It's Continuing to Read Like a Christmas Romance 2023: Author Interview with Cindy Flores Martinez

How did you come up with the idea for your Christmas book? Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?

Mia’s Gift is part of the Inspirational Romance series, Small-Town Christmas Wishes, which I created a few years ago. The idea came to me all of a sudden. Sometimes I pray for ideas when I need them, and they just come to me. Sometimes they happen when I’m not even looking for them. The series and my story came about that way.

My story, Mia’s Gift, has been republished as a second edition. I wanted to rewrite it for years because it wasn’t fully finished by the publishing deadline. The first edition was more like a draft. Earlier this year, I suddenly felt inspired and began writing. I spent the summer removing scenes, rewriting scenes, and adding new scenes. I hope it’s a better story now.

Mia’s Gift is about a cupcake shop owner named Mia who unexpectedly receives a letter from an old high school friend, who has passed away. In the letter, Mia’s friend asks her to become a secret angel in her place. Mia decides to try and grant a wish for the man she has feelings for and his fifteen-year-old niece, who are in desperate need of a miracle. Mia discovers that making the wish come true is a lot harder than she ever imagined.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
My dad grew up in Mexico and my mom’s parents were from Mexico, so when I think of Christmas traditions, I think of Mexican traditions. When I was growing up, we followed the popular tradition of enjoying a Mexican Christmas family dinner together on Christmas Eve, which included homemade tamales, champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate) and polvorones (Mexican wedding cookies). We would then open gifts at midnight. My dad is no longer alive, so I treasure those memories.

What’s next in writing for you? 
I’ve been writing my next book on a very part-time basis. This time, the lead character is a teenager, and like all my previous lead characters, she’s Mexican-American. I’m not sure when the story will be published but I’m trying!

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
The best writing tip I can share is not to create publishing deadlines or pre-orders for your stories. Give yourself enough time to write and rewrite. Otherwise, you might publish something because you have to and not because it’s the best story it can be.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
There’s so much I’ve learned. The thing that stands out above the rest is how important it is to study and practice writing before publishing a story.

Any last words or tips?
My advice for anyone who wants to write a book is to keep reading and writing. It’s the only way to become better at it.

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?
Yes, there are several books in the Small-Town Christmas Wishes series that were written by different authors. I think your readers would enjoy them!

Like Cindy, I'm looking forward to having tamales on Christmas Eve, but mine will be bought from our favorite Mexican family restaurent. However, I will be baking a few dozen Mexican wedding cookies for our church's  sweet treats after the Christmas Eve service. 

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Cindy's writing, here are two links to get you started. 

Website: https://www.cindyfloresmartinez.com/
Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Mias-Gift-Small-Town-Christmas-Wishes-ebook/dp/B07X9GFHL7

And now for a Christmas treat for my readers... Here is a link to an assortment of Sweet Christmas romance stories that cover a whole range of sub-genres from contemporary to historical romances. These free eBooks are only available through 12/31, so make your choices now! https://books.bookfunnel.com/stuffyourstocking/5pbr3uc8pi

It's Beginning to Read Like a Sweet Chritmas Romance 2023: Author Interview with Jess Hansen

What made you decide to write Christmas themed books? Could you give a short synopsis on the books for my readers?
I honestly love the feeling of the Christmas season.  The music, the lights, the gathering of family and friends… it is a magical time of year when anything is possible. As a small-town girl myself, I love small-town romances. Pairing my love of Christmas with small-town romances seemed like the perfect combination!

All of my books are categorized as clean and wholesome romance, so they are appropriate for any age to read. That is important to me because I have a teenage daughter who is a voracious reader.  Finding positive stories without adult content hasn’t always been easy for us.  When I started writing fiction three years ago, it was my goal to create lighthearted happy-ever-afters for everyone.  

