An Interview with Kat Martin re: The Christmas Clock

Q. The Christmas Clock is a departure from your usual writing. What inspired you to write this story?

My husband’s mother, a wonderful lady, had Alzheimer’s.  I saw first-hand what a terrible disease it was. Watching her slip away became the kernel of an idea for this story.

Q. What makes this story unique?

I think the interaction of the characters makes the story unique.  The way the love and needs of the little boy, Teddy, is able to show the people in the book how to love each other.

Q. What do you think readers will identify with in the story?

Perhaps the hardship that each of us faces, each of us has to deal with and hopes to overcome.

Q. What do you think readers will take away from the story?

That perseverance and love can overcome any obstacle no matter how big it seems.

Q. The book begins and ends with an adult Teddy recalling a series of significant events that forever impacted his life and the lives of those around him. Can you describe a time in your life that you can see that all the pieces fell into place at the right time?

I would say that meeting my husband was the significant event that changed my life.  Because of him I started writing.  With his encouragement, I’ve continued a career that I feel is my life’s calling.

Q. One theme throughout The Christmas Clock is returning – Sylvia Winters returns to her hometown, Joe Dixon returns after prison, they both return to college, Sylvia and Joe return to each other, as do the Culvers.  What significance does the idea of returning have to you?

Sometimes returning to a place completes the circle.  Unfinished problems are resolved.  Unfinished relationships are made whole.  Returning can be a healing process.

Q. Home also serves as a significant theme throughout the book. Syl moves home. Teddy needs a home. Joe and Syl want to create a home. Even the Culvers find each other by creating homes for birds. What does home mean to you?

Home is a place that lives inside us!.  A place where we can feel safe, somewhere we feel connected to our past.  Some of us go home, some of us don’t, but the notion of home stays with us throughout our lives.

Q. A third theme involves the lost of significant relationships – grandparent, parent, child, lover, even the loss of self through disease and prison. What have you learned through the losses in your life? How have you learned to deal with loss?

People deal with loss in different ways.  My way has always been to look forward, to think of the future, rather than dwell in the past.  I would hope that is what my lost loved ones would want me to do.

Q. Alzheimer’s disease and cervical cancer largely impact the story. What has your experience been with dealing with serious medical conditions – either with yourself, family or friends?

I will go so far as to say that I’ve dealt with this sort of disease and I can say that often the family members suffer as much as the person who is ill.

Q. Elmira Meeks surprises everyone when she supports Joe in his bid for fostering Teddy. When have helping hands surprised you by opening up opportunities?

I was surprised by the wonderful support the publisher, Van Guard Press, has given this little book that means so much to me. 

Q. The Culvers, who have been married for many years, live estranged lives. In your opinion, what does it take to keep a marriage healthy, happy and fulfilled?

Spending time together.  Being able to forgive each other.  We are all bound to say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing at one time or another.  Love each other unconditionally.  That is the key. 

Q. What do you think are the challenges facing love relationships today?

Financial stress, which has been increased by the recession.  The problem of shared responsibility is also a problem today, trying to figure out what each partner should do to make the relationship work fairly. 

Q. What meaning does Christmas have for you? What are some of your family’s traditions?

We always have a real Christmas tree.  There is something about the scent of pine and candles.  We cook a turkey and have the whole family over on Christmas Day and also plan something special on Christmas Eve.  

Q. Why did you choose a clock for this story? Is there a special clock or other heirloom in your life that has special meaning to you?

My mother collected antique clocks.  They all had special meaning for her.  Though she is no longer with us, I felt that the clock in the story could have a similar special meaning for Lottie. 

Q. What glimpses of Kat Martin are there in this book? Your other books?

Well, I love Christmas and to me it’s a very special time of year.  I  am a true romantic and I love happy endings.  You will find one in every one of my books.

Q. Did you enjoy writing this type of fiction? Any other stories planned?

It was a very difficult experience.  It took me two years to write this particular story., which forced me to deal with difficult emotions.  If people like it, I am considering a book for Mother’s Day.

Q. How has moving from LA to Montana impacted your writing? How did it impact writing The Christmas Clock?

I never lived in L.A.  I lived in Bakersfield, which is a far different place, a western town, the home of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.  I was already a western person from a rodeo family (back as far as 1916 when my grandmother was one of the early cowgirls).  The west has a certain old fashioned morality, which has been reinforced by living in Montana.  Perhaps that is one of the underlying themes of the story.

Q. What unique challenges did you encounter in writing The Christmas Clock?

I did a great deal of research on Michigan, cervical cancer, and of course Alzheimer’s disease.  Putting the pieces together was also a challenge.

Q. What did you learn about yourself writing The Christmas Clock?

I learned that certain subjects are difficult for me to deal with, particularly those that hit close to home.

Q. How does writing fulfill you?

It’s like putting puzzle pieces together.  Once the story is completed, there is a terrific feeling of satisfaction.  It is even more gratifying when readers enjoy the book.