Christmas in July News: Writer Wednesday

Do you love Christmas stories? I certainly do! I usually buy one or two Christmas novels in October and November to savor during the holiday season. Did you know many writers actually write Christmas stories in the summer? I’m writing one now!

My December release, Yuletide Redemption, will be hitting stores late November, and I just got a sneak peek at the cover. I can’t wait until I’m allowed to share it with you! It’s so beautiful! And the Christmas story news doesn’t end there…I was asked to write a Christmas novella for Harlequin Love Inspired’s online reads! It will be released one chapter at a time for FREE on Harlequin’s website, starting in December. Don’t worry–I’ll list all the dates as soon as I know them.

So I’ve been writing this cozy, wonderful Christmas novella all month while the sun blazes down outside. I have to admit, I love writing Christmas stories in July. It gets me all excited for the holidays. And, hey, watching a Hallmark movie or two can be counted as research, right? 🙂

Writers who want to submit Christmas stories often write them during the summer months, but a Christmas story can be written at any time. If you plan on submitting one to a publisher, recognize it might be a full year before your book will be released. Holiday releases book early, so yours might get put on hold for a year. Also, if you’re submitting short stories to publications, you might need to submit 4-6 months in advance. Check the publication if you’re unsure.

A few other things to keep in mind when you’re writing Christmas fiction. Readers want warm, cozy, heartwarming stories that make them sit back and sigh in happiness. Sure, there can be plenty of drama and conflict–there should be!–but throw an extra heavy dose of warmth in. We read Christmas stories to get in the holiday mood!

Do you love reading Christmas stories? When do you read them–all year round or right before Christmas?

Big news! I’m going to be on television this Sunday!! If you’re in the Toledo, Ohio area, tune into 13 ABC at 12:30pm for Rebecca Regnier’s morning show, Full Plate! I’ll be sharing the video clip on my Facebook page next week, too.

I won’t be blogging on Friday, so check back next week Wednesday for another post. 🙂

Have a terrific day!