My Christmas series, Heartwarming Holidays, has warm holiday feels all wrapped in a cozy small-town romance. An interconnected series of novellas, this list is short and sweet and filled with holiday joy!  My newest release is Mistletoe Wishes, A Sweet Christmas Collection that includes all of the beloved stories of my readers’ favorite couple: Melanie and Tom. For these best friends to more, it all started on Christmas Eve. The collection includes an exclusive bonus short story that everyone has been waiting for: a wedding!

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
In our small-town, Santa rides up and down every single street just after dinner on Christmas Eve.  Pulled by a wagon, our local fire trucks honk and blow their sirens to announce his arrival in their mini street parade.  When my daughter was small, they used to stop and say her name in front of our house.  Now that she is older we still stand outside anxiously awaiting his arrival and wave.  Inside we always have a fire burning in our fireplace, holiday music playing and a few last minute cookies in the oven. 

What’s next in writing for you? 
So much!  I have a brand new Christmas series debuting soon.  Clayton Avenue Christmas is a series trilogy of three generations of women living on Clayton Avenue in the sweet small-town of Holly Oak.  The Hope of Christmas is up first!  

Here is a little glimpse:
The small-town of Holly Oak is brimming with holiday spirit.  The cobblestone streets of the downtown are bathed in twinkly lights with  music streaming from each decorated storefront from Thanksgiving through the New Year.  Sounds of the season feel like a warm hug in the chill of winter air.  While historic town bells hang from every lamp post on Main and Commerce Streets. 

Perhaps the most jolly street of all is Clayton Avenue.  One of oldest streets in the town, the homes are decked out with colored light displays that glisten in the darkness of early evening.  
The Fairchilds have called Clayton Avenue home since the fifties.  Rose Fairchild grew up there in the thirties and purchased a home next door to her parents after she got married.  She raised her daughter, Lily Anna, there and then her grandchildren, Sadie Lynn and Frankie.  The house now belongs to Sadie and with it all of the traditions of the holiday season.  

Clayton Avenue Christmas is a sweet trilogy of three generations of Fairchild women.  Filled with hope, memories and the light of the holiday season, this series is worth cuddling up with!

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Write every single day.  It isn’t always easy juggling all the hats of motherhood, marriage, and the things life throws at us; but putting down a few words every day is so important to keep the creative juices flowing.  

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
It is okay to make mistakes.  As an Indie Author, especially starting out I thought everything had to be perfect.  Ha! Few things in life ever are.  Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow!  

Any last words or tips?
Thank you so much for having me! I am so excited to share my love of books, sweet romance and Chritsmas with everyone! 

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?
My Sweet Summer Landings series is a collection of summer love stories. Each novel features a different couple ranging in age from YA to Later in Life. 

The Landings is a charming small town where each season is more beautiful than the last. Lapping tides, landing waterfowl, and the call of tree frogs in the distance provide an ongoing romantic soundtrack. Relax into this little coastal village in the Mid-Atlantic. Enjoy perfect seasons, swoony first kisses and heartwarming happily ever afters in this sweet romance series.

That's all for today's interview. Jess has many more books than just the Christmas ones and here's how you can get all their details.

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cleanromance
Bookstore: https://books2read.com/JHansen
Website: https://jesshansenauthor.com/

And here's a freebie for my readers... Moonlight and Mistletoe: A Short & Sweet Christmas Romance is free to read for a limited time: https://books2read.com/u/4jNz6o

It's Beginning to Read Like Sweet Christmas Romances 2023: Author Interview with Karen Liszewski

What made you decide to write a Christmas themed book? 

Christmas is my favorite time of the year and I love sitting down, by the tree, and reading Christmas books or watching Christmas movies. This led me to writing my own Christmas book!

Could you give a short synopsis on the books for my readers?
My debut novel, Meet Me In Winterberry, is a clean, Christmas romance. Here's the tagline and  blurb... What would you do if you thought you had it all figured out, but life had different plans?

Penelope Maxwell has it all. She lives in a penthouse in Manhattan, has a successful acting career, a closet that most women would die for, and is newly engaged to the man of her dreams. Until the day after Thanksgiving, when it all came crashing down. 

