Marie never expected to wake up in North Pole City, let alone become Santa’s Emergency Replacement. It was a job she never wanted but couldn’t turn down, thanks to Clarence, Santa’s right hand man. Now, Marie has to work with Clarence, who believes she is some kind of criminal who will cause the destruction of everything he holds dear. Trying to prove that he’s wrong, Marie keeps making mistakes that push them even further apart. It doesn’t help that she has a past she’d rather keep hidden. However, trying to keep her past where it should belong isn’t easy. Just when Marie starts to feel like things are coming together, a madman with a bone to pick, and Christmas to ruin, threatens the whole of the North Pole Organization. Marie must rely on Clarence and her new friends to help her face her past before Christmas is gone forever. But does she have the courage to truly be herself when it could mean losing everything?
Karlie Lucas is a preschool teacher by day and a writer/artist by night.
A graduate of Southern Utah University, Karlie received a B.A. in Creative Writing, with a minor in art. She is a member of Sigma Tau Delta, The International English Honor Society, as well as ANWA, the American Night Writers Association.
Karlie is interested in all things magical and mysterious, especially elves and dragons. She is an avid fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling.
When not writing, Karlie can often be found drawing, baking, watching her favorite old school shows, or just spending time with her family.
She currently resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband and a cat named Kally.
Q and A with the Author:
1. Do
you recall how your interest in writing originated?
you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Golly, I’ve been writing for as long as I’ve known how to write. I still
have some stories I wrote back in elementary school because my mom saved them.
I think what interested me in writing was being able to tell a story without
having to use my voice, being able to paint a picture with words.
have some stories I wrote back in elementary school because my mom saved them.
I think what interested me in writing was being able to tell a story without
having to use my voice, being able to paint a picture with words.
2. Give
us an insight into how your writing day/time is structured?
us an insight into how your writing day/time is structured?
At present, my writing time is pretty unstructured. I write when my
characters are willing to speak to me, and when I don’t have to be at work. I
usually end up writing at night and on the weekends, since, you know, the day
job frowns on me writing while on the clock.
characters are willing to speak to me, and when I don’t have to be at work. I
usually end up writing at night and on the weekends, since, you know, the day
job frowns on me writing while on the clock.
Connect with the Author Here:
Snippet
He left Marie’s side and paced, trying to think of
a sure-proof way to get her out of his hair. Maybe if he presented an idea that
was so ludicrous he might get out of playing watchdog to some newcomer with no
known past history. After all, it was possible that she was the criminal she
denied to be. Or was that what he wanted? He didn’t know. He hadn’t been sure
about anything since he’d first laid eyes on her.
a sure-proof way to get her out of his hair. Maybe if he presented an idea that
was so ludicrous he might get out of playing watchdog to some newcomer with no
known past history. After all, it was possible that she was the criminal she
denied to be. Or was that what he wanted? He didn’t know. He hadn’t been sure
about anything since he’d first laid eyes on her.
“Why don’t you just make her your Emergency
Replacement instead of Sandra’s assistant?” Clarence blurted. His words
tumbled out before he could even think about the implications. “You’ve
always wanted to have someone just in case of an emergency.” His eyes
sparkled with vexation, knowing he was being impertinent but not caring. He was
sure Santa would never consider his suggestion with any seriousness.
Replacement instead of Sandra’s assistant?” Clarence blurted. His words
tumbled out before he could even think about the implications. “You’ve
always wanted to have someone just in case of an emergency.” His eyes
sparkled with vexation, knowing he was being impertinent but not caring. He was
sure Santa would never consider his suggestion with any seriousness.
Santa smoothed his beard. He measured the risks and
the information his wizened eyes gave him. He included the intentions of his
Head of Operations. He rubbed his chin, looked to one side, and nodded. “That’s
not a bad idea. It’s nice to have someone. Just in case.” He strode back
to the desk and picked up a quill. “It does sound reasonable. All right,
why don’t we do just that? It will give her full access to all Leagues and
privileges due to someone up that high. She’ll pretty much be equal with you,
Clarence.” He gave his elf a knowing glance, eyes twinkling as he wrote
down Marie’s name and new position. The elf had played right into his hands,
not that it had been all that hard to persuade him. They had both known the
position was necessary and had discussed it at great lengths recently.
the information his wizened eyes gave him. He included the intentions of his
Head of Operations. He rubbed his chin, looked to one side, and nodded. “That’s
not a bad idea. It’s nice to have someone. Just in case.” He strode back
to the desk and picked up a quill. “It does sound reasonable. All right,
why don’t we do just that? It will give her full access to all Leagues and
privileges due to someone up that high. She’ll pretty much be equal with you,
Clarence.” He gave his elf a knowing glance, eyes twinkling as he wrote
down Marie’s name and new position. The elf had played right into his hands,
not that it had been all that hard to persuade him. They had both known the
position was necessary and had discussed it at great lengths recently.
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