Inspy Romance

Inspy Romance—Fall in Love With a Good Book

The Twelve Edits of Christmas

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I know better than to schedule deadlines in December. The holidays have enough stress without trying to finish a book. But this year I’m actually having fun with it.

My editor Christina and I met at our first writer’s conference almost fifteen years ago. She’s taught me as much about life as she has about writing, and she’s been someone I can call or text in the middle of the night if needed.

She said she’s been so busy that she wouldn’t have taken on this project for anyone else, and I’m so glad she did, because she makes the process a blast.

And now I want to share the experience with you as an early Christmas gift. It’s yet another sneak peek into the making of my upcoming romantic comedy, Husband Auditions.

I give you the 12 edits of Christmas:

1. On the first day of Christmas, my editor gave to me, a defense of her hometown.

2. On the second day of Christmas, my editor gave to me, SpongeBob’s full name.

3. On the third day of Christmas, my editor gave to me, smokin’ hot insight.

4. On the fourth day of Christmas, my editor gave to me, the understanding of thick thighs.

5. On the fifth day of Christmas, my editor took away, my right to pimp Happy Meals.

6. On the sixth day of Christmas, my editor also took, a scene location.

7. On the seventh day of Christmas, my editor took from me, another exclamation.

8. On the eight day of Christmas, my editor gave to me, the backstory of a shark.

9. On the ninth day of Christmas, my editor gave to me, praise for God’s blessings.

10. On the tenth day of Christmas, my editor gave to me, the possibility of brilliance.

11. On the eleventh day of Christmas, my editor gave to me, allowance to break the rules.

12. On the twelfth day of Christmas, my editor gave to me, my favorite endorsement.

I’m not sure that you can actually sing this song, but I’m pretty sure the words in this novel will sing, thanks to Christina. As for writing the acknowledgments, they made me bawl. I’m thankful for her, and I’m also thankful for all of you who have supported me through this process.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good rewrite.

What are you hoping to get for Christmas?

P.S. Cover reveal happening on Instagram on my birthday, December 20th. Also, I’ll also be doing my annual #FindingLove contest on Facebook that day.

Angela Ruth Strong (44 Posts)

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there's nothing else she'd rather write about. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK.


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Comments

  3. That was quite fun,and I was singing it for a while, lol! What I don’t understand is why – WHY – Christmas has become so stressful….I try to focus on the amazing birth of our Lord and less on the marketing aspect😍

    • Jim and I were talking about this lately. It’s like Christmas was magic as a kid, and now it’s our responsibility as parents to make that magic. I’m doing Advent by myself this year to really focus on Jesus, and it’s been a beautiful thing.

  5. Love this post! I can’t wait to read this book when it comes out. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

  9. I want to ask for good Health for all my family and friends. <3 I loved reading this, thank you for sharing. May you and your family have a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas.

  11. We’re praying for peace and comfort this year. Last year, we lost my wife’s sister on Christmas day. It’ll be rough but God is able. Just suspecting that the process may not be any blasted fun. :)

    The book looks like it will be an utter delight. Looking forward to it!

  12. I’m happy to just have my family together, watching Christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate!

  13. Your book sounds wonderful and fun. I hope you advise us here when it’s released.
    Your editor has a fun way of conveying constructive guidance – sweet!
    I’m simply hoping we will all remain healthy and well over the holidays. Happy Birthday, soon!

  14. I’m hoping my college kid is able to drive home tomorrow. This storm has messed up the plans. Haven’t seen him since August. That’s my Christmas wish.

  15. I love it! I can’t wait to see the cover. My husband’s birthday is the 20th, so it will be easy to remember yours. I pray it be a wonderful day for you, and a blessed year!

  16. I so want my Mom to be out of pain and home. She has several large kidney stones. She went into the hospital Wednesday before Thanksgiving. She was in ICU and septic. She was in the hospital for seven days then moved to a rehab center. She has had a few complications, but the doctor cannot crush and remove the stones until January 6. We are praying that she can find some relief.

  17. With the loss of my father recently and Covid keeping us all in lockdown, I just want a peaceful Christmas Eve (normally the biggest gathering). I, too, want to spend Christmas Day remembering all the wonderful Christmas Days we had together.

    This book sounds wonderful and I loved this post!

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