Now she finds herself stranded in a Christmas obsessed, small town in Vermont where no one knows her identity. With no phone and a car that doesn’t run, she is forced to reevaluate the life she thought she loved.

For Brent Harrison, not long after losing his wife, he moves back to his hometown of Winterberry, Vermont with his daughter Nora, to help his parents run their Inn. He hates all things Christmas and isn’t looking forward to the craziness of the season in the small town.

When he comes across a broken down car in the middle of Main Street with the most beautiful woman inside, he decides to do the right thing and invite her to stay in a room at the Inn.

As the two spend time together, an attraction grows that they both can’t seem to ignore. Will this be a Christmas that will change both of their lives forever? Or will Penelope go back to her old life, leaving Brent to pick up the pieces of his heart once again?

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
I love getting hot cocoa and driving around to see Christmas lights. Also, my husband, daughter and I always watch Elf the night we decorate the tree and my husband gets Chick Fil A for dinner!

What’s next in writing for you? 
I have a few books planned for the future and the next Winterberry book will be coming out next Christmas!

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
There have been two things I have learned from writing my first book. First, write every single day. Even if it is a jumbled mess, sit down in the chair every single day and write. Second, write from your heart. Don’t try to write a book just so that it sells. Stay true to you and what feels right.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
I wish I knew everything that went into publishing a book! From the marketing and the editing to all of the decisions you have to make, I have been learning as I go.

Any last words or tips?
If you are like me, and you have wanted to write a book but have been too scared to do it, just go for it. I promise, it is worth it!

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?
I’m excited for Mary Kay Andrews’ new Christmas book, Bright Lights, Big Christmas, as well as a a novella that comes out every year, part of a series, called The Moonglow Christmas by Deborah Garner that I look forward to every year!

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Karen's writing, here are some links to get you started. 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Liszewski/author/B0CLT5KMWW

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkarenliszewski/

And here's a bonus for my readers...Here's a chance to get some free Clean romance eBooks, but these books are only available through 12/15 so use this link today!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/cleanromancefreebies_endsdec15th

It' Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas 2023: Author Interview with Heather Schneider

How did you come up with the idea for your Christmas book? Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
I woke up one morning with the idea that the Claus family has to gather Cheer throughout the year to sustain Christmas operations. The idea evolved from there into a love story of Holly Claus, who visits a small town in Oregon that has way too much Cheer. Her world turns upside down as she begins questioning everything she knew about Cheer. The story has a contemporary feel but with a light touch of magic that feels like you're inside a Hallmark Christmas movie.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
I love cookie swaps; the kind where each person makes a huge batch of one type of cookie, and then everyone goes home with a plate full of all different kinds of cookies. Such an easy way to sample so many delicious treats!

What’s next? 
I'm working on a sequel to Chasing Cheer set in the springtime. It will have new magical mysteries to solve and will demonstrate how holiday magic manifests all year round.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
The quote "you can't edit a blank page" always resonates with me. The first time you write something, it's not going to be perfect. You have plenty of opportunities to fix it later. Just get the story out. Things magically come together during editing.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
Characters are the most important part of the story. It doesn't matter how exciting or complex the plot is--if readers aren't invested in your characters, the story is going to fall flat. Create a character and put them into scenarios that force them to make decisions and, ultimately, change.

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?
I have a sweet/clean young adult novella called Meet Me in St. Louis that's perfect for young adults who are starting to think about college or the next steps in life. The plot centers around a scavenger hunt, but there are themes of new beginnings and transitioning to adult life.

