First, I’m thrilled to share with you that the
World Romance Writers first holiday anthology is now available for $0.99 on Amazon. http://a.co/bXwKeiq
Five enchanting novelettes in Holiday Magic will sweep you away and warm your heart!
~*~
While outlining a romantic suspense
that was inspired on a skiing trip last year, it occurred to me that although each
season has unique features to enhance a story, winter has loads of them. Here
are a few ~~ can you add more?
Avalanche
Icy Roads
Snowfall & Icicles
Blizzard
Hibernation
Frozen Lakes/Rivers
Cars Not Starting or Getting
Stuck
Ice Skating/Skiing/Apres-ski/Mulled
Wine
Snowboarding, Sledding, Cross-Country
Skiing
Problems with a Ski Lift
Seeking the Perfect Christmas
Tree in a Forest
Building a Snowman/Snow Woman/Snow
Children
Drinking Hot Cocoa with
Marshmallows, Eggnog
Setting a Fire in the Fireplace
Watching Flames Crackle in the
Grate
Howling Winds Whipping Around
the Building in a Winter Storm
Being Snowbound
Winter Solstice/Winter Festivals/Traditions of Many Cultures
Festivals of Light/Religious Traditions
Nearly Freezing To Death When
Stranded in Sub-Zero Weather
Aurora Borealis ~~ Northern
Lights
Shopping for Christmas Gifts
Toys for Young and Old
The Magic of Believing in Magic
Soups & Stews, Hearty Food
to Warm Body and Soul
Snowmobiling
Night Skiing With Torches
Making Snow Angels
Being Cornered by a Bear or
Other Hungry Wild Animals
Weather and location -- like an isolated cabin high on a snow-covered mountainside -- can set a brooding, intense tone in a winter story. A deadly winter storm can be as alive as
any two-legged character, with apparent emotions and intentions. Timing kicks in, with a race against the clock not to freeze or to get ahead of a storm. There are endless combinations.
~*~
While the holidays are happy
times for many people, others are depressed, lonely and even in despair. Many
families have lost loved ones around the holidays, and the echo of that loss
returns every winter. If you know someone who is
suffering or lonely, think about opening your home and hearth to them this
holiday season. It may gift you with richly rewarding memories.
This is my last blog post for
the year, so let me thank each of you for enriching my life in 2016, and a special thank you to those who supported my efforts by buying my books. I wish you Happy Holidays, wherever you are
in the world!
Have you ever written a story based in
winter that utilized landscape or weather as a character? If so, please share
more about it with us!
GEMMA JULIANA has traveled the world, and believes exotic international
settings can add extra spice to a story. As an eternal matchmaker, it brings
her great joy to create love stories where two hearts end up beating as one. She
is at home in Texas these days, where she shares a cozy cottage with her true
love, teen son, and a crafty dog who rules them all. Her muse is nourished with
the finest fuel for creativity – chocolate and coffee.
Visit
Gemma’s website to see what she’s written and what’s coming soon. Sign up for
her newsletter to receive occasional special offers and participate in fun events.
I've used a horrible snow storm and the memories of a past holiday in my story. Today I'm sitting at home because my job was cancelled due to the foot of snow which fell yesterday. It's both a blessing and a curse. I wanted to work and will miss the kids but I am terrified of driving in bad weather. Today I'll use to get other things done, safe at home.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't add anything to your list. You're right that winter presents lots of story ideas. I have a novella set during a January nor-easter at the Delaware beach. My couple is stranded together, along with 2 cats. I love your story in Holiday Magic.
ReplyDeleteHow about adding 'searching for and bringing in the Yule log' to your list? Old fashioned, but still done in England.....
ReplyDeleteBe safe and snuggle up at home today, Melissa. I'm sure there are plenty of things to keep you busy at home so close to the holidays. :)
ReplyDeleteCara, I'm so glad you enjoyed To Kiss A Prince. Thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of your novella... stranded at a beach during a nor-easter presents lots of great tension opportunities. Hmmm, I wonder how those 2 cats feature in the plot? I may need to read the story to find out...
Jean, that's a lovely addition to the list, and can make for a very romantic scene. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat Post. I think snow can look so romantic, but one of my Christmas stories happens at the beach too. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
ReplyDelete