Celebrating Christmas Books with Beth Carpenter

How did this multi-author collection of Christmas stories come about ?
Our group, who all write for the Harlequin Heartwarming line, have put out several story collections that take place in fictional Christmas Town, Maine. Over the years, the readers and writers have gotten to know the town quite well, from the matchmaking ladies from Over the River Retirement Home to the famous peppermint pie in Posey’s Diner. 

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

This year’s theme is a ten-year high school reunion at Christmas time. My story is about Marissa. Marissa felt invisible in high school, but now she’s changed, and she’s determined her high school crush will finally notice her. But you know what they say about the best laid plans.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Cookie baking, tree decorating, and candlelight service on Christmas Eve are my favorites. I go overboard with cookies, baking for my friends and family and all the families on the block.

What’s next in writing for you? 
Next year I’ll have three books coming out. Two are continuations in my Northern Lights series in the Heartwarming line. The third, which will be out in August, is called Kidnapped in Alaska and is a suspenseful Love Inspired story. This is something new for me, and I’m excited!

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
That bad first drafts are okay. Someone says all first drafts are perfect, because their only job is to exist.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
That everything takes longer than you think it will, and that writers are an amazing group of people willing to share their knowledge and cheer one another on.

Any last words or tips?
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and that the new year brings joy and peace for you and yours.

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?
Please check out the whole Northern Lights series. Each is a stand-alone story, but they all take place in my home state of Alaska with loosely overlapping characters and settings.

If you'd like to learn more about Beth's books, here are the ways to get you started. 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethCarpenterBooks
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Heartwarming Christmas Town Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1091942694272780

Let's Talk Christmas Books and Traditions: Author Interview with Beth Carpenter

How did you come up with the idea for your Christmas book? 

I rode the train from Fairbanks to Anchorage in March two years ago. Beautiful scenery! Along the way we passed some cabins that were only accessible by train, and I knew I wanted to use these rustic cabins as a setting. 

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

After mistaking handsome Tanner Rockford for his cousin, Natalie followed him to rural Alaska. Now she’s stranded—until Tanner invites her to spend Christmas with his family in their rustic, cozy cabin. But in this idyllic winter wonderland, Natalie discovers the family she’s never had…and the love she never knew she needed. But what happens when they all discover why she’s really there?

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? 

I’m a manic cookie baker, and I give sacks of cookies to all our neighbors. I like to collect Christmas ornaments as souvenirs when we travel and remember those trips when I hang them on the tree. And I love to hang the cross-stitch Christmas samplers my husband’s grandmother created.

What’s next? 

An Alaskan Family Christmas is the seventh book in the Northern Lights series. The next one, An Alaskan Homecoming will be out in May, 2021. I’ll also have a free Christmas story on Harlequin.com sometime during December. Stay tuned…

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share? 

My favorite quote is by Shannon Hale. “Writing a first draft and reminding myself that I'm simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.” So don’t worry if the first draft doesn’t look like the story you’re trying to build.

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

I’ve discovered that almost all writers—even if they’ve written dozens of books—reach a point in the writing process where they are convinced that they’re a terrible writer and will never be able to finish the story. And yet they do.

Any last words or tips? 

May you find joy in your writing, in this holiday season, and in life.

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about? 

The Northern Lights novels are a series of loosely connected books, each a standalone but somewhat interconnected. They are sweet romances that all take place in my home state of Alaska, heavy on animals, Alaskan scenery, and gentle humor.

If you've ever wanted to visit Alaska, you can virtually visit it with Beth's books. 

Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Beth-Carpenter/e/B0085EET8M?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1601695779&sr=8-2
Website: http://bethcarpenterbooks.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethCarpenterBooks