When one conjures up images of Christmas, it usually consists of snow, warm fires, and hearty dinners. Here, in the southern hemisphere, Christmas is a time of sun, surf, and barbeques. This is why Christmas in July has become popular in Australia; so that we can enjoy a traditional Christmas.
I’ve written two short stories that portray two very different Christmas’s, and lately I’ve been experimenting with creating book videos. They’re time consuming to make, and at times frustrating, but I’ve had fun working with another creative outlet. I’m even thinking of making some more! 😉
Here’s the video for First Christmas. I hope you like it!
Christmas spirit comes in the most unexpected ways.
In 1916, young newlywed, Caroline Owens spends her first Christmas alone. Or is she?
Shy nurse, Linda Graham, struggles with a tragic loss. Can a ghost help restore her broken heart?
‘Lots of emotion packed into a short story… I was left wanting more.’
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, and/or read some of my stories, you’ll know I don’t write romance per se, but some of my stories do have romantic elements. Writing romance was a part of the craft I needed to improve, which is why I joined Romance Writers of Australia.
As it is now winter here, I was pleasantly surprised to be asked to be a guest on their blog and talk about my comfort read.
But be warned – my book of choice does not fit the modern definition of a romance novel. 😉
So, grab a cuppa. I hope you join me. ☕
Image courtesy Pixabay
Speaking of romance…
In other news, Christmas has come early!
If you’re looking for a romantic read this month, I’ve got together with romance writers to celebrate ‘Christmas in July’.
In fact, I’ve joined two promotions, so there’s over a hundred books for you to choose from!
My book, First Christmas, is included and contains two paranormal romance short stories.
My recent book of short stories, ‘First Christmas’ is out! In fact, with all the goings-on around its release, I failed to mention it on the blog. I think that officially puts me on the naughty list!
‘First Christmas’ has been out for three weeks now and I’d like to thank those of you who pre-ordered or have bought a copy since. I really do appreciate it.
Shortly after its release, and out of curiosity, I snuck a peek at the US Amazon site. ‘First Christmas’ made the Top 100 in the ’30-minute Romance Short Reads’ Category. I had no idea such a thing existed, but I’ll take it! It certainly looked out of place among all those ‘naughty housewives’ though! 😉
Here’s the blurb: –
Christmas spirit comes in the most unexpected ways.
In 1916, young newlywed, Caroline Owens spends her first Christmas alone. Or is she?
Shy nurse, Linda Graham, struggles with a tragic loss. Can a ghost help restore her broken heart?
Normally, I don’t write anything with a particular theme in mind, but this one has a bit of history behind it. And let’s face it, 2020 has been a pretty crappy year.
Before Christmas, 2019, as part of the Romance Writers of Australia, the aspiring group held a competition. We were given prompts in which to write a 1,500-word short story, which was to be judged and awarded prizes. My short story did not get a prize and I didn’t have a problem with it, as I was stepping out of my comfort zone. I was, however, encouraged by the judge’s feedback: –
‘Such a beautiful, evocative story. An emotion-filled tale that would appeal to many readers who like historical novels too.’
After this, I decided with some hesitation, to enter my first RWA ‘Sweet Treats’ competition. There are three judges to this competition and ‘the third judge’ is well known for being not only the deciding factor, but brutal. I called them ‘the hanging judge’ and the feedback I received was indeed harsh. As a result, I can honestly say that: –
It took me a few months before I could look at my story again, as well as read the feedback with a critical eye, and
I won’t be entering any RWA competitions in a hurry. 😉
I, therefore, chose to focus on the positive feedback from the other two judges, which basically said that it showed promise.
‘Plot and characterisation great! The reader wants the MC to be happy after so much sorrow, and that matters. Tightening up the story will let these lovely characters shine.’
Like my first story, I believed in this one too. I didn’t wish to be put off by one judge’s opinion. I wanted readers to decide.
If I worked on it and did a bit of tweaking, I could put them both into a book and publish it in time for Christmas. The end result is First Christmas.
These stories are a bit different to what I usually write, but 2020 hasn’t been the best of years, and I wanted to write something with a bit of hope. Both short stories have a paranormal bent but are romantic in nature.
I’m working on having First Christmas released in November, so watch this space. 😊
Have you received negative feedback in a writing competition? Do you write with particular themes in mind? Given the current COVID-19 situation, have you written something different than usual this year?
