When I’m writing, I don’t discuss my works in progress with anyone. I believe that telling the story before it’s written, kills it because in explaining the overarching plot I don’t have to discover the twists and turns and nuances. That story’s been told, move on.

But, as I work through each project, I sort of have someone in mind. I dedicated Love Overboard to my Dad. The novel really pushed me to buckle down and work hard, exactly what he’s taught me my entire life. I have another book for my darling husband. That project is “his” because it has morphed a few times and with his encouragement, I keep working until the story really started to shine.

My next novel, Holidays, Inc., is dedicated to my Mom. Growing up, Mom stoked my love of old movie musicals. This book is a story that lurked in the idea stage in a folder in my desk for years. Over the years, Mom and I have had so many shared experiences that impacted the creation of the story. I’m so excited to share the book!

I have to admit, I’m not one for made-up holidays. I groan at the heavy push from retailers to transform every day off work into a gift-giving event. (How much longer until we exchange presents on St. Patrick’s day?!) I also hate rushing through each season. (I’m ignoring all the back-to-school supplies) or feeling PRESSURE to buy buy buy during sale days.

BUT…I make an exception.

Because of my love of Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas. If you tune into Hallmark Channel, you can watch some of the very best of the past ten years’ movies this week.

These feel-good stories resonate with me. As a kid, I watched our VHS taped Christmas specials year-round. On sick days, nothing could cheer me up like “Glo-Worm Christmas” or “Muppet Family Christmas.” As an adult, I still turn to heartwarming stories (and the absolute MAGIC of Christmas).

Looking for a perfect treat to enjoy during Christmas in July? Click this link for Ina Garten’s yummy frozen hot chocolate.

I’ll be tuning in and getting in the spirit of the season as I continue to work on Holidays, Inc. 

I’ve been working on two separate projects set in fictional Midwest small-towns. I can’t wait to introduce readers to the first and the sweet folks of New Hope, Wisconsin, in Holidays, Inc. (from The Wild Rose Press). An hour north of Milwaukee, this fictional former manufacturing community fell on hard times during the all-too-real 2008 financial crisis. The town never quite recovered. Until Dani Winter arrived… (stay tuned for more teasers soon!)

A proud Midwesterner since 1993, I’ve been blessed by the hard-working, supportive communities I’ve called home over the past three decades. And I’ve had the opportunity to visit and explore small-towns that have inspired me, including:

Galena, Illinois  History, special events, and spas. All three collide in Galena. With two resorts, Galena offers plenty of adventure year-round (skiing in the winter, golf in the summer). With so much to do in this little corner of Illinois, shopping, historic tours, festivals, visitors might need a couple trips to see it all.

Bayfield, Wisconsin (pictured above)  When I was in high school, my aunt and uncle purchased a vacation home on Madeline Island (across Lake Superior). I was lucky to spend many happy summers as their guest and fell in love with the region. My husband and I married there over a decade ago and had our reception in the white building pictured. The town and surrounding area offer a lot of outdoor adventures, hiking, boating, in addition to sightseeing.

Madison, Indiana  One of my college roommates grew up here. We visited her family, and I was so charmed by the community on the banks of the Ohio, I brought my mom for a return trip. The gorgeous town features a treasure trove of historic sites, houses, and museums. If you love restored old buildings, you have to go. 

If you get the chance to visit these towns, I hope you do!