COLD RIVER contest: A chance to win $1000

Brrr. It's a frosty morning here in Vermont. I'm ready for snow! COLD RIVER, which arrives in stores next week, is set in the fictional town of Black Falls, Vermont. The story takes place in late December and early January, when it's cold, snowy and very beautiful here.

I wrote COLD RIVER and COLD PURSUIT, the first book in the series, during two of our snowiest winters on record. I just had to look out my office window for inspiration! (The photo of the old sugar maple at sunrise is the view from my office.)

Of course, not all of the scenes take place outside...

To celebrate the publication of COLD RIVER, MIRA Books and I are sponsoring a contest that will award the winner $1000 to pursue his/her own adventure. To enter, all you have to do is answer, in 100 words or less, the following question: “If you could do anything in the world, what would your perfect personal adventure be?”

On November 24th, you can go to www.coldrivercontest.com to find rules and information on how to enter. That's COLD RIVER's official "on sale" date.

I love to strap on my snowshoes and head out into the woods in winter, but I also love to sit by the woodstove with a good book. I'm looking forward to getting into stores over the holidays, but I admit I seldom leave the house on "black" Friday itself. My sister-in-law, however, is one of the intrepid crack-of-dawn shoppers. She gets together with her friends, and they make a day of it and have a blast. She always comes home with the most amazing deals!

What about you? Do you shop on black Friday? Do you go with family and friends or go off on your own? Or do you stay home? We start a Christmas puzzle the day after Thanksgiving.

I'd love to hear about any traditions you have for the "day after."

And for those of you who work on black Friday...I hope it's a fun, stimulating and rewarding day for you. I know one thing: I always give books at Christmas. A paperback makes a perfect stocking stuffer!

Have a great day, everyone,

Carla