 
That's all for today's interview.  You can check out Heather's books at the link below.

https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Cheer-Heather-Schneider-ebook/dp/B0C57HJ5B2
 

It's Beginning to Read Like Christmas Kids Books 2023: Author Interview with John Alexander

What made you decide to write Christmas themed books? Could you give a short synopsis on the books for my readers?
I always enjoyed Christmas and after my first novel, The Enclave, a mystery suspense novel, I always had a children’s book in mind. So, as I began my first children’s book, I decided to center it around a Christmas theme. Christmas Garden involves two sisters whose natural curiosity lead them into investigating wild rumors of a witch and a haunted house. Their exploits lead them on a journey of discovering the truth and finding a way to bring the whole town together at Christmas. This first chapter book began a series, and I wrote three more books which became the four book Amber-Autumn Mystery series.

After discovering my love for writing in rhyme, especially telling stories in rhyme, I began writing children’s picture books. The Christmas Gift is special to me as unlike the rest, it was agented and eventually published by Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. The story centers around a little mouse who once lived in a dumpster and now lives in a mansion with her adorable husband. As she warms herself by the fireplace in the mansion on a hill, Ms. Mouse considers her husband’s question, “What do you want for Christmas?” An angelic vision in the embers reveals the perfect request. The fulfillment of her gift demonstrates the joy of giving.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
I love Christmas parties with friends, the smell of fragrant candles, tree decorations, Christmas carols, Christmas eve service at church, hearing the carols sung by a choir, and the making of my Christmas video – reading my poems with pictures and music in the background.

What’s next? 
After a mystery/suspense novel, four chapter books, four picture books, two devotional books of poetry with 365 poems each, I have begun putting together selected poems by topic and preparing books and video presentations to accompany local poetry readings. I have put together God Given Friends, Seasons of Change, Words of Hope, In Times of Grief, and Songs, Praise and Joy. I hope to continue preparing more and sharing them with the right audiences. I’ve also enjoyed the opportunity for the last few years to share my poems as a monthly contributor to Faith On Every Corner digital magazine now read in over 100 countries.
 
What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Write for the joy of writing, write what you love, write from the heart, be vulnerable, find others to provide good honest feedback along the way.
 

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
Writing is fun. I wrote my first novel in my 60s, I discovered my love of writing in rhyme the year I turned 70. Although I now have over a dozen books and over 700 poems in print, I missed out on a lot of years of experiencing the joy of writing and sharing.
Any last words or tips?

Find your passion and go for it.
Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?
All available on Amazon, in addition to the ones I’ve already listed above, Grandfather’s Blessing, Golden Campout, The Secret Room. Quiet Time Rhymes – Volume 1 & II, Daily Reflections – Volume I & II, The Young Author – an unpictured book, and The Velveteen Rabbit – Lyrical Rendition.

That's all for today's interview. I hope you will check out John's books by using the links below. He certainly has a lot for you to choose and review!
John's Blog: quiettimerhymes.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/QuietTimeRhymes/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/John-Alexander/author/B003ZHE3GM

It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas 2023 : Author Interview with Jenny Hale

How did you come up with the idea for your Christmas book? 
I don't know where my ideas come from. After writing 23 novels, 10 of them Christmas, I pull from everywhere. For example, I met with my trade distributor a while back and we were talking about cover images that sell, and one of them sparked a whole story. Another time, an editor friend of mine and I were brainstorming romantic beach images to come up with a title and I wrote an entire story from it.

Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
Traveling writer and researcher Stella Fisher is working in London when she's called home to her family’s farmhouse in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee to help her mother through the first Christmas without her father. When Stella arrives home, she doesn’t expect to find Henry Dutton, the man she’d left behind. She thought she’d buried her past, yet the look in his alluring blue eyes brings it all right back to the surface.

Under the glitter of the holiday trees at the local lot called Christmas, Stella uncovers more than she’d ever imagined. Will she be able to return to her old life? Or will the unexpected be the biggest Christmas gift of all?

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? 
Every holiday, I make a gingerbread house with my boys (who still do it with me at the ages of 17 and 14!), we bake cookies, we watch a Christmas movie as a family every year, and we tour tacky Christmas lights. My hubby maps out the best ones and we pile in the car and follow the map, taking photos and then usually nibbling on some sort of Christmas treat.

