Every year for more than three decades, Murrayville芒鈧劉s Mike Mason has celebrated Christmas by writing a story for friends.
芒鈧揘ow, I芒鈧劉ve collected 21 of these into a book that comprises a wide variety of tones, from lighthearted to serious, and genres from realistic fiction to parable to children芒鈧劉s fantasy,芒鈧� said Mason, who is unveiling his new book, Twenty-One Candles: Stories of Christmas, this weekend.
All the stories, he said, are suitable to read aloud around the fireside on Christmas Eve, and each shed light on what Mason calls the deeper meaning of Christmas.
In the past 30-plus years, Mason has published half a dozen devotional books, three collections of short stories, and a pair of children芒鈧劉s fantasy novels (The Blue Umbrella and The Violet Flash).
Now, while working on a weekly blog, and writing a novel about angels, he芒鈧劉s releasing this new anthology of Christmas stories just in time for the holidays.
芒鈧揟urning to novel writing at age 50 has meant a radical change,芒鈧� Mason said.
芒鈧揑n many ways I芒鈧劉ve had to learn my craft all over again, and work through many fears and insecurities. The result, however, is deeply satisfying, and now with more fiction on the way I have a renewed sense of challenge and joy in my work.芒鈧�
Given that he芒鈧劉s a Murrayville resident and a huge fan of the nearby Porter芒鈧劉s Bistro Coffee and Tea House (which served as the backdrop of his last book, The Violet Flash), he said it芒鈧劉s natural that site will again be the location of his newest book launch on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m.
The launch, Mason said, will include a dessert buffet, a jazz trio, and book giveaways. Tickets for the event are $8 and available in advance at Porter芒鈧劉s or from Mason.
How to win:
An autographed copy of Mike Mason芒鈧劉s Twenty-One Candles: Stories of Christmas
One lucky readers will win a signed copy of the Murrayville author芒鈧劉s newest book.
How do you win?
芒鈧� Click on the live link in the online version of this story about Twenty-One Candles, and tell us why you want to win this book. You will be entered into the draw. Preference is given to 91原创 residents.
Postings must be received prior to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, and the winner will be notified by email. No staff or family of the 91原创 Advance or Glacier Media are eligible. You must include name and phone number.
