Writing a Christmas-Themed Story by Tara Randel

It’s December, the beginning of what is, for most people, the most wonderful time of the year. It’s time to decorate, bake and shop. It’s fun to do all these things in real life, but what about when writing a book? Writing about Christmas is a lot of fun, it is an added element that just adds magic to any story.

I’ve been part of the Christmas Town collection of romance novellas with some of my sister Heartwarming authors. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what time of the year you write these stories. I especially enjoyed writing a snowstorm scene during a hot August summer. And don’t we all look forward to the holidays? Christmas brings out so many emotions; hope, love, expectation, excitement, just to name a few. As an author, there is so much to work with during this holiday season. 

1. Decorations. How much fun is it to take a reluctant character thrown in with a Christmas crazy character to get the tension going? There is always someone in the book who doesn’t get into the holiday spirit, whether it is time to trim the tree or wrap lights on the house. The secret is to sway them in the direction of shaking off their dislike of the holiday and give them a reason for a change of heart. A feisty heroine can pull this off.

2. Children. It’s not a prerequisite, but c’mon, aren’t Christmas books more fun when including the joy and expectation of children? To be a kid at heart is so important during this season. And seeing the excitement on a child’s face will melt the coldest heart.

3. Baking. Another way to get great scenes in a holiday book. Learning to make cookies or a pie, messing it up, or having a flour fight can bring lots of laughter and draw characters closer. 

4. Shopping. Always fun, at least as far as I’m concerned. Think about decorated department store windows, seasonal displays, along with the joy of picking out just the right gift for that special someone. Or add a gift wrapping competition for charity, like I had in one story, to ramp up the conflict between the hero and heroine.

5. Sitting by the fire. Always a romantic scene. Sipping hot cocoa, watching the flames glow and the logs crackle and pop, it is the perfect time for our characters to learn those interest tidbits about each other. 

6. Sleigh riding. Or a snowball fight. Or building a snowman. A great way to throw our couple together. I don’t live where it snows anymore, and I’m happy about that, but I still remember having fun in the snow, with my nose cold and red. This is a wonderful way to bring people together.

I’m sure you’ve read Christmas books that touch your heart and you could probably come up with lots of other scenarios. That’s the joy of being a writer, coming up with ways to express the season because there are so many wonderful traditions and memories that we hold dear. Using them in a story, or making up new ways to celebrate the season, is just one of the ways writers get to share our love of the holiday.

As a way to thank all our wonderful readers, I am featuring a giveaway on my Facebook page, Tara Randel Books. Click here to leave a comment and be entered to win this special Christmas prize package. 

The giveaway runs through December 9, 2019.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Coming February 2020

She’s the love of his life…

…but is he still hers?

FBI agent Derrick Matthews has finally found his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life—but she isn’t exactly happy about it! Years ago, Hannah Rawlings disappeared overnight when her family went on the run, and she blames Derrick. She tells him she’s moved on and he should, too, but Derrick fears Hannah’s still in danger. He vows to protect her—even if that means betraying her trust…again.

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Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, ALWAYS THE ONE, available February 2020.  For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter and receive a link to download a free digital book.