Phyllis Clark Nichols is our guest today.

She wrote a book called Silent Days, Holy Night. 

Today, she’s here to share the story behind her story.

Everyone in town knows Emerald Crest, the green granite mansion atop the highest hill, and the legendary, lavish Christmas festivities that used to light up the nights–and the silence that followed when the parties abruptly stopped many years ago. And everyone has heard whispers about the reclusive, mysterious master of the manor, Henry Lafferty the Second.

When eleven-year-old Julia Russell steps into the great house for the first time and meets Mr. Lafferty, the entire course of her life shifts. He’s nothing at all like the rumors she’s heard from neighbors and classmates. He’s kind and extraordinarily talented–he also happens to be deaf and

He’s kind and extraordinarily talented–he also happens to be deaf and use a wheelchair. And when she overhears a secret about him, Julia decides it’s time for the town to bring Christmas back to Emerald Crest–an act that will change them all forever.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

What inspired you to write this book?

Thank you, Liz, for this opportunity to tell you about Silent Days, Holy Night.

In 1989, my husband and I started a national cable programming network featuring programming on health and disability issues. We were at the forefront of the 1990 Disability Movement. My work afforded me many opportunities to meet high profile politicians, leaders of national organizations related to health and disabilities, but the most interesting people I met were the differently-abled people who were doing extraordinary things with their lives.

I met so many whose lives were changed in just a moment – a diving accident or a fall. They were injured and paralyzed. I met others who were born unable to hear or to see, and yet these people led very productive and full lives because they made a decision to do just that with the help of a strong support system. I could tell you countless stories about these incredible humans. They taught me so much about focus, and living life fully, and fulfilling your purpose.

I lived long enough to understand how life is lived fluidly, but it is remembered in moments, some of which can be life-defining. I wanted to write about a life-defining moment for eleven-year-old Julia Russell when she meets Mr. Henry Lafferty the Second. This moment changed the direction of Julia’s life. And what that loquacious child did change Mr. Lafferty’s life too. And before it was over, her idea and her persistence had changed the whole town.

One person, one life-decision, one act of kindness can make a big difference. And that it all happened at Christmastime made for such a tender and sweet story. After all, when God stepped down out of His heaven to rescue us, Christmas became a life-defining moment for humankind.

What an amazing work you’ve done and story you’ve written! Thanks for sharing.

Phyllis Clark Nichols grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in Georgia and weaves her Southern culture into character-driven stories that bring hope and light as they explore profound human questions.

She is a classically-trained musician who enjoys art, books, nature, cooking, travel, and ordinary people.

After retiring as a cable network executive, Phyllis began leading mission teams to orphanages in Guatemala and now serves on three non-profit boards where she works with others who are equally passionate about bringing hope and light to those who need it most.

Phyllis and her husband live in the Texas Hill Country.

Follow Phyllis on social media: Website, Facebook, and Twitter

Phyllis is giving away a copy of Silent Days, Holy Night. Follow the directions below to enter.

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