Now that I’ve spilled the news on my next project (currently undergoing edits), Holidays, Inc., I wanted to share more of the story behind the novel I’ve referred to for several years as #projectshowbiz.

In the romance writing community, authors often talk about the “book of their heart” or the passion project. Many authors, myself included, try to stick to tried and true tropes and guidelines to appeal to readers. Major publishers have very specific requests for the types of stories they want to produce (because they have a ready built audience hungry for those books). Sometimes, a book of the heart can be adapted into the particular parameters. Other times, it’s nearly impossible.

The Wild Rose Press has been such a blessing because they don’t try to force my creativity into a box. As a publisher, they are supportive and encouraging. I have freedom to tell the stories of my heart. My editor, Leanne Morgena, is amazing. Under her tutelage through the editing process, I’ve learned exactly what wasn’t working in my writing, and how to improve my craft to tell better stories every time.

Holidays, Inc. is a story I’ve been circling for years.  The initial first draft was written during NaNoWriMo 2017 while A Perfect Picture of Us was on submission with The Wild Rose Press. It wasn’t quite ready. When I signed a contract for A Perfect Picture of Us, I took a break from editing to write something entirely different, Love Overboard. In so many ways, Love Overboard offered me an escape, and I’m very proud of the book.

While editing Love Overboard, I returned to Holidays, Inc. and drafted a sequel. I love the characters and am so excited to share them with you next year.

I grew up watching old movie musicals and have always loved the movies with the premise “let’s put on a show and save the town.” My Grandma, my self-declared number 1 fan, encouraged me to perform in the living room whenever I saw her. She always thought I’d been born in the wrong decade. She told me I should have been an MGM chorus girl (at least, for the tap dancing).

One of my favorites is Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. But, it’s a very problematic and racially insensitive movie. I wanted to write an updated retelling, thus Holidays, Inc. was born. Before I started writing, I spent about six months outlining the story in 2017. When I put pen to paper, the story almost told itself. I initially included three points of view. Ultimately, this didn’t work for me or the story. Taking out the third perspective was what involved the most work (and I might one day share some of these deleted scenes).

In December 2018, while the project was undergoing a first round of edits, I had the opportunity to see the stage musical at a nearby theater. The show was delightful (if you get a chance, watch it). By Fall 2019, I determined my story was ready to be submitted to my editor and was thrilled to sign a contract in early 2020.

I can’t wait for you to discover my fictional Wisconsin small-town and meet the quirky characters who live there. From Shirley, the owner of the diner and unofficial queen of town, to Dani, the former child star who buys an old movie theater and renovates it into a dinner theater, I hope you are inspired by the determination of one small town to resurrect itself. And–of course–love is found at the moment least expected–or desired.

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P.S. The town is so nice, you’ll want to visit twice. And…you’ll be able to! Holidays, Inc. is only the first in a (so-far) two book series called Finding New Hope. The sequel, Hope for the Holidays, follows the hero’s twin sister, Jill as she navigates the tricky combo of love and politics. More info to follow…

 

Have you ever re-read a favorite novel and suddenly the story doesn’t work? A book that you loved a decade (or longer) ago doesn’t seem plausible any longer and you don’t finish because it’s too much of a stretch?

Most historical romances escape this trap (but suffer backlash for antiquated tropes). Unfortunately, contemporary romance suffers the most from the passage of time. I love stories (books, TV, film) set in the modern-day world. Rapidly advancing technology, however, means the plot might fall apart on a re-read. Books from the nineties that require characters to use a computer at a public library to access the Internet seem ancient. But often those situations set-up interaction between characters. How do you strike a balance so in a few years your book isn’t obsolete?

I’m by no means an expert. With each project, I consider this conundrum. Cell phones and the Internet have simplified our lives and solved a lot of the classic reasons why two characters at odds would interact.

In Love Overboard, my heroine loses her cell in the first chapter and spends the rest of the book onboard a cruise. (Cruise lines provide wifi, but the charge is a premium; personally, I like cruising because we have a reason to unplug!) With my next Wild Rose Press book, Holidays, Inc., the heroine ghosts her past and moves across the country.  Fellow authors, how do you work around modern-day conveniences?

Long before I started writing Love Overboard, my cruise romance, I was just a traveller. I’ve taken five cruises (three on Disney Cruise Line). Hands down, cruising is my family’s favorite vacation. We have plans to take two more in the next three years and–in light of the start of summer vacation–I thought I’d share some of our must-haves (and one must-leave-at-home).

Baby powder

If you’re on a warm cruise, you’ll definitely be spending some time at the beach. Travel size baby powder is a quick and easy way to remove sand.

Beach toys

A few dollars at the box store can save you a ton of money. I wasn’t so sure about taking up space in my suitcase for beach stuff on our first trip. When we got to the beach–and saw they were selling what I bought at home for $10 for over $50–I was really glad I did. You don’t have to get a ton of stuff. Rakes, shovels, and sifters are flat and easy to pack but can keep kids entertained at the beach.

Journal and pens

On a family trip we took with my cousins, my Mom and Aunt bought a spiral bound notebook and everyone took turns writing about what we did each day. This book has become one of our most cherished possessions. It’s hysterical to read the entries 30 plus years later.

Pre-printed address labels

Filling out addresses for postcards before you even leave home makes it so simple to send mail on the trip.

Refillable insulated mugs and Bounty plus Dawn paper towels

Especially true for Disney ships, the paper cups next to the coffee and drinks stations are not big enough for me or my family (especially in the morning). Usually, I’ve finished the drink before I return to my table and my meal. I like to pack my own refillable mugs and if they are insulated, I can use one mug for both hot and cold drinks. Bounty sells paper towels with Dawn soaked into the sheets. I first found these for a trip to the Dells when I was still bringing bottles for my youngest. So easy to use, just wet and you have an instant dish sponge. I’ve found them in travel sections at drug stores, grocery stores, and big box stores. If you’re going to pack your own mug, make sure you have a way to clean it.

Leave at home–snacks

“If you see it, eat it.” This was the announcement of a cruise director on a trip we took with my parents (and subsequently, my mom’s favorite cruise quote). I’m including this because a sweet friend who had never cruised before showed me a bag of snacks she packed for her trip. These weren’t specialty, food-allergy friendly items. (If you have a restrictive diet, you might need to bring some things for yourself.) Cruise ships are overflowing with food. From healthy to indulgent, the kitchen prepares every kind of morsel you can possibly crave. Save the room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

One final tip I share about travel in general, but especially with kids, is: plan ahead but be flexible. If you’re trying to stick to a really tight schedule, you are bringing stress on the trip. I prefer to study the guide book of excursions and activities I *think* we’ll enjoy but don’t plan every second. Instead, when everyone has a say, the vacation is so much smoother.