A Savior is Born
by Meg Mims
a short story in
Wolf Creek, Book 9:
Romancing The West is pleased to present a double feature: Wolf Creek, Book 9, A Wolf Creek Christmas, and Wolf Creek Book 10, O Deadly Night. Each volume contains six Christmas stories, all centering around Wolf Creek in 1871, written by award-winning western authors. Today, RTW has the honor of showcasing the Spur-winning author, Meg Mims.
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| Meg Mims |
Born and raised in Michigan, Meg Mims' first novel, the western historical mystery Double Crossing, won the 2012 WWA Spur Award for Best First Novel. She loves horses — watching them move, that is, but not riding them. Meg lives with her supportive husband and two dogs — a “make my day” Malti-poo and the Lhasa Apso rescue dog featured in Santa Paws, last year's Christmas novella. Her upcoming Christmas novella, Santa Claws, features a cat. Santa Paws/Claws will be available in print as well.
Meg's story: A Savior Is Born
Phoebe Wright, my character in "A Savior Is Born," arrives in town to visit her schoolteacher sister and is shocked to learn of her murder. Worse yet, the niece whom she sent to stay with her sister is now working above a saloon as a whore. Phoebe assigns herself as a 'savior,' but the Lord has other plans...
About Phoebe Wright
Like all Christians, Phoebe Wright (who is never wrong) has past secrets that she would rather keep hidden. As a widow, she maintains a sterling reputation — and is incensed that her niece chose to work inthe oldest profession instead of returning to her home. She is also incensed that a saloon owner, Ira Breedlove, has no interest in helping her convincing her niece to leave the Wolf's Den — a place of greed, sin and corruption.
Being a Christmas novel, I wanted to include the birth of a baby. In a previous Wolf Creek novel, one couple lost their child — and I could sympathize. Not that I lost a living child, but I did go through a failed in-vitro fertilization procedure. I was devastated by losing the possibility of a multiple pregnancy. Just imagine losing a child you’ve raised since birth, shared laughs and dreams with, watched over and protected, a son or daughter of your own flesh and blood.
And so I imagined Phoebe, childless yet caring and protective of her niece, yet failing in the end as a parent. But as I said, the Lord will provide a different path. It's almost impossible writing for this series without including curse words and violence — and while my story may seem tame in comparison, I hope to both entertain and twist the plot in unexpected ways.
What's new from Meg
Santa Claws: Mary Kate Branson will do anything for her brother, who is deployed overseas right before Christmas — including taking in his demonic cat, Lucifer. She juggles quitting her job, starting a new business and dating a hot volunteer firefighter... but Lucifer has his own plans for a holiday bash.
Wolf Creek Book 9:
The Last Free Trapper
by Jory Sherman
A Savior is Born
by Meg Mims
That Time of Year
by Jerry Guin
‘Twas the Fight before Christmas
by Jacquie Rogers
A Kiowa Christmas Gift
by Troy D. Smith
Renewal of Faith
by James J. Griffin
Wolf Creek, Book 10:
Sarah’s Christmas Miracle
by Big Jim Williams
Irish Christmas at Wolf Creek
by Charlie Steel
A Home for Christmas
by Cheryl Pierson
The Angel Tree
by Chuck Tyrell
The Spirit of Hogmanay
by Clay More
O Deadly Night
by Troy D. Smith
Thanks for having me today on Romancing the West, Jacquie! I LOOOVE the covers of these Christmas Wolf Creek books - and I had a great time coming up with a new character for the series. Phoebe Wright has big changes in mind for the town - but only the Lord knows if she'll succeed. I hope everyone enjoys the story!
ReplyDeleteMeg and Jacquie,
ReplyDeleteSo far sounds interesting and unique as I am sure all the stories are. This would include ALL of the WOLF CREEK series of books.
Part of Dr. Troy Smith's genius is to bring other writers together to join in a universal project that seems to have no limits. With each contribution comes the creativity of many minds writing to form a cohesive goal and by doing so the books and stories become better than the one. Through his direction writers extend themselves, writing for an Idea, a story, which they never would have written on their own---motivated to create something new.
It is wonderful to have so many writers writing for one theme and goal and creating so many well written stories.
It makes Western Fictioneers a living and breathing organization that actually creates. How exceptional that leaders such as Dr. Troy Smith, Livia Reasoner, and the principle founders are helping writers to come together to publish and grow.
Wolf Creek will definitely live on well beyond those who participated in the creative process.
A world created by the many for the one to enjoy.
As I am sure many others believe, as this marvelous project continues to unfold.
Charlie Steel
Charlie, I was so honored to be included in this wonderful series! Troy and Livia have both worked SO hard, and everyone else too. I love the books, as a reader and as a contributor. :-)
DeleteIt's a pleasure to host the WC authors on RTW, Charlie. Thanks for stopping by today, and I look forward to your day next week. Meg said it--the whole WC experience, whether as a reader or an author, is downright incredible.
DeleteWe'll said, Charlie!
ReplyDeleteKeith
Thank you for the insight into your story, Meg.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Phoebe Wright! Certainly another strong Wolf Creek character, she is a woman on a mission. Great story, Meg. Bravo!
Thanks, Keith! I hope I got Doc Munro right. He's a great character too.
DeleteMeg, I really enjoyed Phoebe Wright. Haven't we all known someone like her in our lives? I think that's what makes her so interesting--everyone can identify with her. I'm so glad you are joining the Wolf Creek crew. It is so much fun to work on and I have truly enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteVery well said, Charlie! I agree 100 percent! None of this could have been possible without Troy.
Cheryl
Thanks, Cheryl! I'm loving the rest of the stories in A Wolf Creek Christmas - and despite sounding like a love fest among fellow western writers, I can truly say these are FABULOUS tales.
DeleteMeg,
ReplyDeletePhoebe is just who was needed to take the place of the late, lamented Edith Pettigrew. Love the character and your story.
I also appreciate your comments about curse words. In all my other books I don't use them (one exception being The Ranger) because I personally don't use swear words, at all. However, as you said, if you want to have realistic dialogue for WC you have to use some cuss words. I keep mine pretty mild, the only time a "d--m" appears in once of my WC stories was when it was inserted during the editing process as a natural reaction by the character.
Jim Griffin
I was pretty bummed when Edith "hit the dust," Jim. ;-) But thanks, and I hope Phoebe can fill her high-heeled French boots. As for cussing, I'm not a true purist - but I prefer "keeping it readable" for teens through yearning-to-be-teens-again. LOL Still, you're right about the natural reactions. Especially by such colorful characters like Breedlove and company.
DeleteMeg, thanks for guesting on RTW! I always enjoy your stories and you done yourself proud with Phoebe, that's for sure. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jacquie! Here's to more great Wolf Creek stories in the New Year.
Delete