for me and put me in the Christmas spirit! Remember, I'll send a copy to one lucky commenter, so you can enjoy this story, too!

Now, welcome Janet!

You've had a long road to publication, including some children's books (which I have in my class library.) What kept you going when the business got you down?

Getting the children's books published really kept me going. The first came out in 1998, the two reading resource books in 2001, then the sequel to the first book in 2005. In between, I kept writing romances, entering contests, sending Santa's Angels to agents and editors. Although, up til a couple of years ago, Santa's Angels was rejected, I kept getting positive feedback on the book. The "good" rejections and encouragement from other writers (like you!) gave me the courage to keep sending the manuscript out until it found a home.

What is your writing routine like?


You know, I gotta get me one of those. I'm a seat-of-the-pants writer, but a strict reviser. When I'm in the writing groove, I find I write a couple of hours every day--I estimated once I can complete about 4 pages an hour. After an hour, I need to get up and move around. I make handwritten notes in a spiral as new thoughts come to me, then work it in to the manuscript on the laptop next time I sit down with it. That way I reassure myself I'm still working on the novel even if I haven't opened my laptop in days.

What was your inspiration for Santa's Angels?

I used to be a teacher, and every year at Christmas, the staff would play Secret Santa, where we'd draw names and do fun stuff for each other in the weeks before Christmas Holidays. One year, the person whose name I drew said she liked reading "hot and steamy" stories. Being a writer, I figured I could come up with something, a story with a Secret Santa. It started as a short story, and ended as a novel--sweet, rather than "hot and steamy," but there's still a Mystery Santa.

You have other creative outlets - tell us about them!

I play keyboard in a band, The Seven Dutchmen Orchestra. My husband is the leader. At this time of year, we're playing a lot of Big Band music. We'll be playing on New Year's Eve. We play at some German festivals, including the Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, TX and Wurstfest in New Braunfels, TX. I also like to crochet. I still write poetry and children's books. I l-o-v-e baking.

What has meant the most to you since your sale?

There is nothing like seeing my story as a book. The cover is lovely. I was surprised and delighted by my first fan letter! Especially since the book had been checked out from a library and recommended to the person who sent me the email.

Can you give us a quick blurb about your book?

No one knows the local celebrity who is playing Santa Claus at Filmore's Department Store in downtown Dallas, Texas. Not even Janie Langston, the "elf" who takes pictures of the kids with Santa knows--and she's falling in love with him!

Lastly, do you recommend reading this book with eggnog or hot chocolate?

Hot chocolate! With cinnamon and lots of marshmallows.

Here's where you can get this awesome book: Barnes and Noble

9 comments:

MicheleKS said...

Janet, I'm so happy to see your lovely book has been published. It sounds wonderful. I wish you all the best for the holiday season.

Stephanie Julian said...

Congratulations on the new release, Janet. It sounds adorable. Avalon is a very nice company to work for (I know, I've published with them).

Trish Milburn said...

Janet, huge congrats on your book's publication. It sounds like a fun story. Falling in love with Santa -- who'd a thunk it? :)

And I agree, Mary's good at keeping writers going when the rejections roll in. Yay, Mary!

Cool that you're in a band. I really like Big Band music. It's so evocative of another era.

Janet Kaderli said...

Thanks, everyone!

I'll be popping in and out and happy to answer any questions. I'd also like to mention that you may order an autographed copy of Santa's Angels by going to my website and contacting me at www.janetkaderli.com. I also have a Santa's Angels blog--www.santasangels.blogspot.com--but am not as savvy with blogging as Mary, although I enjoy visiting with people.
Thanks, again! Looking forward to visiting with you.

MJFredrick said...

EEK!!! I JUST got home and got supper started!!!!

My question for Janet is this....what are you working on now?

Janet Kaderli said...

I'm working on another book that will hopefully find a home with Avalon. The working title is Guardian Angels. Freelance computer programmer Matt Larsen becomes a joint guardian of his 18 month old niece. Who's the other guardian? His sister-in-law's sister, Kat Snyder--"Kookie Kat," known for her specialty cookies.

MJFredrick said...

That sounds perfect for your voice!

Another question. What's your favorite Christmas tradition? I loved the scene where Janie and Gloria were decorating the tree with homemade ornaments. I used to do scherenschnitte when I was younger (and had better vision) and this book made me want to drag out my pattern books. When Gloria commented about sweeping up snips of paper, I could relate!

Anonymous said...

YAY, Janet! It was so good to see this interview. Mar, thanks for making this happen.

Hugs and my 100% support,
Joanna Prater
aka Joanna K. Moore

http://www.myspace.com/joannaprater

Janet Kaderli said...

This is too early in the morning for me. I wrote out a great post answering Mary's question and somehow managed to not post it.

Anyway, my favorite tradition is one we're getting back to this Christmas--a tree-decorating party.

My father-in-law used to have a Christmas tree farm. We'd drive out to the farm, pick out a tree and help cut it down. When we brought it home we'd realize the trees look a lot smaller in the field than in our living room. Then we'd invite my parents, inlaws and assorted aunts and uncles, share a meal and decorate the tree. We have a great video from about 15 years ago where we're all gathered on the couch beside the decorated tree, singing Christmas carols together.

Being a musician, I also love the music of this season. I don't like the radio stations starting playing nothing but music in November, but about this time of year, that's all I want to listen to. BTW--I heard a great version of "In the Mood" with Christmas lyrics while out shopping the other day. Anyone know anything about it?

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I'm a mom, a wife, a teacher and a writer. I have five cats and a dog to keep me company. I love bookstores and libraries and Netflix - movies are my greatest weakness.
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