It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas -Featuring Ellie Hall

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 have written about 15 Christmas romances and most of them are part of a series. But this year, I tried something new. I wrote an entire Christmas series. It’s called The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series.

Here’s a bit more about it:  Meet the Costa family. A bit loud. A little crazy. A whole lotta lovable! These six brothers go all in, opening a pizza parlor in a small town to help out their retired parents. They anticipate success, but they're not expecting to find love. This clean, feel-good, romantic comedy series brings laughs, friends to love, enemies to love, second chances, grumpy guys, cinnamon rolls, and a lot of sunshine despite the backdrop of winter!

There are six books total, they’re clean and wholesome romance, faith-friendly, stand-alone stories but are best enjoyed together. In my book Christmas in Hawk Ridge Hollow, Frankie Costa had six overprotective brothers and I thought to myself, I’d love to know why they’re still single. Ha ha. So here we are. Plus, I love the small-town setting and wanted to revisit it.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? My favorite traditions include looking at Christmas lights, decorating the tree, and baking. But I especially love something I started when my kids got a little older. Each year, I buy a Christmas jigsaw puzzle and leave it out for about a week or so leading up to Christmas. It’s the perfect way for us to gather together, especially now that my kids are older and in and out more often.

What’s next? (Future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention) I have two more books in the Home Sweet Home series titled Extreme Heart Makeover and Building What’s Meant to Be. They will be out in early 2023 and are what I call: If Fixer Upper and a Hallmark movie got married and had a baby. Tee hee.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share? The best writing tip I’ve learned is to keep my stories “fresh yet familiar.” I strive to give readers the tropes, settings, and characteristics they enjoy along with a happy ending while also keeping things fun and creative with new twists and unique features within that framework.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner? There will be ups and downs. Just like some days, I’m not feeling motivated, sometimes the same can be said on the other end. Likewise, sometimes the words flow and so do the sales, reads, reviews, and reader interaction, which I love!

Any last words or tips? I write clean romance that mostly falls into one or more of these categories: Christmas, Small Town, Cowboys, and Romantic Comedy. With that last one in mind, Chewie, my Pomeranian is my trusty sidekick. He has bad knees and hips so I push him on his walks in a dog stroller. My human children think this is hysterical. But he’d be restless if he stayed indoors all the time. Inevitably, he’ll want out of the stroller and to walk a distance, leaving me pushing an empty stroller. Make of that what you will, but I hope it makes you laugh or brings a smile to your face.

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about? I have nine complete series. Aside from the Costa Brothers, the most recent is Home Sweet Home with a group of friends who have a home makeover show. In addition to falling in love, first kisses, and lots of festive fun there are some mystery elements!

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Ellie's current and upcoming books, here's how to get you started.

Amazon author page. https://www.amazon.com/Ellie-Hall/e/B07KQS3GD4

Here's a way to get a FREE book, sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/EllieHallNL

Website: elliehallauthor.com

Facebook: facebook.com/elliehallauthor

Christmas, A Time of Giving: Author Interview with Suzanne G. Rogers

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

A Gift for Lara was actually inspired by the Parable of the Sower, especially as it applies to charitable works. 

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

At the tender age of fourteen, Miles and Lara discovered a soul mate in one another. Too shy to express their sentiments in person, each wrote a love letter. Unbeknownst to them, their letters went astray, and they parted company under the impression their affections were unrequited. At Christmastime four years later, they meet again, but their relationship is strained. After they have an argument about the futility of charitable works, Lara falls ill. Miles decides to step into her shoes to help a local family, as a sort of Christmas gift to her. In the end, Lara and Miles discover the true meaning of Christmas.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?

Certain sermons in church have resonated with me, and I often look for ways to incorporate inspirational moments into my work. Although I don’t consider myself a Christian author in terms of quoting actual scripture in my stories, a great many of my themes have been inspired by my Christian faith.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

Decorating the house and a Christmas tree are always an annual tradition. I like preparing a special Christmas dinner my family can all share. We also open our Christmas gifts together, which is a time I especially treasure.

What’s next? 

I’m always working on my next book! I spend most of my time writing sweet Victorian romance, but occasionally I’ll return to my fantasy roots. My latest Victorian romance is The Mannequin, and my latest fantasy release is a Norse mythology adventure entitled Dani & the Immortals.

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

Many of my Victorian romances have spent considerable time on Amazon bestseller lists this year, and I couldn’t be more delighted. Nothing could be more satisfying than knowing my work is being read. 

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

Learn to take constructive criticism to heart, and always be willing to improve your writing skills. That being said, develop a thick skin when insulting reviews come in. Not every book appeals to everyone.

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

 It really does take time to develop a writing career, and to discover what works. Patience, in this regard, can be a virtue, especially if you’re working as hard as you can.

Any last words or tips?

The art of writing and the art of selling books are two different animals. To be financially successful, you must work at both.

Thanks all for this interview. Here's the way to find out more about her books and her writing

A Gift for Lara: http://www.amazon.com/Gift-Lara-Love-Letters-Book-ebook/dp/B00H7LXSVI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Blog: https://sgrogers.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneGRogers/timeline/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/suzannegrogers

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/suzannegrogers/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/S.G.-Rogers/e/B003KHD5KC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1