Christmas Treat: Excerpt from 183 Times a Year by Eva Jordan

As Christmas approaches and 2015 draws to a close, I am delighted to share a Christmassy excerpt from one of my favourite books of 2015: The wonderful 183 Times a Year by Eva Jordan.  Many thanks to Eva Jordan for allowing me to post an excerpt from her fabulous book.

Chapter 26

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

Lizzie

Every year I swear my cynical, socialist views will not be temporarily disabled and blindsided by some over sentimental, mawkish, consumer driven, drivelling TV advert. I will not be moved by a Christmas campaign designed to pull at the heartstrings whilst inadvertently directing the purse strings. I will not be moved, in any way, shape or form by advertising that has now become as much a part of the yuletide season as turkey, absurdly silly knitwear and mistletoe and woe in soapland. And yet, once again, this year like every other year finds me in the kitchen, after making excuses to absent myself, blubbing like a baby. I am, I have to admit, stirred by the genius of the Christmas advert.

Everyone has caught onto it. TV advertising with an emotional connection; nostalgia poked and provoked. So, here I sit, quite innocently minding my own business, watching the usual Saturday night TV when out of nowhere, during the commercial breaks, I am dragged, like poor old Ebenezer Scrooge, back through the memories of my Christmases past.

First there are the Christmases of long past—my own childhood. A childhood where my parents struggled but stayed together nonetheless; money was tight, carpets and wallpaper were a distasteful mix of browns and olive greens and always had some sort of flowery design. Flares, long hair and platform shoes were the order of the day—for men as well as women—and life seemed a little more—simple. We didn’t have a lot but we were grateful for what we did have and filled the gaps with love.

Then of course we are reminded of the big man himself; Christmas past but not so long ago. Depictions of a round, jolly, seventy something year old in a bright red, fur trimmed suit to match his beard with black shiny boots and the all-important sack of toys. Father Christmas doesn’t live at our house anymore but through the power of advertising I grieve his loss. I am reminded of those magical moments I created with Cassie and Connor—later Maisy and Simon too. Carrots left out for Rudolph and a mince pie and glass of sherry for Santa; decorating the tree to Christmas songs, then worn out and huddled together on the sofa, cup of hot chocolate in hand, watching something seasonal; and of course the squeals of delight at some ridiculous ungodly hour,

“He’s been!! He’s been!!”

And not a care in the world that I had nothing or very little to open—the giving far more enjoyable than the receiving.

Then of course there’s Christmas present. Sulky, surly teenagers; the yoof of today aggrieved and embarrassed at their parents, grandparents or younger siblings best efforts to include them in the festive seasons activities, only to be drawn in at the last minute under mock protest and duress. I sigh out loud, lost in an abyss of memories.

Where has it gone? Where have all the years gone?

‘You okay babe?’ Simon has sneaked up behind me. He wraps his arms around my waist and holds me—tight. I lay my hands on top of his and hold on for dear life. I don’t reply. Simon thinks I’m mourning sentimental memories of Christmases past—which I am—but I’m also grieving the loss of my friend. My best friend.

‘Christmas adverts eh? They get me every time too.’ I swing round and look at Simon as he folds me into his chest. He strokes my hair and I can smell him—fresh, familiar and safe. I eventually look up.

‘The kids are growing up fast eh?’

Simon tilts my chin up towards him and looks at me. ‘Just remember the words of one very wise old man,’ he replies. I frown—confused. ‘It’s not a life, it’s an adventure!!’ Simon declares in his best cockney accent, which is in fact very poor. But it’s done the trick and I’m smiling again.

He bends down and kisses me. His lips are warm and hot on mine. He loves me but he also wants me. His passion is hard and evident, to me anyway, and for a moment I’m lost.

‘Urrggghh, for god sake get a bloody room will you? That’s like well gross,’ Cassie, who has now joined us, says. A look of horror flicks across her face. I laugh.

‘You’re just jealous,’ Simon smirks.

‘As if.’

‘She’s right Dad. It’s really not right, get a bloody room.’ Maisy has now joined us too and trailing just behind her is Connor. He looks slightly puzzled.

‘Why do Mum and Simon have to get a room?’ he asks. Everyone starts to laugh.

‘Who wants hot chocolate?’ Simon shouts.


You can read my review of 183 Times a Year here.

Read my Q&A with Eva Jordan here.

Most important of all, click here to buy this fabulous book from Amazon.

Author Interview: Q&A with Eva Jordan

One of my favourite books of 2015 is the wonderful 183 Times a Year by Eva Jordan.  It's a book that really made me think about how I act and react with those I love and, to my absolute shame I have to admit, if the book was about me it would be called 360 Times a Year.  When given the opportunity to host a Q&A with Eva Jordan, I absolutely jumped at the chance and I really hope you enjoy reading my interview.  If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading 183 Times a Year, I strongly suggest you head over to Amazon and pick up a copy for yourself.

