Marcia King-Gamble
www.lovemarcia.com
Instagram * Amazon * Website * Facebook * Twitter
Now writing on Kindle Vella as Sari Smith and Marcia
King-Gamble. First three episodes Free!
ASIN:
B0CC8HWQ52
Two years ago, I was fortunate to be one of twenty-three authors asked to do a holiday anthology. The only stipulation was that the story had to center around a celebration in December or early January. Since Christmas and New Years had been so done, I searched for another holiday that people might not be familiar with. Presto Kwanzaa ‘Pon a Time was born.
- ASIN : B09L6CH3KJn on Amazon
Kwanzaa is a celebration better known to some members of the African American community. It is celebrated from December 26th (Boxing Day to the British) through January 01st (New Years Day).
In Swahili Kwanzaa means First Fruits "matunda ya kwanza." Ironic, that the
holiday did not exist in Africa, and certainly not in the Caribbean where I am
originally from. Much like Chanukah, a candle is lit on every one of the seven days. These Candles
represent some of the basic values of African Culture.
The celebration first came on the scene in 1966 when Maulana Ron Karenga was determined to reaffirm and restore our African heritage and culture. My goal in writing abut Kwanzaa was not just to learn, but to teach the reader about an unfamiliar holiday.
I feel that Kwanzaa ‘Pon a Time deserved a far bigger book. There was way too much to the story to squeeze into a twenty-five-thousand-word novella. But I did, and the anthology sold well. It helped put me on the USA Bestselling list.
In a nutshell, the story is that of a physically, and mentally battered man
who finds himself on the doorstep of his best friend’s sister -a psychologist.
Our hero still believes he is responsible for her brother’s death and comes to make
amends. Here is an excerpt from that book.
“Well, that’s it for today, then,” Fergie said, ending the session. “Let
me go see what’s going on out there.” She handed Pete a shiny bag filled with
candy canes and Maggie’s cookies. “See you in a couple of weeks, Pete, same day.
Same time. Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Joyous Kwanzaa.”
“Back atcha. Can I give you a hug, Doc?”
“Of course, you can.”
To heck with protocol., and the fear that someone might
misinterpret the gesture. Fergie was a hugger. Always had been. Pete, a brawny
man, in his sixties, wrapped his arms around her, almost lifting her off her
feet. “Check with Maggie,” he said, huskily. “I left poinsettias for the staff at the front
desk. Biggest ones ever grown in my nursery. You get the pink one, Doc. You’re special.”
“You are too sweet.”
Fergie thanked Pete, and with a flutter of his stubby
fingers, he backed out the door. He came up short, almost bouncing off the
chest of the lumberjack on the other side. Fergie’s breath caught in her
throat. She’d never seen biceps quite that big, or a chest that wide, or such
sparkling white teeth. The man had sculpted cheeks and morning scruff. His hair
scraped his collar.
“Can I help you?”
The giant looked her over. Fergie’s stomach constricted
and her mouth went dry. His ski jacket was tucked under one massive arm. A long-sleeved
tee, hugged pecs and a six pack that a quarter could bounce off of. The rolled-up
sleeves of the shirt barely covered the same armband tattoo that Elan had. Curiosity and an odd connection
rendered her almost speechless.
Pete’s eyebrows hit the ceiling. He attempted to sidle
by the massive intruder.
“Isla?” The man’s eyes were a sea of blue. A tight
smile stretched his mouth.
“Depends on who’s asking. Most people refer to me as
Fergie or Doc,” she corrected, “You are?”
“Call me Mac.”
About
Marcia King-Gamble
USA bestselling romance
writer, Marcia King-Gamble originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where
the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This former travel
industry executive has spent most of life in the United States. A National
Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. She has
contributed to Michael Fiore’s DigitalRomanceInc and served as a moderator on
the now defunct eHarmony advice boards. Having witnessed the bad, the ugly, and the
not so good in relationships, she still prefers to write about happily ever
after. Caring for her animal family keeps her grounded and sane.
Visit Marcia at
www.lovemarcia.com or “friend” her on Facebook: http://bit.ly/1MlnrIS
Be sure to join her newsletter mailing
list.
4 comments:
Marcia,
Thanks for sharing about Kwanza. I had no idea it only started in the 60's.
Loved the snipt of the story. I will be adding to my trd list.
Loved the blog post.
Thank you Diana writing Kwanzaa 'Pon A Time was a learning experience for me as well.
Marcia, Thank you for sharing the story behind your story. I do believe that the more we know about the world and the people around us, the more we will see our similarities. Kudo's to Maulana Ron Karenga for the determination to reaffirm and restore African heritage and culture. IMHO it is needed much needed in our world today.
Judith you'd be surprised how many people are unaware of Kwanzaa or how it's celebrated. I was one of them.
Post a Comment