What’s next in books for you?
I own and run Harpeth Road Press, so my goal right now is to continue to write novels while building the company. 

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

I think it's a more general idea: the process of writing is different for everyone, so there's no one way to do it.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner? 
Holy cow, everything! Having been on both the author's and publisher's side, I think the biggest aha moment was when I realized that the publisher wants to make the author a success as much as the author wants to be a success. Listen to your editors and, as long as you have a viable publisher, trust them. They might not always get it right, but their goal is to knock it out of the park. 

Any last words or tips? 

The Harpeth Road blog has lots of author resources with articles such as, "The Legalities of Being an Author," "The Eight Hidden Skills of Career Authors," and "Your Author Website" to name a few.

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about? 
Yes! Do check out Harpeth Road's books! Our first three years were building years, but this year, we've got TONS of new books coming.

That's all for today's interview. Jenny's books have sold over one million copies worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages. So far, two of her books have been made into Hallmark movies. Here's how you can learn more about her books.

Website: https://www.itsjennyhale.com/

Harpeth Road blog: https://www.harpethroad.com/blog

Harpeth Road Press: https://www.harpethroad.com/

Here's a special bonus for my readers... Check out this sweet romance giveaway that starts Monday. One winner will get 33 eBooks and an eReader. 

https://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/oct23-win-a-bundle-of-sweet-contemporary-romance/

It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas: Featuring Sydney Betts

 

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

One of my favorite mystery writers has published Christmas novellas, which I have enjoyed as much, sometimes more, than her other books. I wanted to do something similar, so I combined the Christmas theme with a favorite plotline - that of an old-fashioned large extended family waiting for an older relative to die to gain an inheritance.

 

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

Phoebe Farrell has one distinguishing talent: listening. When a wealthy, if vinegary, widow employs her as a companion, Phoebe becomes acquainted with a variety of people upstairs and downstairs, in and outside of the household. Some are caustic and greedy; some are generous and kind. A few are tender. One is planning a murder. While Phoebe unearths their secrets and desires, can she uncover the truth before it is too late?

 What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

We have many, but my all-time favorite is making shortbread cookies and decorating them with royal icing. This inspired my favorite gift idea for family and friends: Polymer dough cookie-cutter ornaments. We’ve made gingerbread men, kittens, bunnies, and bears.

What’s next in writing for you? 

God willing, I intend to write a short, free prequel to my People of the Book series, and I also have a rough outline for a fourth Phoebe whodunit that I plan to start writing soon.

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

The best? I’m torn between three, but if you want only one it is to make yourself a promise to write for 15 minutes per day. The very hardest thing for a writer to do is sit down and start. If you force yourself to do the aforementioned, the writing will begin to flow.

Here are my other three favorites... Find someone (or several) with high standard but who are not simply critical by nature to read each chapter after you write it and offer content feedback. They should be willing to tell you if a circumstance is unrealistic, if a character's response is odd or insufficient, or if something just doesn't make sense.

The second one is to read each completed chapter or book to someone for their immediate feedback. Errors just show up better when you read it aloud.

The third one is somewhat similar. Have your writing program read the novel to you. MS Word has this feature, and I’ve found it invaluable.

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

Listen to your critics. When I was writing my first book, I had a friend who was older than I with a bent toward criticism. Although she liked my book, she told me it was confusing in parts. Other pre-readers had not made those comments, so I sloughed off her comments as typical either of her age or her nature. I was horrified when I set the book down and went back to it some time later. I had not wanted to write a book that read like, “Mary said, and then Joe said, and Mary said, and then Joe said…” but I clearly needed to attend better to my pronouns and antecedents.

 Any last words or tips?

Yes, in hope that others won't make the mistakes I’ve made. Try not to head-hop. Stay with one person in their thoughts and actions. Don't jump from one person's words to another's thoughts on the same page. In our age of film, it is easier to convey simultaneous responses between two people.  This is more difficult to avoid than it appears, especially if the tension in the scene is created by two characters’ thoughts in real time. One way is to portray character B’s expressions or reactions as they listen to character A, but that too can be problematic. As a reader, I’ve found myself trying to imitate the facial or body movements the author has described, trying to figure out what they meant.

