It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas 2026: Author Interview with Vida Li Sik

What made you decide to write a Christmas-themed book?
I’ve noticed that there are very few Christmas novellas set during a summer Christmas. Since that’s the only kind of Christmas I’ve ever known, living in the Southern Hemisphere, I decided to write a story, Remember When, that reflects the Christmas I’m familiar with.

Could you give a short synopsis of the book for my readers?

Remember When is a sweet, second-chance romance. A decade after Gérard’s marriage proposal was rejected, an unexpected Christmas reunion with Santi stirs up old feelings and painful memories. Once, Santi gave up her dreams of marriage and a career with the London Philharmonic Orchestra to care for her family. Now, with her responsibilities behind her, she’s ready to embrace life again. But can these two former sweethearts overcome the hurt of the past, find the courage to trust each other, and discover whether the miracle of Christmas will give them a second chance at love? 

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

For me, Christmas is all about spending time with family. I grew up in a huge extended family and loved our wonderfully chaotic gatherings, but these days, Christmas is a much quieter affair with my own family of four. We exchange presents before breakfast, then enjoy a big lunch around noon. The rest of the day is spent relaxing in the summer heat, chatting or playing board games.

 

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned that you’d like to share?

After years of writing non-fiction as a journalist, I was inspired by Joel Saltzman’s book If You Can Talk, You Can Write to try my hand at fiction. The book’s title was just the encouragement I needed to take that first step.

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

That the first draft of my story doesn't have to be perfect. The perfection trap prevented me from starting sooner.

Any additional ideas or tips you'd like to share?

 Write what you are passionate about, even if it is not what is selling right now. Authenticity comes easier than performance.

What’s your newest release that you’d like to tell my readers about?

I recently published two novellas back-to-back in the Our House on Jakaranda Laan series, a collection of multi-genre Christian novellas set in a fictional South African town. The Dreamer’s Promise is a second-chance romance set on a wine estate, exploring themes of overcoming grief and embracing a new identity. The Fixer’s Release is a women’s fiction story about a wife and mother who must learn to trust God with life’s challenges rather than trying to control every situation herself.

That's all for today's interview. I hope you will check out her books. I am a fan of her writing and hope you will be, too. 

Website: www.vidalisik.com   

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

And here's a special bonus from Vida...Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free copy of Giving Heart, a Christmas in July novella through Story Origin: https://bit.ly/4yLqR6a

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