Writing the Christmas Theme: Author Interview with C.J. Carmichael

C. J. Carmichael is a USA Today Bestselling author has written over 45 novels in her favorite genres of romance and mystery. She has been nominated twice for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, as well as RT Bookclub’s Career Achievement in Romantic Suspense award, and the Bookseller’s Best honor.

What made you decide to write several Christmas themed books
Over the years I've discovered that I enjoy writing Christmas romance more than any other type of romance, possibly because of the feeling of magic that surrounds the holiday, at least for me. I enjoy edgy, provocative main characters as much as the next person, but when I'm looking for a holiday read, I want to root for a woman who is truly a kind and good person, and an honorable man who is willing to put his woman's best interests ahead of his own. I also love including a child in my stories who is need of "rescuing" of some sort. Because Christmas if for children, right?

Could you give me a short synopsis of your favorite for my readers?
A Bramble House Christmas is one of my favorite holiday stories. The hero of his story, Finn Knightly (a.k.a. Finn Conrad) wants to know why his recently deceased father left his nurse fifty thousand dollars after knowing her a mere six weeks. So he travels to Bramble House B&B in Marietta, Montana to find answers.

But Willa Fairchild is not the conniving woman he expects to find. Before he knows it, Willa-and her six-year-old son Scout-are stealing his heart. And that’s before he finds out Scout’s secret and the real reason this Christmas is so important.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
There are many! Baking and getting the house decorated for Christmas. Watching holiday movies with my family. And waking up Christmas morning to open stockings by the fire.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)

Currently, I'm working with 5 other authors on a year long series Love at the Chocolate Shop. We'll be putting out one book a month for a year beginning with October 2016 and ending September 2017. These books have a lot of the heartwarming appeal of the Christmas stories I love so much.

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
I've very excited that A Bramble House Christmas is currently on option for a TV movie, with plans for a Christmas 2017 release. Plus, it was nominated for a RITA award by Romance Writers of American in 2016, so I guess there are others who like this story besides me!

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share?
Learning how to use conflict to create compelling stories and characters was crucial for me. Whenever my writing seems to be lagging, it's generally a lack of conflict that's to blame.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
In romance, it's smart to create a fictional community and write a series of at least 4 or 5 books. That's the best way to get known and to build a readership.

Any last words or tips?
At the beginning of a career, I think it's smart for an author to focus on one genre for at least five to ten years.

That's it for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about C.J.'s books, here are some options to get you started. 

A Bramble House Christmas: http://cjcarmichael.com/books/bramble...
Love at the Chocolate Shop FB Page:https://www.facebook.com/LoveattheCho...
My website: http://cjcarmichael.com/