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

Website:https://sydneytoomanbetts.wixsite.com/website

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064064642066

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sydney-tooman-betts

Amazon Author: https://amzn.to/3ODSid1

It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas: Featuring Rox Siles

Your Christmas book tells a Santa tale. Could you give some more details about it to my readers?
I love the magic and joy of the Christmas season. Santa and his elves never cease to amaze me as they work hard to deliver toys on time across the world. What could possibly happen if Santa slacks a little bit? What would happen if Santa went sledding instead of prepping for the big day? You will find the answer when you read, Santa goes sledding on Christmas Eve. I hope everyone enjoys this silly Santa that loves to have fun!

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
My favorite Christmas traditions include going to church, enjoying family and friends and singing Christmas carols. I love to celebrate the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.

What’s next? 
I plan to continue to write picture books for kids with asthma and allergies.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
The best tip is to keep writing. Some ideas come to me in the strangest places like in the shower I write everything down and come back to it later. I also have my son review all of my work. He is my toughest critic!

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
As a self published author, I underestimated the importance of marketing. I learned so much and met some terrific people along the way. It takes time and dedication.

Any last words or tips?
Writing children’s books has been one of the toughest things I have done, but also one of the most rewarding experiences.

That's all for today's interview. And here's a special bonus for my readers. For today only Rox is offering all her eBooks for FREE on Amazon. Grab one for yourself. And like the Cinderella tale, this offer ends at midnight (Amazon's west coast PST).

For more details about Rox's books, follow the links below.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Rox-Siles/e/B0926P5KYL

Santa book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZMB23W2

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

Instagram:  @silesreads.  

It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas: Featuring Amy R. Anguish

How did you come up with the idea for your Christmas themed book? Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
The book includes 5 Christmas stories by 5 different authors. For the book, I was given the theme of Christmas on the beach. The setting at the beach was the only requirement. But I already had an idea of "what would happen if someone came up to you in church services and dropped a bulletin in your lap that had a note asking you to pretend to be his girlfriend?" So, I combined the two and placed it on my favorite island (the one where I honeymooned), St Simon's Island, Georgia.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
My family loves to drive around and look at lights while drinking hot cocoa and listening to Christmas music. And every year we make sure to watch "White Christmas."

What’s next for you? 
I just had a new novella collection release at the end of September which has one story for each season (mine is summer), and is so much fun. It's called Love in Any Season.
In December, the second book in my Roadtrip Romance series releases. This is the first series I've done and I'm loving how excited everyone is about reading the next book! I might be addicted, too. :)

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Don't edit while you write. It's hard and I sometimes do it anyway, but I get so many more words down when I turn off my inner editor first and wait to edit later. I also wait at least a month, if possible, before going back to edit after writing a first draft. I need that distance to be able to catch things.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
I should've taken a marketing class in college! Never would I ever have imagined how much marketing I have to do now. But I'm learning as I go, just like each story improves in my editing and writing, too.

Any last words or tips?
My favorite excuse for reading is that it's helping me improve my own writing. ;) I know I'd read anyway, but when I'm reading an award-winning author in my own genre, I can say it's research. Ha!

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?
I have several releasing next year, but if you want to know about another Christmas one, I have a full-length novel coming out in October 2023. It's called My Mama Dated Santa. And it's set in Waco, TX. It has a surly toy store manager, a mischievous nephew, really good chocolates, a sleigh ride, and Santa, of course. Among other things.

 
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Amy's books, here are some links to get you started. And here's your chance to win a FREE book...leave a comment on her blog within the next 7 days and she'll pick a lucky winner from the posts!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyanguishauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amy_r_anguish
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEiu-jq-KE-VMIjbtmGLbJA

Website: https://abitofanguish.weebly.com/

It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas 2022!

