A Christmas Story of Light by Ora Smith

God’s light shines in all of His creations, from the Star of Bethlehem, to the angel proclaiming Christ’s birth, to the Son of God Himself—the light of the world.

Through this light, He illuminates darkness, gives us guidance, and shows us how to love one another.

Experience the rich artwork and inspirational messages of A Christmas Story of Light this holiday season and let God’s light bring you the brightness of hope.

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Ora is an artist, genealogist, seamstress, lover of a good book, traveler, antiquer, upcycler, and history buff. She’s one of those people who always has a project she’s excited about. Although she’s lived in Arizona since 1986, she spent her early life in Lake Tahoe, California, where her passion to write blossomed on a tranquil riverbank with a beautiful backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

She recently received her Master of Arts in Nonfiction Creative Writing at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. She also writes children’s books and historical fiction. In 2013, she placed first in a short-story writing contest sponsored by Writers Unite to Fight Cancer, in partnership with the Virginia G. Piper Creative Writing Center at Arizona State University. Her historical novel, White Oak River, won first place in the 2017 Phoenix Rattler Contest sponsored by Christian Writers of the West (an ACFW affiliate).

Ora’s been a wife and mother for more than thirty-six years, raising four sons and one daughter. She has the three cutest grandchildren in existence.

For more than twenty years Ora’s taught family history research at conferences and to individuals. Read an article she wrote for the online magazine, Almost an Author, about “Using Ancestor’s Stories in Fiction.” Also visit her blog, Writing About Ancestors, to learn how you can write about your ancestors.

As a mother, genealogist, artist, and faithful follower of Jesus Christ, Ora blends her understanding and unique skills to create faith inspired stories that she hopes will give others an added testimony of God’s goodness.

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What writers inspired you to become an author?

Kate Morton with her first books The House at Riverton and The Forgotten Garden helped me realize that I could write historical fiction about family. Even though these books weren’t based on her family (that I know of), I realized my ancestors carried stories that were intriguing enough to make good books. I love the classics and most especially the characterization in Charles Dickens books and the dialogue created by Jane Austen. One of my favorite books is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee because of its rich historical setting, hard look at ethnic prejudices, and sweet family interactions. Such a mix!

If you could travel to any time in history, when would you visit?

America in the time of slavery. What were they thinking? How did our country get to that point of discrimination (and why in the heck do we still struggle with it)? I mean, I know how because I research, but what was going on in the heads of my ancestors for them to reason that it was okay to own a person? How could a good Christian think another person less than them? My family has mixed blood. When and where did this happen? Was it an evil master forcing a slave? I don’t want to believe my ancestor would do such a thing, but I am thinking they must have. I want to go back in time and learn just who did this and why. I want to put my arms around the slave and tell her I love her. And I want to talk to the slave holder and get to the bottom of his reasoning.

If you could have dinner with any of your characters, which ones would you choose? What food would you serve?

John and Caroline Mattocks in my book White Oak River, the couple who were affected by mixed race in the 1860s South, changing their social standing. I’d serve Mexican food because I live in Arizona and they probably have never tasted it before.

If you could travel anywhere, on earth or off, where would you go?

United Kingdom and Ireland, but then I’d need to jump over to Amsterdam and Paris to visit the art museums.

What color would you wear if you had only one choice?

Blue. I painted my children’s picture book A Christmas Story of Light with lots of cobalt blue because it is my all-time favorite color. My kitchen is covered in it. Just looking at my Pinterest board “My Favorite Color” makes me relax and smile. Take a peek!

Describe your dream writing spot.

When I was a child, I lived in Lake Tahoe, California. Just down the street was the Lower Truckee River. I’d sit on the riverbank with the beautiful backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and write probably very silly things. I would love to revisit that spot and time! Nowadays, I sit in a very comfy, old lady’s reclining chair and swing my laptop desk in front of me. Although it’s nowhere near the romantic notion of writing on a riverbank, it works great for these middle-aged bones.