Tina has written numerous articles for a local newspaper and worked as a newspaper editor for a time. She was also a contributor of non-fiction articles for The Beehive, and the Desert Saints Magazine. She is currently doing her best to fill the world with quality fiction that involves sweet romance and happily-ever-afters.
Tina doesn’t usually enter contests but has won first place in the American Mothers Association for her article titled, Just Call Me Mom, and second place for her poem, A Part of Me. In the LDStorymakers’ First Chapter Contest, she won second place for her novel, Menopausal Fairy Mischief. She is also pleased that one of her children’s picture book reviews was published in the Arizona English Bulletin.
Can former high school sweethearts have a second chance at love? Phoenix property manager Millie Crump returns to her dusty hometown, the week before Christmas to prepare the local haunted hotel for sale. Her boss doesn’t know it, but her secret agenda is to keep her childhood promise to the ghost. Unfortunately, the guy who broke her heart fourteen years ago is the only one who can help with her plans.When his old crush roars into town behind the wheel of a fancy red Miata, Lonny Medina is blindsided by the city girl she’s become. Sure, he’ll help her with hotel cleanup and even dabble in some ghost-hunting, but he can’t risk his heart again. Together, they unravel clues, ward off danger, and fight to uncover the mystery of the old hotel while attempting to help the elusive ghost pass on. In doing so, Lonny and Millie discover the misconceptions that have kept them apart all these years, but both are unsure whether it will be enough to rewrite their futures into a happily ever after.
1.What is your favorite Wintertime Activity?
Driving around to see Christmas lights because, as a child, my dad drove my brother and I to see the lights. It brings back good memories. I also love opening the windows at night and wearing my warm pajamas. Other than that, I enjoy family get-togethers and peppermint ice cream
2.How many unpublished / half-finished books do you have in progress?
I have at least 6 partly written books. One of those 6 is actually planned as a trilogy. I have one fully written one that’s time has passed and I have no plans to publish. Some of the others and even some that are merely an idea, I hope to publish.
3.What was the most surprising thing you learned when creating your book (in research or in yourself?)
I learned about Las Posadas from a friend, and after researching it, I loved the idea and celebration. I feel that it is a perfect Christmas touch to Millie’s Christmas Spirit.
Also, the first thing I did in the planning stage was to research Arizona outlaws. It was a perfect coincidence to discover Bronco Bill and his connection to Solomon.
4.Tell us about the greatest Christmas gift you ever received.
To me, the greatest gifts at Christmastime are the feelings of love and family. Gifts purchased with money are incidental. I hope that one thing readers get from reading Millie’s Christmas Spirit is that their greatest gift and the miracle they desired, was the gift of each other. Love and family are the greatest gifts we can receive.
5.What did you edit out of your book? (Such as a cut scene or an idea that just wouldn’t fit?)
I had Len Begay take Millie to his home to feed his “hens.” Being from the small town of Solomon, she knew they were roosters. It was another clue to the reader that Len was up to something. In the end, the more important scene was letting Len meet the ghost.
6.What inspired you to write this novel?
I watched the made for TV movie, The Spirit of Christmas, and knew I just had to write my own Christmas ghost story. I adore that movie, and if you get a chance, you should watch it.