Hello Dear Readers and Friends!

It's that time of year again when I start doing blog posts exclusively with books that have Thanksgiving and/or Christmas themes. The authors who I will be showcasing this year have book genres ranging from children's stories, to sweet romance, mystery, suspense, and I'm even throwing in a bit of tongue-in-cheek "puny" satire. Each post will feature favorite Christmas traditions, some writing advice, and updates on the author's books. There might even be a few giveaways along the way, so I hope you'll continue following along with me through Christmas.

How did you come up with the idea for your Christmas book? Could you give a short synopsis on the book?
I have written numerous Christmas themed stories for children in the past, but this time I wanted to write one that would make adults laugh as well. Here's a short blurb… Santa has always tried to be good and kind, but now he's being he's being attacked by the media and government agencies for mistreating his reindeer, causing environmental harm, and being an international spy.

Can Santa be saved? Or will he become just a distant memory who lives in retirement at the North Pole? (Spoiler: Of course Santa can be saved if it's up to the kids.)It was fun to write and put together the images for the story. It will be available on Amazon on Friday

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

Where to begin? I love decorating the house for Christmas. We have three trees. The first one is a 3 foot  size at the entry that changes its theme monthly. Larger trees is in our family room then features old versions of musical instruments to celebrate my husband who is a musician. the other one that's in our bedroom is ornaments we've collected over the years in our travels. We also love driving around looking at Christmas lights and seeing the various Christmas celebrations at our church.

What  books do you have coming out next?
My next Christmas I hope to have my time travel romance ready to go. Earlier in the year, I will be publishing a few more of my children's books.

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

Be persistent. Don't give up. Beware of “impostor syndrome” where you think you're not worthy to write. That happens to every author  one time or on another, but you can't let it get you down.

And treat it like a business, if you're not writing or marketing your books, you're not working. 

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
Statistics show that agents and traditional publishers only accept 10% to 15% of the submissions they receive. That means you've got a very strong chance of being rejected. You can keep submitting and waiting. Or you can learn about indie publishing and work at it like a business.

Any last words or tips?

Take a look at my other Christmas themed book, The First Noel: Digging Deeper Into Christ's Birth. It's a Christmas Devotional and study guide. Delve into Christ's birth story through historical references, Bible scripture, hymns, poems, and discover what's real and what's myth. This guide takes you through the original Christmas story in 25 days. Each day begins with a scripture reading, shows an early hymn that highlights the scripture, adds notes on the reading, discussion questions to ponder, and provides links to historical details for further study. BUY THE BOOK & SUPPORT A CAUSE: ALL royalties will go to a prison ministry. The details are on my Amazon page.

If you'd like to learn more about my books for children and adults you can find them through my Amazon author page at https://www.amazon.com/Christine-L-Henderson/e/B09L2Y7XNP  Right now I'm featuring one of my children's picture book stories, A Special Scrapbook Memory, in eBook format for 99 cents.
 
 

Celebrating Christmas Books with Edith MacKenzie

For today's Christmas book, we're going "down under" to chat with an Aussie author. Loved visiting there some years ago. Read on to learn more about Edith's writing.

How did you come up with the idea for your Christmas book? Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
Boots and Mistletoe is the first book in a series of three (Mistletoe Collection) that I wrote last Christmas. I wanted to play around with having your identity tied to material things and when it seems like you should have it all, you actually lost. Australian Quinn meets Jackson when she is with a guy who doesn't treat her right, but is socially where she wants to be. Even though she has a connection with Jackson, the timing isn't right, but she never stops thinking about the cowboy. Fast forward to the following Christmas when their paths cross again.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
I'm Australian, so driving around looking at Christmas lights and then my Mum's pavlova

What’s next?
I've just released a new series (my 4th) called Billionaire Lonely Hearts Club and will have a new Christmas series (Christmas Star Collection) just released this month. The first book is called The Cowboy's Christmas Star

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

Just write. Something ugly on the page is better than nothing

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
To give myself a break when the words aren't coming and that marketing is everything.

