Blog Archive

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Celebrating Christmas Books 2024: Author Interview with Amy Anguish

What made you decide to write Christmas themed books
Could you give a short synopsis on the books for my readers?
Originally, I wasn't going to write a Christmas story because I thought it was too much of a niche, but then I was invited to join a Christmas novella collection a few years ago and I discovered it was really fun to write a whole story based around Christmas. What's more romantic than falling in love around the holidays?

My book Mama Dated Santa is set in a toy store during the month leading up to Christmas. Nick, manager of the store, is struggling to keep his store afloat despite the holiday season. Trudy is brought in to help revamp the store. Neither of them love Christmas, but each decides to help the other fall back in love with the holiday, and in turn discover they might be falling in love with each other too.

The novella collection A Match Made at Christmas is four stories about people who are having to deal with matchmakers during the holidays. An eight-year-old boy, a young "Emma"esque woman, some feisty older ladies, and a group of mischievous teens. Each story is unique and warm, just perfect for the season.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Every year, my family makes sure we make and decorate cookies together. We also love to heat up some hot chocolate and drive around looking at lights while listening to Christmas music. My kids would never forgive me if we skipped either of those traditions.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)
I have another novella collection releasing mid-February called Pets Amore. Each story revolves around a couple and animal or two, from hamsters to parrots to puppies and goats. It's full of fun.

Then, in July, my book Rendersella, a fun modern-day Cinderella retelling comes out. It's set in West Virginia. Ella Renders just wants her artwork to hang in the Prince Art Gallery. When her stepsister claims the drawing as her own, can Ella convince Chaz Prince that she is the one who deserves to win the contest?

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
 You can't edit what isn't written. In other words, turn your editor off while you're writing and just get the words down so you can edit it later. Otherwise, you might get too hung up on editing as you go and never let yourself finish writing.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
 As a writer, you have to be your own marketer too. I wish I had known this in college, when I could have taken a marketing class or two. Instead, I have had to learn as I went. And some days I'm definitely better at it than others.

Any last words or tips?

If God puts a story on your heart, it's a blessing. Write it down even if no one reads it but you. 

That's all for today's interview. Hope you'll check out her books. And here's how to do that



Saturday, November 30, 2024

Celebrating Christmas Books 2024: Author Interview with Diana Kizlauskas

When I saw this author's book on Lithuanian folklore, I knew I wanted to do an interview with her. Seeing she was both an author an illustrator and had a Christmas book for children I had to include her in this Christmas blog series. Read on to learn more about her lovely books!

What made you decide to write Christmas themed books? Could you give a short synopsis on the books for my readers?
I wrote Christmas Best to share a great holiday message left to us by Mother Teresa: ”Do small things with great love.” Also, as an illustrator, I found the visual setting of the Christmas holiday season irresistible! In Christmas Best, beginner readers watch chaos and confusion sweep through Santa's Workshop when five elves walk off their jobs in search of "greatness." Their misadventure with new holiday careers leads them to learn that not only are they each special in their own way, but that even the littlest things done with care can change the world.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

Coming from a traditional Lithuanian and Christian background, my family and I celebrate the season with a very festive Christmas Eve supper known as “Kucios.” We begin with an exchange of Christmas wafers, wherein each family member or guest wishes the other some special blessing for the New Year. The spread consists of 12 meatless entrees, salads, breads, and ethnic sweets. We include a candle-lit cake and rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” We close out the evening with gifts.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)
I am currently working on a prequel /sequel to my first book LETTUCE! So far, the working title is THE TRIP: Rabbit Looks for God.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Revise, revise, and revise some more!! This is especially true when writing in verse. Never stretch for a rhyme. Make sure that the grammar and wording flow naturally.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?

Though I have been illustrating professionally for over 30 years and know how competitive the field is, I’ve learned that the world of indie books is even more so. Doing your best work, perseverance, and networking are keys to success.

Any last words or tips?
I think that the basic steps of creativity —preparation, incubation, illumination, evaluation, and implementation —are very important to recognize. They don’t always happen in order or even consciously, but being aware of them helps to stay on track with a project. Allowing time for “incubation” and waiting patiently for “illumination” is a challenge, but well worth doing.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Diana's books, here are the links to get you started. 

(It shows her lovely illustrations portfolio with more of her work)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DKIllustration/

Publishing Company: https://brightbearbooks.com/