How a Star Falls

by Amber Stokes

  “You will. Give yourself time.”

  He returned her smile, but then his gaze snagged on the painting she’d obviously been working on. He stood and walked over to get a closer look. “You never mentioned this one in your emails.” A starry sky above the shoreline spanned across the canvas. After a moment of gazing in awe at the painting, he caught a glimpse of their constellation.

  Samantha hovered behind his shoulder, and he turned and took her hand. “It’s stunning. You captured Orion and Brielle beautifully.”

  The little lines that had formed between her eyebrows fled. She peered at the painting for a minute, then offered him a mock quizzical look. “I see Orion, but I don’t remember painting Brielle.”

  He pointed at the picture, careful not to actually touch it. “See the brightest star in Orion’s belt, here? That’s Brielle—my favorite star.”

  The teasing look on her face melted into something vulnerable. “Really?”

  He tugged her hand until she fell into his arms. “Cross my heart,” he whispered.

  Author’s Note

  This story idea has evolved quite a bit over time. It began with the twinkling thought of describing the world of stars as a galaxy of dancing, where one “star” was really a whole community of stars, in constant connection and motion. The story would then follow the journey of one star across the universe and down to earth, with all the emotional symbolism that would entail. Of course, there would be romance, too. This first premise was cleverly titled The Shedding of a Star, allowing me to play with all the different meanings of “shedding” (shedding a tear, shedding an outer layer, etc.).

  Are you cringing yet?

  Thankfully, before I had fully fleshed out the idea, my designer suggested that my working title wasn’t exactly...pretty. She offered a few ideas, which guided me toward the final (more romantic) title, How a Star Falls. Armed with a lovely new title and a gorgeous cover, I gained a little more life experience and a new angle for my “star story.”

  Along the way, this novella became more than a love story between a guy and girl. It also became a love story between me and my home county. Humboldt County is known for many things, and while not all of them are overly pleasant, its natural beauty is rightfully touted and holds a special place in my heart. I offer just a glimpse in How a Star Falls, as I have in a couple of my historical stories, but I hope the glimmer intrigues you—and perhaps reminds you of something you love about your own home county or state.

  On that note, I should let you know that most of the places I mention do exist. Crashing Sounds, however—along with the specific apartments and homes—is a figment of my imagination. The real places (everything from Trinidad Head, to Murphy’s Market, the Arcata Vets Hall, Headwaters Forest Reserve, Seascape Restaurant, HSU, and McDonald’s) are included simply for authenticity’s sake to set the scene. If you’re ever in the area, though, and longing to go to a square dance similar to the one Brielle and Derrick attend in the story, be sure to check out the Humboldt Folklife Society’s website or Facebook page for upcoming events.

  Lastly, I’ll address Derrick’s question from Chapter 7: “Why Orion’s Belt?” Once upon a time, my family gave me an International Star Registry® certificate, notifying me that somewhere in Orion’s Belt, there’s a star with my name on it. It’s fun to think of “my star” somewhere in that easy-to-spot constellation, and to ponder her story...

  Acknowledgements

  Some bright, shining stars came alongside me to encourage me in the writing process and make How a Star Falls better than it ever could have been without their love and care. I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to...

  ~ My readers. To those who believed in this story from the first moment they learned of my “Secret Future Writing Project,” thank you from the bottom of my heart. I especially want to thank two of my dear online friends, Kara of Flowers of Quiet Happiness and Rissi of Dreaming Under the Same Moon, for their constant support and undying enthusiasm for this project. It’s meant the world to me.

  ~ Lena Goldfinch. Who knew a title change could make such a huge difference? I’m incredibly grateful for your wise advice, my gorgeous cover, and your lasting friendship.

  ~ Rachelle Rea. How fun it’s been to share the blogging and editing journey, and to reach for the stars together! Thank you for your heartfelt work in making my stories shine brighter.

  ~ My writing buddies on Twitter. The motivation of our word sprints has played such a big role in my writing projects. Thanks especially to Breeana Puttroff for being there on so many occasions—helping me to get words on paper and cheering me on.

  ~ My family. What a year this has been! Thank you, Mama, Daddy, and Emily, for helping me live my dreams and being there to catch me when I fall. I love you so very much and dearly miss being part of your everyday lives.

  About the Author

  Amber Stokes works as a content writer (marketing services) for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and to run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this new chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home.

  You can learn more about Amber’s books, sign up for her author newsletter, join the Amber’s Gems street team, and more at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.

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