Have you heard about the Christmas Caring: A Christmas Charity Short Story Anthology? It’s the perfect gift for the readers in your life because it’s the gift that keeps on giving and supports an absolutely wonderful cause!
This anthology, full of fun Christmas short stories by bestselling writers and new-comers alike, is bound to get you into the Christmas spirit. It includes twenty-four short stories by David Farland, Kevin J. Anderson, Debra Holland, Kirsten Osbourne, Peggy L Henderson, Lorena Dove, L.L. Muir, CS Martin, Linda Hubalek, CJ Samuels, Carra Copelin, Margery Scott, Janelle Daniels, Ray Anselmo, Marie Piper, Caroline Lee, Sam Knight, Kit Morgan, Margaret Tanner, Rain Trueax, Kirsten Lynn, Jaclyn Weist, Jenna Eatough, and Patricia “PacJac” Carroll.
Read more about this wonderful cause and charity below, as I spoke with Kirsten Osbourne about the project~
How did the idea for a Christmas Caring Charity come about?
I was chatting on Friday night, the eleventh of December, with Jenna Eatough, a friend who had recently won first place in a short story contest for her Christmas story. Jenna was trying to figure out what she could do with that short story. I suggested we do an anthology, because I had a Christmas short story sitting around as well, and it relates to my Brides of Beckham series, but I didn’t want to publish something quite so short on its own. So we both, separately, started to recruit people.
How did you go about recruiting other authors?
I posted in the author group for Pioneer Hearts, thinking someone might have a short story sitting on the shelf that would work. Somehow, that simple question, was taken as a writing challenge—something to stretch “writing muscles.” Authors were given a deadline of noon on Monday, a mere three days later. I thought they’d clean up a story they already had and submit that. But, no, people started writing.
How many authors were you able to recruit?
Between Jenna and I, we were able to “draft” twenty-two other people into the anthology. Lorena Dove kindly offered to format the book, which took some of the weight off my shoulders. I contacted my cover artist, Erin Dameron-Hill, and we got started.
And, the proceeds from the anthology go directly to charity?
Yes, the authors generously supported their share of the proceeds going to my favorite charity, Mission Arlington.
NOTE: As a reader, this blogger knows that authors are a generous group of individuals. Free books, prizes, and charity – authors are always willing to support those in need. If you have never been in need, consider yourself blessed. The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” still applies today and we are blessed to have charities available to meet an ever-growing need.
What is Mission Arlington?
Mission Arlington is a charity I’ve volunteered with and supported for years. They provide aid in every way imaginable for people who need it. They’ve provided cars, appliances, financial aid, etc. They have a huge food bank and “clothing store.” I’ve truly never seen anything like it.
What do you like most about Mission Arlington?
My favorite thing they do is provide Christmas for needy children. They service tens of thousands of children every year with their Christmas store. I was blessed to be part of it one year, and it truly overwhelmed me. Every parent gets to “shop” in a store, choosing gifts for all children under the age of eighteen. They even help wrap the gifts. It’s a beautiful thing.
Thank you, Kirsten Osbourne, for answering my questions about the new anthology and Mission Arlington.
If you haven’t picked up Christmas Caring: A Christmas Charity Short Story Anthology, what are you waiting for? It’s the perfect gift for the readers in your life because it’s the gift that keeps on giving and supports an absolutely wonderful cause!
Don’t forget, all proceeds from this anthology will be donated to Mission Arlington, a charity which helps the needy, including assisting with rent, utilities, clothing, food, doctor, and dental. It also provides Christmas gifts for tens of thousands of children every year. For Thanksgiving, 2015, they served 27,000 people.
Pioneer Hearts 