Title: Secrets Under the Midnight Sun
Cover blurb:
Twelve-year-old Fredricka O’Reilly has a dark secret. It’s 1967 in the last frontier-Alaska, and the truth keeps the normal happy life she longs for just beyond her reach. Her brother’s four-year stint in the Air Force ends, and Fredricka believes his return will change her life for the better, until he reveals a secret of his own. As her life crumbles around her, the only one left to turn to is her mother. Can Fredricka risk telling her secret even if it could tear her family apart?
1) How did this story come to you?
A relentless character who called herself Freddie showed up at my house one morning and insisted I hear her story. Freddie is upbeat and wonderfully quirky in spite of the abuse she has suffered, and her story is the story of far too many children.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
After writing the story, I got into a couple of critique groups and rewrote the story many times. Then I hired a editor and after doing more rewrites, had another editor go over the manuscript. The decision to self-publish was made after much consideration, seeking advice and prayer.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’m a registered nursing assistant, a massage therapist specializing in pain relief methods, and I teach financial classes.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have a children’s book based on a true story about an unusual ambassador that has waited for several years to be written, am working on some articles and also another YA book.
5) Parting comments?
This book deals with abuse, but it’s about hope. And that’s something we all need. And I want to thank you, Dawn for inviting me.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.elisamariacrites.com/
Facebook Elisa Maria Crites, my blog, http://secretsunderthemidnightsun.wordpress.com/
