It’s that time again, when even procrastinating authors like me are thinking about writing something for the holidays. (The smart authors are already finished and laughing at us.)

Personally, I can’t think Christmassy thoughts when it’s sweltering hot outside. (Although if the next month doesn’t go well, Australia’s down-under Christmas might gain some real appeal.)

I’m a fan of all kinds of holiday stories from the achingly sweet to the painfully angsty, from a short moment in time with favorite characters, to an extended novel. And I’ve written most of them, although purely sweet is not my strong suit.

Last year, I ended up doing a short meet-cute freebie that included bullets flying, and the hint of an HFN. (Incidentally you can download Shooting Star here: https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/a8m47fEr )

This year, I’m working on a story for a multi-author event I’m not allowed to promo yet 🙂 Although this was supposed to be another shortie, it’s now over 30K and not close to done… oops. It’s got some angst, and hopefully some sweetness to it. Not sure in what proportions yet.

But part of the fun of Holiday stories is the variety. I’m reading a few right now, partly to get in the mood, and partly as a general distraction in stressful times. So if you have a story that’s a year round favorite, let me know. Some of my favs that I read out of season include Amy Lane’s Christmas Kitsch, Eli Easton’s A Prairie Dog’s Love Song, Harper Fox’s Life After Joe, Hannah Johnson’s funny Know Not Why, Heidi Cullinan’s Minnesota Christmas series, and Jim Grimsley’s Comfort and Joy.

As the weather turns colder, flirting with frost and snow here in Minnesota, I both want to pretend winter is not approaching, and to embrace a season of goodwill early. And to finish my story, dammit. 🙂

– Kaje Harper

October 2020