Beautifully crafted holiday romance
stories have always been my favourite novels to read-and not only during the
holiday season, but all year round. And I’ve come to discover that I’m not
alone. Readers worldwide enjoy ‘love under the mistletoe’ stories that evoke
sincere emotions and reflect family and heart and home. So, when I began
writing, I decided that the best place to start would be writing the kind of
stories that I love to read.
Holiday themed romances are a great place
for any debut author to start, as they contain certain parameters that are
helpful in structuring the story. The specific timeline, for one, is useful in
that the journey usually begins sometime after Thanksgiving or December 1st
and concludes typically on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This provides a
framework for the story and gives both the author and the reader comfort,
knowing the happily ever after is simply weeks away.
The scenery in these novels also
provide a familiar and uplifting backdrop supporting the protagonist despite
the hurdles and obstacles they face on their way to finding love. The urgency
of the upcoming holiday creates a driving motivation for the characters to
resolve their issues in time for their desired mistletoe kiss.
Secondary characters that appear in
these novels also tend to be those that resonate with readers-children,
parents, grandparents, close friends. They enrich the story and provide a
familiar support system that readers can identify with in their own lives. They
often help the hero and heroine realize their love for one another and they
encourage the union, making it feel right on every level.
Ultimately, what better time for
romance than the holiday season-a time that in essence is the symbol of love
and forgiveness? A time that is focused on family and community and time spent
with the people who matter most. The holiday season embodies the true theme of
any romance novel and provides a fantastic foundation for writers.
My new series- A Brookhollow Story... from Harlequin
Heartwarming begins with my signature holiday title, which I’ve
become known for. The Trouble With Mistletoe explores what can happen when love is given a second
chance…under the mistletoe.
I love series, whether holiday themed or not. To have one start with a holiday story is lovely. It's on my tbr pile!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mel! I look forward to your thoughts on it:) Also-you won a copy for commenting on one of my blog tour stops-so if you want to email me your address-I'll send a print copy this week:)
ReplyDeleteJennifer, my subscription books haven't arrived for the month yet. They're always late in the month, but I love the cover and I also get into the season with holiday books and movies.
ReplyDeleteI started watching the older hallmark movies last week:) I can't wait to hear what you think of it Roz!
DeleteHi, Jen! As soon as my revision is finished, I'll be reading your book to get myself into the holiday spirit. Actually, I'm always in it. I have a sign in my dining room that says, "Forever Christmas Eve." Reminds me to be kind, giving, and loving all the time. (It's so easy to forget!) But anxious to read you book for the official start of the season.
ReplyDeleteThanks Muriel! I really hope you like it. Your career with Harlequin has been so inspiring-I hope to reach 80 books someday:)
DeleteHmmm, methinks that you've chosen your last name 'Snow' so that can REALLY capture Christmas theme books. You go, girl!
ReplyDeleteThis weekend I watched Mrs Miracle (the store one) Thumbs Up.
I watched A Very Merry Mix-up. Not so thumbs up, but okay.
Hi Pamela:) Snow is actually my real last name, so I'm thrilled that it goes so well on the covers lol. I didn't change it when I married my husband who is a Winchester, but he didn't mind:)
DeleteYes, I've seen both and I agree lol. There's another one called call me mrs. miracle-it's a sequel or prequel to the other one?? Last week we watched the twelve dates of Christmas-it was good. Kind of a Groundhog Day but at Christmas:)
I haven't read many Christmas themed stories before but you are making me feel like I am missing something! I will have to spend some of my holiday break checking it out! :)
ReplyDelete