I know, you probably saw the title, checked the date, and then thought why are we talking about Christmas so early?
Easy! I have to decide how many Christmas novellas to write this year, and I thought y’all would be the perfect people to help me figure it out. :)
You see last year I was in a novella collection with Angela Ruth Strong, Jaycee Weaver, and some other great authors. We did modern retellings of fairy tales and set them at Christmas time. We had so much fun doing the collection, we decided to do another Christmas collection this year.
Obviously I said yes and have a story idea waiting its turn at bat.
Then there’s another Christmas collection I always do. In fact, last year I created a story with a bunch of secondary characters in hopes that I could pull from them and create their own Christmas stories. And thankfully one of the characters wants her turn to be center stage.
I was happy to go through this year knowing I would have 2 Christmas novellas to write. They’re always fun and it gives me a reason to listen to Christmas music while I write. But then this other idea popped in my brain. Quietly knocking on my idea door, trying to peek inside. Since it wouldn’t leave me alone, I asked my street team what they thought of a Christmas novella set in Maple Run.
Y’all, I was surprised that every single person who responded all wanted one particular person’s story: Mrs. Williams. Now I don’t know what to do. So help me out and vote please!
Also, leave me a comment and let me know what are your favorite details in a Christmas book. I’ll pick one lucky (and random) commentator to win an eBook copy of my novella, Deck the Shelves. Comment by 3/13/20 3:00pm EDT for a chance to win.
Sabrina Templin says
I prefer novellas! I have a short attention span…lol And Christmas? Yes, please. :)
Renate says
Hi Toni! This avid reader enjoys stories with holiday settings, especially Christmas. Christmas stories need lots of decorations (lights, special ornaments, nativity sets), snow, activities (community, church, family), traditions, and holiday cookies and food. Really enjoyed the fairy tale retell boxed set, which was unique. Looking forward to the new set. Best wishes.
Lindi says
Toni–First, that Deck the Shelves cover is beautiful. And I voted to give Mrs. Williams her own story—give the readers what they want! Looks like you might have a busy few months!
Toni Shiloh says
Christmas is a really great time of year, isn’t it?!
Toni Shiloh says
Thank you, Renate!
Toni Shiloh says
Thank you, Lindi! It’s one of my favorite covers and thanks for voting!
Trisha says
I voted for a Christmas story for Mrs Williams! ❤️
Toni Shiloh says
Thanks for your vote!
Megan says
I enjoy Christmas novellas because they help you get into the Christmas spirit but don’t take too long to read. I think what I enjoy most is when the characters realize what’s important in life, God and family.
Toni Shiloh says
Yes! I love those realizations too.
Trudy says
The main thing, other than a good romance at Christmas, is that it has to tell the Christmas story, whether they attend a performance at a church, go to a live Nativity, as long as the true Christmas story is in it, I’m happy!!!
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
I love Christmas novellas. :)
Marylin Furumasu says
Morning Toni!
I love Christmas books and yours are wonderful! I loved the collection last year and look forward to the one for this year.
I’m not quite thinking Christmas right now, however, I know it will get here faster than I imagine.
Have fun writing and listening to Christmas music!
Toni Shiloh says
Good to know!
Toni Shiloh says
Me too!
Toni Shiloh says
Thanks, Marylin!
Kelley Blair says
I love to read anything Christmas.
Toni Shiloh says
Good to know!
Kerri Norrod says
I love Christmas novellas with descriptions of Christmas decorations,lights. and setting.
Perrianne Askew says
I think a Christmas novella is a good idea. A little shorter during the holiday is good. It must contain at least some snow, because we really don’t have snow here.
Caitlyn Santi says
Your Christmas novellas are amazing Toni! I can’t wait to read this year’s ones! ❤️😍
Toni Shiloh says
Thanks!
Toni Shiloh says
Yes! Snow is a must imo.
Toni Shiloh says
Thank you, Caitlyn!
Allyson Anthony says
Mrs. Williams needs her own story! Christmas novellas are awesome.
Toni Shiloh says
Thanks for the vote!
Lincoln says
I really enjoyed last years retelling box set. I’m a sucker for a good retelling! As for this year? I say go with your heart and your schedule! :):)
Toni Shiloh says
Thanks, Lincoln!
Ausjenny says
I love Christmas stories cos it gives a glimpse how others celebrate. I love reading Christmas stories set in the snow as it is summer in Australia and it sounds magical. (not that I want to experience one cos I like Summer). I have read a few where they characters to another country or destination which is fun too.
What I would love to see is a Christmas story set in Hawaii.
Linda Herold says
It is always fun to read a feel good Christmas story!
Kathy Schnitz says
I love Christmas stories and read them all year long. I love the description of decorations, different traditions, and definitely need the meaning of Christmas somehow in the book.
denise says
I love Christmas stories with lots of traditions honored–even quirky ones unique to characters’ families.
Pam Whorwell says
I love reading about the characters Christmas traditions.
Toni Shiloh says
A story in Hawaii would be awesome!
Toni Shiloh says
Agreed!
Toni Shiloh says
I love reading the descriptions of decorations too.
Toni Shiloh says
Quirky ones are great!
Toni Shiloh says
Thanks for the suggestion!
Susanne says
Christmas stories are always fun!
Jessica B. says
I would enjoy hearing about the character’s traditions and favorite ornaments.
Sheila Lee says
You are a new-to-me author but I love Christmas stories! My favorite part is the holiday itself because I believe Christmas is a magical holiday where anything is possible.
Natalya Lakhno says
Christmas…YES! Any time of the year! I’m still listening Christmas music! I love everything about Christmas ❤️
Melynda says
I’m currently reading Once Upon A Christmas right now! So far I’m enjoying it a lot.
ToniShiloh says
Agreed
ToniShiloh says
Same
ToniShiloh says
Yes!
ToniShiloh says
Christmas music ? :)
ToniShiloh says
I’m so glad!
Lori R says
I like novellas and please give Mrs. Williams her own story. I love to read Christmas stories that are full of hope and romance, maybe a nice fire, decorating the tree, baking cookies…