Most stories we write tend to fall into a general time frame—sure, they may happen in summer or spring, but are general enough to be written and read anytime of the year.  Occasionally though, for some fun, we get to step into the seasons and holidays when we write.  New Years, Valentine’s Day, the 4^th of July.  And we get to incorporate some of our favorite things into these special books.

The odd part about writing stories such as these though is to write in season.  Personally, I find it much easier to write about ghosts and ghoulies around Halloween or that first kiss at the stroke of Midnight around New Years.  It may sound logical, but not as easy as you think, especially longer stories.  Seasons only last so long, holidays are even shorter.  To stay in the mood, I find you need to write a bit differently than usual, at least I do.

For me, Christmas has always been a HUGE thing in my home ever since I was a little girl.  I still swear to this day I heard Santa’s bells and saw his sleigh fly overhead during a Christmas Eve caroling night when I was five.  It’s always been such a fun and colorful time of year.

While reading and singing with my own two children, I loved the thought of real reindeer games and what events might be held in them.  Being a writer, it didn’t take long for that little idea to snowball into a whole town: Noelle, Alberta.  Well, it turned out this little Christmas town was so much more—eccentric, hilarious, a little magical and full of love.  That snowball started an avalanche and now there are three stories plus a free read that will be coming out this season:  Reindeer Games, Christmas on Parole, A Cinderella Christmas and coming in December a free read, Santa’s Elves.

Now, by the time Reindeer Games fully formed in my head, it was Easter.  Listening to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer while the grass was turning green and flowers were sprouting was a little odd but it did help me stay in the mood LOL.  The next story, however, I planned a bit better and wrote it during the Christmas season—sooo much easier LOL.  I wrote it faster than I normally do for I found the threat of the ending season close on my heels and didn’t want to lose the emotions, the descriptions or the overall sense of excitement the season offered.

Writing this way is also odd because writing during one season, may mean fine tuning and editing during the off season—especially if lucky enough to get contracted.  I remember doing my final galleys on A Cinderella Christmas while sun-tanning in the back yard!

I must say though, they are some of the funnest stories I’ve written.  I think because when I do, I am full of the feelings and emotions the characters are dealing with at that time of year.  It adds a bit more reality, depth and just plain fun to the whole story.  And what I hope readers feel when they read them.

Oh, and I LOVE reading good Christmas stories this time of year too.  Delving into the season, laughing all the way!

So, tell me both mamawriters and mamareaders, what seasons do you like to write in, write about….read in, read about??