APOOO recently had a chance to catch up with Victoria Christopher Murray and chat with her regarding her thoughts on Christmas and how she Coutdowns.  First, I must admit that Victoria is one of my favorite authors, because she’s so down-to-earth, witty, has always been supportive of me and APOOO and is always so positive and cheerful (at least around me); she always has a good word and leaves one with a smile on their face.  And, she’s a wealth of knowledge on a number of topics.  She’s just so PERSONABLE.  Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss some matters, other than books with her, and I’m glad I approached her because she debunked a lot of myths that folks believed or had heard.  Just goes to show that sometimes when you need to know something you need to google it go to the source and Victoria was mine…lol.

Without further ado, grab a drink, sit down and spend 5-10 minutes with Victoria.  I guarantee you after reading Victoria’s interview you will not only know her a little better but will agree with me that she’s a pretty ‘kewl’ woman!

In 140 words or less, describe what Christmas decoration you would be and why?
Oh, I can do this in much less than 140 words.  It’s so obvious – I would be the angel at the top of the tree!  At least, that’s the way I see myself.   I mean, I am an angel, right?  My first novel started this whole Christian fiction thing and so you have to be angelic to do something like that.  (Now, this is the point where all of my friends – especially Lolita Files – roll their eyes and yell, “She has you fooled, y’all!”)  LOL!   However, I stand by my decoration!
 
In 140 words or less, describe why your latest release would make a wonderful Christmas present.
My latest novel would be a great Christmas present because after anyone reads about my character – Jasmine Cox Larson Bush – they will realize that compared to Jasmine, we all have wonderful lives.  Seriously, my novel would be a good gift because you can give it to anyone – without profanity, and explicit sex, it’s a book still filled with drama.  Everyone will enjoy the story of a reformed man-stealer finally meeting her match!  And what’s great is that men seem to enjoy my novels, too!
 
If you were one of the 12 days of Christmas items, what would you be and why.
I would be four calling birds – because I once heard that from a spiritual perspective, four calling birds refer to the four gospels in the Bible.  And the men who wrote those gospels were evangelists.  I kind of look at my novels that way – as spreading the Word of God.
 
Share your most memorable childhood Christmas experience. 
I remember one Christmas Eve, my sister and I wrote our letters to Santa and left out cookies.  But my sister, who is younger than me, told me that what we were doing was really stupid because there was no Santa. (She was always so cynical!  Still is.)  Anyway, I didn’t believe her; I wanted to believe the fantasy.  Well the next morning, Santa had eaten the cookies, but the best part was that Santa had answered our letters!  Never before had Santa written us back – and he wrote us back with a red pen.  I told my sister that this proved it.  “There really is a Santa Claus because Mommy and Daddy don’t have a red pen!”  LOL.
 
What was the best present you received as a child?
Again, there were so many wonderful gifts.  When I was five, I got a dollhouse.  When I was ten, I got a television for my bedroom.  And when I was thirteen, I got a sewing machine.  Ah, those were the days!  Those were the days!
 
What has been the best present you’ve received as an adult?
A full length mink coat – from my husband!  Yes, it was!
 
What’s your favorite Christmas dish?
Pumpkin pie!  Hands down!  I could eat a whole one by myself.  (The problem is, I often do.)  I do that with sweet potato pie…and pecan pie.
 
What’s your favorite Christmas song?
This Christmas…the original by Donnie Hathaway.  It’s on my IPod now and it’s the ringtone on my phone.  Just wanted to prove that it was my favorite! We believe you…you made your point…lol.
 
What’s your favorite Christmas movie?
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE.  I can watch this movie (and eat pumpkin pie) over and over and over and over and over…..
 
What’s your favorite Christmas drink?
Egg nog!  (Did you know that this year, McDonald’s has an Eggnog shake?  OMG!)  I believe they introduced it last year and yes it is good!
 
It’s Christmas Eve and we saw you kissing Santa Claus…describe what your ‘Santa Baby’ looks like.
I refuse to answer on the grounds that I might incriminate myself….hmmm hmmm…lol.
 
Think about the five most important people in your life.  Assuming you can only give intangible gifts, what would you give each of them and why?
What a great question!
 
My mom – an hour phone call every day for a year.  I don’t call my mom enough and since my dad passed away, it’s been so hard for her.  She would love that connection.
 
My sister in California – the energy and desire to work out so that she can get her blood pressure under control.
 
My sister in Maryland – a hug everyday and understanding that she really is loved by her sisters.
 
My best friend – Lolita Files – a road trip.  We’d drive across the country together – like Oprah and Gail.  We’ve been trying to do that for a couple of years now.  (I don’t think that’s intangible, but it’s close, right?)  And, it’s a wonderful answer!  Yes, it is and it’s intangible…as friendship between two really good friends should be.
 
My dear friend – who shall remain nameless  – I’d give the kind of peace that surpasses understanding.  The kind of peace that lets one know that when you know better, you do better.   Hmmm do I know this friend…lol.
 
What’s the best thing about Christmas?
The celebration of the birth of Jesus.  Everything I believe starts with the fact that Jesus was born.  And the fact that I get to spend it with people I love is amazing to me every year.  I also love that Christmas is a season – and that gives me the chance to celebrate this amazing holiday with people beyond my immediate family.
 
Complete the phrases…
It doesn’t feel like Christmas unlessit’s cold and snowing.  (Hmmm how much snow do you get in Cali…hehe.)
Pumpkin pie and Egg nog are always on my Christmas list.
My Christmas traditions include–reading the four gospels (the part about Jesus’s birth) the week before Christmas.
St. Judes is one charity that I recommend others donate to during the holidays (and all year-round).
Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church has the best Christmas services.
 
And because APOOO is a book club…and we need to talk about books before we leave…please answer the following questions:
Excluding books written by you, what five books are you recommending to others as Christmas gifts this year.
1. Dreams From My Father – this should be mandatory reading for us.  Agree!
2. Gather Together in My Name – Tracy Price Thompson
3. Freshwater Road – Denise Nicholas
4. Abraham’s Well – Sharon Ewell Foster
5. The Five Love Languages – everyone should read this book for better interpersonal relationships.  Okay, I’m going to check it out.
 
What was the last book you read that:
made you scream?–Afterburn, by Zane.  I was working out on the Elliptical machine on the gym and screamed.  Everyone looked at me.  But I didn’t care.  I couldn’t believe what happened.
 
made you cry?–I don’t cry – but almost cry – Gather Together in My Name…just because it was so good!
  
made you laugh?–Can I Get a Witness.  Any book by Reshonda Tate Billingsley is going to make you laugh.  Even when she has a serious subject, she is the best with humor!

made you use all five senses? –Any book by Eric Jerome Dickey, but especially his book, Pleasure.

was in a genre you don’t normally read?–The Five Love Languages – I don’t read a lot of non fiction, though I did a lot this year.

used location as a character?–I Know I’ve Been Changed.  I’ve used that book (again, by Reshonda) as an example in a workshop that I teach on how to use location as a character.

wish you had written? –Child of God, by Lolita Files.  That book was pure genius.  Definitely agree!

It was a pleasure interviewing Victoria Christopher Murray and APOOO looks forward to reading her future releases (so hurry up and bring them on Victoria…lol).  Don’t forget to check out today’s Thank God for a Book Giveaway; Too Little, Too Late is the book being given away and you could be the lucky winner.

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