Who’d have thought the idea for my story would come in a dream?
A family finds the perfect gift for a senior who doesn’t need anything.
When the submission call went out for Christmas with Hot Apple Cider, I knew I wanted the opportunity to have a story in this award-winning series of books. The question was, what could I write about? Everything that came to mind had already been touched upon in one of my blog posts, and I needed something I hadn’t previously written about.
The deadline was fast approaching and I couldn’t think of anything to write about.
And then one night I had a dream about the unique and perfect gift we’d given my mother Christmas many years ago. When I woke up, I realized that I’d been presented with the perfect idea.
I spent the next few days writing and revising my story before sending it off.
My acceptance letter was met with great celebration. Not only would my story be published, but I’d be honouring the memory of my mom. I’m always thrilled to be able to share a little about a woman who was much loved and is still dearly missed.
My story takes place in the little city of White Rock, British Columbia. I didn’t include details of this area, thinking it wasn’t important to the overall story. However, during the editing process, N. J. encouraged me to share about the shops that lined one side of Marine Drive and the ocean walkway across the street.
When the book was released, I learned how important these details were. Many people from other provinces have visited this little city and could picture the area I wrote about. My details helped them to relate to my story. I was told about their trips to White Rock and how they, too, had eaten fish and chips at the beach. The connections we made when they shared those common experiences with me became an unexpected bonus to having my story included in Christmas with Hot Apple Cider.
I’ve learned that it’s important to include details that help set the scene. They should never be taken for granted. Anything that helps a reader connect with a story will keep them interested.
Here’s a picture taken of my siblings and me presenting my mom with her Christmas gift. Why are we bundled up and outside? You’ll have to read the story to find out!
Tandy Balson is a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, volunteer, and observer of life. Her mission is to inspire by bringing a fresh perspective to everyday life. She does this through her books (Inspirations from the Everyday and Dragonflies, Snowdrifts, & Spice Cake), and also through speaking engagements, her blog, and a weekly program on Hope Stream Radio. Tandy makes her home in the outskirts of Calgary, Alberta.
Tandy, I thought your idea for your mother’s Christmas gift was, indeed, perfect!
It doesn’t surprise me at all to learn that the idea came from a dream. Some of the most important things that I have done have been prompted by dreams—dreams, the colours of which I remember (something that doesn’t happen in my “everyday” dreams).
Because of the circumstances surrounding those particular dreams, some of which I didn’t discover until after I’d acted, I believe those were gifts from God, and I’m VERY grateful!
Your inspiration for such an unusual gift sounds very much to me like an early Christmas present YOU received.