Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
With the holiday starting tomorrow, I wanted to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving full of love and warmth.
Today, I have a very exciting Q&A to share with you all. I got to sit down with Melissa Sneed Wilson and talk to her about her newest book, "Reclaiming Christmas."
This novel is the perfect Christmastime story! It's described as a romance movie in a book form.
During the holiday season, a cynical economic consultant, grieving the loss of his parents, butts heads with a Christmas-obsessed hospital administrator over their town's annual holiday festival. As they navigate their feelings about Christmas and each other, they learn that maybe they aren't so different after all.
The book can be purchased here. It will also be on sale THIS FRIDAY for JCP's BLACK FRIDAY SALE.
Before we continue with the Q&A, I also wanted to mention that our new podcast episode this week, which comes out every single Friday, will feature a more in-depth interview with Melissa! I was so excited to get to talk with her about all things bookish, and I can't wait for everyone to hear our discussion. Our podcast, which is also called BOOKMARKED, is available on most listening platforms, including Spotify. You can visit JCP's website here for a link to the podcast.
Now, without further ado, enjoy my Q&A with Melissa!
BOOKMARKED: What is your background with writing, and what initially got you into writing?
MELISSA SNEED WILSON: I've loved to write since I was a little girl. My family moved around a lot growing up. Reading and then later writing became my happy place and sometimes an escape. Writing has always been a safe and special place for me to work through emotions and hard feelings.
I love that I get to combine my love of writing with my career. I have a background in public relations and currently work as an adjunct professor in the Department of Communications and Storytelling at East Tennessee State University. But, of course, my most important job is being a mom to my two boys.
If you could summarize the overall feel of "Reclaiming Christmas" in three words, what would you say?
Relatable. Festive. Cozy.
Who is your favorite character from "Reclaiming Christmas" and why?
This is such a hard question! I always put a piece of myself into every character I write. In "Reclaiming Christmas," I would say I mostly relate to Hannah. Her character arc deals with finding balance between work and home, holiday squabbles with her husband, and learning to forgive. I believe many women will relate to her. I know I do.
Do you ever get writer's block? If so, how do you fix it?
I absolutely get writer's block. If I get stuck, I set the timer on my phone for ten minutes and see how much I can write. I usually end up surprising myself. I also believe in the phrase, “You can’t edit a blank page,” and that helps keep me going when I get stuck as well.
Who are some of your favorite authors of all time?
I have so many. Mary Higgins Clark was the first author I fell in love with, and to this day, I love reading and re-reading her books. I admire J.K. Rowling and the world she dreamed up. I have many memories of going to the mall at midnight when a new "Harry Potter" book would be released. Debbie Macomber has been a favorite of mine for a long time, and I always enjoy her books.
Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans and supporters this holiday season?
I always appreciate anyone who takes the time to buy one of my books, especially when they tell me a certain scene or character resonates with them.
I know the holiday season can be stressful, and I hope that “Reclaiming Christmas” can be a bright spot for those balancing grief and gratitude this Christmas.
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Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this week's blog post! Again, don't forget to check out our podcast episode THIS FRIDAY featuring an in-depth chat with Melissa about her book. We had a great conversation, and you won't want to miss it.
I wanted to round out today's post with a poll for Thanksgiving!
What is your favorite thing about the Thanksgiving holiday?
Spending time with family
The food, of course
Getting to reassess everything I'm thankful for
Decorating
Allison Chudina
Editorial Assistant
Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.
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