Q: 183 Times a Year is your wonderful debut novel – what was your inspiration to write it?

A: Thank you so much Michelle. I suppose my debut novel is a social observation of family life and in particular the relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter. Although at times the mother-daughter relationship is a road fraught with diverse and complex emotions, it can also be – like many strong, female friendships – very enriching and rewarding. Inspired by own experiences and that of friends and family I felt inspired to write 183 TIMES A YEAR as an observation of the complex and diverse relationship between a mother and daughter set amongst the thorny realities of today’s sometimes divided, often extended, modern family. 

Q: I got the impression that 183 Times a Year has a semi-autobiographical feel to it, can you tell us how much of the story was influenced by your own experiences?

A: I wouldn’t say my novel is semi-autobiographical – all the characters and events are definitely fictional – but I have been, without a doubt, inspired by the relationship between my own daughters and myself but also by that of friends and acquaintances and their stories and experiences. And, of course, I have also been influenced by my relationship with my own mother.

Q: Have you always wanted to write a book and how long did it take for 183 Times a Year to go from idea to publication?

A: I’ve always wanted to be a writer and have done so, on and off, for most of my life. I had some poetry published when I was younger and more recently I’ve had some short stories published. Also, during my early twenties I joined a band with one of my brothers where I sang backing vocals but also co-wrote and recorded original material too. However it wasn’t until after I graduated as a mature student with a BA Honours Degree in English and History in 2009 that I seriously thought about writing a book. 183 TIMES A YEAR took approximately one year to write and then I suppose another year to do re-writes and edit.

Q: I picked up a few messages from your book; the main ones being to treat others as you'd like to be treated yourself and to not generalise and label people. Did you intend for the reader to learn some life lessons along the way? 

A: I don’t think it’s the job of a writer to preach their own values or belief systems to their readers but yes, I did intend for my readers to think about some of the social issues and problems that surround us. Books should make you think, and question things.

Q: There's an interesting dip into immortality in 183 Times a Year. Was the mention of Nicolas Flamel a Harry Potter influence or homage to the legendary alchemist?

A: The mention of Nicolas Flamel is actually homage to my dad. Like the grandparents in my book, both my parents have been avid readers all their lives. My dad talked of Nicolas Flamel and the philosophers stone long before J K Rowling wrote about it. That said, I am a huge fan of Harry Potter – I think my dad missed a trick there though!

Q: What are your writing routines, where do you do most of your writing and do you prefer to write with pen, pencil or keyboard?

A: We have a small room where the main computer in our house is kept and I do most of my writing there. However, if I get too many interruptions I’ll disappear upstairs with my laptop. Unlike a lot of writers I do actually prefer using a keyboard – I learned to touch type when I was in my teens so I just find it a lot easier and more convenient to type. I do have several (hundred probably!) notebooks that I carry around with me though to write down ideas when they come to me. I also, due to family commitments, prefer to write early in the morning – when it’s quiet!

Q: When you aren't writing, what do you enjoy doing?

A: When I’m not writing I love to read – fiction and non-fiction. I also love a good film or a good TV series like Sherlock Holmes, Breaking Bad and just recently I’ve been watching the second series of Fargo. I also love all kinds of music and love to watch live bands – with the odd glass or two of wine!

Q: Who are your favourite authors and do you have a favourite book?

A: I honestly couldn’t pick out a favourite author or book. I’ve read a lot of different genres and a lot of different authors over the years. I’m not a book snob either – I appreciate the simplicity of some books and the difficulty of others. Three of the most recent books I’ve read are The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes by Anna McPartlin, Love In The Time Of Cholera by Gabriel Garci Márquez and The Woman Who Walked Into Doors by Roddy Doyle – all very different, all very enjoyable. I love the classics like Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice and Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South however I also love most of Stephen King, writers like Angela Carter and I loved Philip K Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself – who is Eva Jordan?

A: I am a published short story writer with a degree in English and History. I live in a small town in Cambridgeshire with my partner and three of our four children who are a constant source of inspiration! My career has been varied, including working in a Women’s Refuge and more recently at the city library. I enjoy the odd glass of wine, coffee cake and taking long walks. I also love reading or watching a good film and really enjoy the company of good friends and family. However, storytelling through the art of writing is my true passion. 183 TIMES A YEAR is my debut novel.

Q: Finally, the question that all readers of 183 Times a Year are dying to ask: can we look forward to a second novel?

A: Yes, there is definitely going to be a sequel to 183 TIMES A YEAR, which is what I’m working on at the moment. I’ve more or less structured my plan for the book and written the opening chapter. Hopefully, like my debut novel, there will be a few tears but lots of laughter. Watch this space!

You can read my review of 183 Times a Year here and read an excerpt here.

I honestly can't stop thinking about this book; it's definitely a book I will read again and I'm sure I will enjoy it just as much the second time round.

Don't wait a minute longer, buy it now from Amazon by clicking here.