The Hallmark Channel definitely has the monopoly on modern, romantic Christmas movies. With new movies being produced every year, there are so many to show that the Christmas season seems to begin earlier and earlier and Christmas in July is a must. Emphasis on the Holidays varies–in some cases it may have little to do with the plot and in others it’s positively integral, as the characters who were perhaps averse to Christmas and its various traditions in the past find themselves exploring and enjoying every single one.
Books have taken a similar course. Though I admit my own exposure to Holiday Romance novels is limited and revolves mainly around stories that focus on Christmas, I’ve observed that they too vary greatly in the degree to which the Holiday season plays a role. Some romance novels with “Christmas” in the title demonstrate a strong Christmas theme that is consistent throughout the story whereas others are simply set during this time of year and have nothing to do with Christmas at all. Some are a lot of fun, whereas others may as well have been written about the Grinch. I read one so-called Christmas novel in which the heroine was so mean to the hero, I found it impossible to forgive her and it practically turned me off to the idea of writing a Holiday romance altogether.
My one experience to date with writing Holiday romance occurred as I was writing my debut novel, Dangerous Ally. I wouldn’t call the book a true Holiday romance because most of the story takes place at other times of the year and the Christmas Holiday plays a role only in a few select chapters. However, I did take the opportunity to play out various Christmas traditions in a home in which they have not been celebrated in years. In the midst of all the other drama going on in the story, my characters enjoy decorating, planning and attending a Holiday ball and sharing an intimate Christmas dinner complete with special gifts. The idea to do so fits the characters, and the story, beautifully.
To my surprise, the inspiration to write an actual Holiday romance hasn’t really struck me. An author of “suspenseful” romance, I seek to make danger, (or at least, the inevitable conclusion of stumbling upon danger) an integral part of my plots. To date, all of my books have been part of a series and they take place in chronological order, each occurring sometime after the one before it, spaced out often by a couple of months or even a couple of years. That’s not to say that none of my stories have taken place in wintertime or that I couldn’t find a way to revolve one of them around the Holidays. But, inspiration hasn’t struck me to do so in quite a while.
Will I ever write a full Holiday romance? I have to believe I will. But, with 9 published works under my belt, I’ve learned that inspiration strikes when and where it wants to. It can’t be forced. Eventually, the next great idea does come, and when it does it usually it comes like a torrent.
Is writing a Holiday romance right for YOU? Only you can answer that question. Holiday romances are an excellent marketing tool as the Holidays come around every year and it’s great to have something to promote, specific to this joyful time. Just, don’t force it. Like with all writing, write the book that’s in your heart, wherever it leads you. Readers can tell when we’re not as passionate about our work as we should be. Whatever your next great masterpiece, make sure you’re writing the story of your heart.
Hi Jessica, if you’ve an inspiration to write a holiday romance, go for it. You could easily blend it with your Rabourn Theater Series. My Eden Prairie Series deals with the holidays: Danielle’s Christmas Wish; Another New Year’s Eve; Valentines Day, Wrong Turn, Right Heart; Halloween A Witch’s Tale. I’ll be adding to the series in July, Tastes of Summer. I also have another holiday read, The Wedding Gift that is about a Christmas wedding.
Readers love to read stories about the holidays, so go for it.
Merry Christmas!
Judy
Judy, wow, it sounds like you have a number of holiday stories under your belt! I think I could have worked a holiday romance into Rabourn Theater but unfortunately, with the final book drafted, I think I’ve got everything pretty well tied up. I definitely see myself doing this at some point in the future, though. Merry Christmas!
Hi Jessica if inspiration strikes, go for a holiday read. You could write one in your Rabourn Theater series. I’ve written three books that deal with Christmas and the New Year The Wedding Gift is about a Christmas Wedding; Danielle’s Christmas Wish is about a little girl who wishes for a father; Another New Year’s Eve is just about that, New Year’s Eve. My Eden Prairie series deals with just the holidays, including Halloween and Valentine’s Day. Will be adding to it this July, Tastes of Summer.
Good luck with your holiday story.
Judy
I’ve done several as parts of anthologies where the central theme intrigued me. These make for short, fun stories that can explore a number of themes, and different holidays as well. One of my characters is even preparing for St. Nicholas Day. Then you can take the different stories and package them as a collection depending on the anthology terms.
I’m not sure I’d write a full length holiday novel, but I won’t rule it out either.
That’s a great idea, Kim and it sounds like it worked out well for you. Same with me – I could perhaps see myself writing a full length holiday novel…someday.
Thanks for this post. I’ve used holidays both as setting where the holiday provides activities to bring the hero and heroine together. An estranged couple bond over pumpkin carving and preparing for Halloween with their little girl. I’ve also used it as an integral part of the plot. A Fourth of July fireworks display is created to win back the heart of a lost love. They were fun to write so I intend to write more holiday-oriented works, especially around little known African-American celebrations.
Since you write romantic suspense I’m intrigued what side of the Die Hard debate you fall on: is it a Christmas movie?
That’s great, Anna! I definitely hope to get a few of them under my belt at some point. Sounds like you’ve had a lot of fun using Holidays in your stories. I guess Die Hard could technically be considered a Christmas movie by today’s loose standards, though I’d much rather watch Home Alone or It’s a Wonderful Life on Christmas. 😉
I love to read holiday romances. I have also published several, and I notice that I do make sales every year during the holidays–even selling my first book (Lights of Love) which was a Hanukkah romance and published 19 years ago! So, if you get an idea, it’s definitely worth the time to write one. Maybe you have a sister, brother or friend from a previous book who you could include in a story. 🙂
That’s a great idea, Roni! I really would like to write one. Hopefully, one of these days, inspiration will strike in that area!