Michelle Ule is the best-selling author of several novels and novellas, including Bridging Two Hearts and “The Dogtrot Christmas” from the New York Times best-selling A Log Cabin Christmas Collection.
Here, she talks with co-writer Kathleen Fuller about her upcoming novella “A Gold Rush Christmas” from A Pioneer Christmas Collection, releasing September 1, 2013.
What made you write about your period in time?
When I heard the collection’s title, I tried to think of a time period that would appeal to readers. I figured many writers would write about the Oregon Trail.
I remembered, though, how fascinated I was by the Alaskan gold rush stories when my family
traveled to Alaska. In particular, I thought of that horrific photo of the line of men climbing over Chilkoot Pass. I imagined a story about a family caught in that line, stepping out on December 25 to celebrate Christmas. “The Gold Rush Christmas” didn’t quite turn out that way!
How is Christmas celebrated in your family and what effect did it have on your writing this story?
My husband is a retired naval officer, and we’ve celebrated Christmas in a number of different cultures. We liked to use aspects of the local customs when we lived in different spots–Christmas in Hawaii, for example, included a crèche made of a coconut shell. While composing “The Gold Rush Christmas,” I tried to find an element of Alaskan culture people would recognize, but which could tell the Christmas story. I found a fantastic one!
What research did you do to authenticate Christmas celebrations in your story?
David K. Fison’s Christmas Totem Pole, Anchorage, AK
“The Gold Rush Christmas” includes a Christmas totem pole. I explored the Internet for information, and discovered a missionary in Alaska had actually made one! We corresponded and he asked me to use his description because he’d spent years ensuring it was culturally accurate.
When you dreamed up your story idea, what came first, the time period, the story, the location?
The Alaska location.
What was the “germ” of your story idea and how did you flesh it out?
I wanted to write about the gold rush and I liked the idea of a pair of boy-girl twins and the boy next door sailing to Alaska and accidentally ending up on a ship filled with gold seekers. I had to come up with a reason why they’d be sailing, and turned it into a quest for a missing missionary father.
Would you like to have been there?
No. The conditions were awful, the con men were terrible and many people suffered.
What aspects of your characters are reflected in yours?
My brother is very tall and pushy. He likes to order me around and I’ve often resented it. 🙂
Have you been to the locations in which your story is set?
Yes, my family sailed on the Alaskan ferry to Skagway out of Washington 22 years ago. We even slept on deck in our sleeping bags! I pulled on our experiences and the stories we enjoyed while traveling there.
What surprised you the most about your story?
The wonderful surprising story of how God worked in the prostitutes of Skagway! I incorporated it into my tale.
Would you have made a good pioneer?
While I am the mother of three Eagle scouts and have spent a lot of time camping, I’m a coward. I don’t sleep well on the ground and I don’t like to be dirty. So, no. 🙂
Were any of your ancestors pioneers? If so, where and when?
Many. I’m in awe of the strength of character they exhibited. Most were on the north American continent by 1701 and moved west until they reached the Pacific Ocean. I’m thankful for their sacrifices. My first book, a family history, is called Pioneer Stock in their honor.
What spiritual themes did you incorporate into your story? Which ones did you discover later?
I’ve always loved the story of the prophet Nehemiah and the famous line “I am doing a good work and I cannot come down.” I liked the idea of someone going off on an adventure and sacrificing for their family, but being determined to stay in that work even when things became difficult.
In writing the story, I learned much about the fortitude of a young man wanting to prove himself, even when he discovered his own prejudices. I love how even a seminary graduate needed to be reminded, gently, that he sometimes needed to be discomforted to do the job God called him to do. I love the spiritual growth going on in “The Gold Rush Christmas.”
Even a pastor needs to be discomforted in his job. Click to Tweet
For more information about Michelle and her books, visit her website: www.michelleule.com. You can view additional photos about the Alaskan gold rush on her Pinterest page.
“While I am the mother of three Eagle scouts and have spent a lot of time camping, I’m a coward. I don’t sleep well on the ground and I don’t like to be dirty. ” I’m right there with you – not being the mother of three Eagle scouts, but having done a lot of camping. It was great when I was younger, but the older I get the more the chicken comes out in me and sleeping on the ground….ouch!