That's it for today. Here's your link for a FREE ebook for today

https://bookdoggy.com/i-always-wanted-to-be-a-spy-a-maggie-sloan-thriller-maggie-sloan-thriller-series-book-1/

If you'd like to learn more about Edith's books, here are some links to get you started. 

Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Edith-MacKenzie/e/B082YJJFYS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19935111.Edith_Mackenzie

Create New Stories to Intrigue your Readers: An Interview with Author Pat Wahler

How did you come up with the idea for your book Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas?

In short, decluttering did it. I decided to pull out all my old files and organize them. It quickly became evident many of my previously published - as well as unpublished - pieces featured a Christmas theme. From there, the seed of an idea grew. Wouldn't it be fun to put together a Christmas collection? 

How did you put the book together?

I had a fair amount of material ready to draw from, but I did heavily edit them from their original form. In addition, I created new pieces. The collection is divided into three parts: "A Touch of Whimsy", "A Whisper of Love", and "Sentimental Journeys". Pieces in each section reflect the theme.

Tell me more about the writing in the book.

My essays and poems are laced with humor and tradition, not only in today's world, but in the past. For example, there are childhood memories about schemes to convince Dad we should buy a new modern Christmas tree. And how could I convince my parents to give me the gift of my dreams? 

And you include short stories as well, is that correct?

Yes. Short stories are a delight to write and take the reader on many different journeys. Here are a few of them: 

"Chip and the Truth About Christmas": The season as told from the dog's point-of-view 

"Myrtle": A woman's hope to find her future during a difficult holiday season in 1901

"The Snow-White Goose": Is it possible for love to hatch from a plan to rescue an abandoned goose?

No matter the medium, I believe readers will find the heart of Christmas in every one of these bite-sized tales. 

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

Oh, I have so many of them! Probably the fondest is a long-standing tradition of a family Christmas breakfast. My parents decided we should do a fancy meal with goodies we rarely saw any other time of year. Country ham and sausage. Freshly scrambled eggs. Biscuits and red-eye gravy. Hash brown potatoes. Cranberry compote. All topped off with a wide assortment of Christmas cookies, featuring Mom's famous Snickerdoodles.

It wasn't only us who feasted. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins also showed up to enjoy the feast. My sister now carries on the tradition; although on a much smaller scale. It was one of our mom's final requests. 

Looking back on all the work involved, I'm not sure how Mom did it!

What’s next?

I'm currently working on Along the Road, Book 2 of the Becker Family Novels; a contemporary romance series. Book 1 of the series, On a City Street, released July 9. Book 2 will most likely release early in 2020. It's lots of fun writing these characters, and I hope readers will enjoy them as much as I do.

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

Much of writing is discipline. Get in the habit of putting words on paper, even if you don't feel like it. One must never wait for inspiration to strike. Words (even bad ones), give you something to edit. With a blank page, you have...nothing.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
Regardless of whether traditionally or indie-published (I am both), a writer is ultimately responsible for marketing his/her own work. When scheduling your time, it's easy to go overboard on social media and marketing. Always remember, the best way for readers to notice what you're doing is to create new stories, so get words on paper! 

Any last words or tips?

I appreciate this opportunity to meet fellow writers and readers (yes, I'm also an avid reader!). I'm on most social media platforms and would love to hear from you.

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

Previous publications not already mentioned include my award-winning historical novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James, and a picture book I co-authored- Midnight the One-Eyed Cat.

That’s all for today’s interview. If you would like to learn more about Pat’s writing, here are some links to get you started.

Website/Newsletter: https://patwahler.com

Facebook Author Page: https://bit.ly/2LHhqkq

Goodreads Author Page: https://bit.ly/2S6LGXi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patwahler/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatWahlerAuthor

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/32fJwcg

Bookbub Author Page: https://bit.ly/32cvRTr