Guest Blog: Krista Ames: When Do You Write Themed Stories?

***GIVEAWAY ALERT - CHECK BELOW!***

Why do you write themed stories...or any stories for that matter. Do you have a plan for the things you write? Honestly, this is an interesting topic to me because I've never in my life been able to plan when I'm going to write a specific story. I'm one of those in that I literally fly by the seat of my pants, mostly I think because it's what I'm used to. Having 4 kids doesn't give me much room for planning :)

This year I got lucky to get a Christmas romance novella in to my publisher at the last minute. It took me about a month to write which is good for me. I definitely had to push myself to stay on track but I usually get so frustrated because I just don't think about writing themed stories until the time is upon me.

For example, I love Halloween. During the weeks leading up to October 31st all these stories I'm seeing advertised, makes me wish I'd written one and gets the ideas churning in my brain but it'll have to be a next years submission. The only bad thing is, knowing I can't get it in until next year, I shelf it, forget about it and don't get back to it until it's too late again! Why I do this I'll never know but it really does irk me.

Besides the Christmas story that just released for this Christmas, I have had some other ideas for Holiday love stories so I'm trying to make a point to write them now so they can be ready for next year's Christmas submissions. Now If I can make myself do that for the rest of the Holidays I'd be all set.

I'm starting to see a pattern here and I think its sounding like I need to find a way to prepare myself a little better. I definitely know I can't plot out my actual stories, those usually come to me as I write but my biggest problem is not having the time to write something that has a time sensitive deadline, such as themed Holiday stories. So, I wonder if my family would think me nuts (or more nuts than they are used to) if I started playing my favorite Halloween movies in March or Christmas music in April? Maybe watching mushy Valentine love stories in October? Whatever the case, as the New Year approaches, my resolution is to plan better and maybe my book release schedule will start to pick up a bit and I'll actually be able to participate in holiday promo :) I'd be real curious to know how others handle their time with themed submissions :)

As far as promo, I'd like to share with you my newest release, Harper's Wish available now through Roane Publishing.

BLURB:
Christmas is supposed to be a joyous time of year, but for Harper Donaldson it’s just another day. Orphaned at an early age, she doesn't have a single good memory of Christmas.

But, when a Santa’s Mailbox mysteriously appears in the lobby of the post office where she works as postmistress, Harper wonders what it could hurt to send her own letter to Santa.

Could he bring her the family she’d always wanted?

BIO:
Krista Ames is a full-time author, mom and wife and resides in northern lower Michigan with her husband and 4 children. Krista loves to hear from readers feel free to drop her a note at krista@kristaames.com

***GIVEAWAY***

A Christmas goodie bag to 1 commenter who can tell me what their favorite Christmas dish is. Please leave your email address in the text box with your comment! Giveaway ends on the close of the 26th and I'll draw a winner the 27th.