Tag: Christmas books

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap For December

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Featuring…

Effective Platform Building for Novelists

Janyre Tromp, a developmental and acquisitions editor for Kregel Publications by day and a bestselling historical novelist by night, joins us to share key ways for novelists to build an effective platform. If you’re overwhelmed by all the platform-building advice swirling around the internet, then you’re going to appreciate Janyre’s advice on the best places to spend your time and money.

Watch the December 6th replay.

Janyre Tromp. has worked in the CBA industry for almost 25 years, spending time in both marketing and editorial. Currently she is a developmental and acquisitions editor for Kregel Publications by day. At night she is a bestselling historical novelist who loves spinning tales that, at their core, hunt for beauty, even when it isn’t pretty. Her books have been described as lyrical suspense and are available wherever books are sold. You can find her on all social media platforms as @janyretromp and her website, www.JanyreTromp.com (where you can download a FREE copy of her novella Wide Open).

Writers Chat Christmas Party

Join our community as we celebrate the holidays with a Christmas Carol game, recipes, poems and songs, writerly inspiration, and sharing. We are grateful for everyone who accompanies us on this crazy journey where God uses our creative talents to write for His glory.

Watch the December 13th replay.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Mastering Middle Grade

Just For Fun-The Christmas Book Title Game

 Christmas is my favorite. I adore everything about it. I love the decorating, the baking, gathering with friends and family, but I especially love reflecting on the mystery and wonder that is the birth of Christ.

I’ve often thought about writing a Christmas middle grade book, but every time I think about it, I recall the advice an editor shared at a writing conference several years ago: the first book you sell won’t be a seasonal book.

It sounds harsh, but it’s true. Debut authors are no match for established names when it comes to selling holiday books.

That doesn’t mean we debut and pre-published authors can’t have a little fun, though.

Get out the hot cocoa (or eggnog, your choice), turn on your favorite Christmas playlist, and let’s create some Christmas book titles. Pick your favorite formula:

1. Ye Olde School Christmas Words

This technique is straightforward – combine your favorite Christmas-y or Wintery adjective with a Christmas-y or Wintery Noun and voila!

Example: The (Christmas-y Adjective) (Christmas-y Noun)->The Sparkly Mistletoe

2. Music-Palooza

Put your own twist on your favorite Christmas carol lyric or Christmas song title and see what happens.

Example – lyric

(From Let it Snow!) Oh, the weather outside is frightful ->Hey, Look at the Blizzard!

Example – title

Carol of the Bells -> Tune of the Tinsel

3. Furry and Feathered Friends to the Rescue

Have you noticed that in popular culture Christmas always requires saving? Maybe these stories are intended to be allegoric – Christ was born to save us, after all. Anyway. There’s a certain sweetness to the “fluffy woodland creature saves the day” tale, so here’s another way to generate a Christmas title.

Example: (Adjective) (Animal) (Verb) (Noun)-> Jingly Hamster Salvages the Cocoa

Play around with these and see what sparks your imagination. Write your favorites and file them away for the day when you’ve got a few books published. Then eager publishers will be happy to share your holiday gems with the world.

Until then, Merry Christmas to you and yours, and a blessed 2023!

When Kelli McKinney and her family aren’t exploring national parks, she can be found sipping cinnamon tea, struggling to keep houseplants alive, or chucking a toy across the backyard for her English Mastiff. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her graduate degree in radio/tv/film from the University of North Texas. She enjoyed an eclectic-yet-fulfilling career in corporate marketing before wandering off to be a writer. Now, she is a part-time copywriter and blogger, a full-time mom, and a children’s author. JEFF PENNANT’S FIELD GUIDE TO RAISING HAPPY PARENTS is her debut novel. She can be reached through her website for events, visits, and questions at www.kellimckinney.com. 

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Kids Lit

Christmas Needs Help!

Kids Lit

Ever since the Grinch stole into our holidays in 1957, authors have been spinning the “How xxx Christmas” tales. Take an unlikely hero and save the day! It’s holiday magic!

 How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss (Random House)

Unicorn and the Rainbow Poop Save Christmas by Emma Adams (Scholastic)

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: A First for Gus by Sherry Roberts  (Lee Press)

The Tinysaurs Save Christmas by Patricia Hegarty (Tiger Tales)

Little Bird Finds Christmas by Marianne Richmond (Jabberwocky)

 How Winston Delivered Christmas by Alex T. Smith (Silver Dolphin)

Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares (Candlewick)

How to Hide a Lion at Christmas by Helen Stephens (Henry Holt)

Elbow Grease Saves Christmas by John Cena (Random House)

How Winston Came Home for Christmas by Alex T. Smith (Silver Dolphin)

 How the Villains Ruined Christmas by Serena Valentino (Disney Press)

 Dachshund Through The Snow by Michelle Medlock Adams (Endgame Press)

How the Crayons Saved Christmas by Monica Sweeney (Sky Pony)

 Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin (Scholastic)

How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? by Jane Yolen (Blue Sky Press)

 So how do we get our “How to xxx Christmas” books on the 2025 publishers’ lists? 

WHERE?

Snow is not always in the weather forecast for December 25! Our northern hemisphere Christmas visions are based on European traditions, but Christmas comes worldwide and through time.

  • Thailand
  • South Africa
  • Australia 
  • Underwater
  • The far future
  • Prehistoric times

How does the change in location impact how Santa dresses, who pulls the sleigh, and what they eat for Christmas dinner?

WHO? 

Christmas-saving protagonists are unlikely but possess a unique talent.

  • Wombats dig deep tunnels.
  • Prairie dogs communicate and do “The Wave.”
  • Plumed Basilisks walk on top of the water.
  • Dung beetles roll up to 10 times their weight. 
    • Hummingbirds fly backward.
  • Bats use sounds to guide them in the dark.

WHAT?

Our spunky protagonists need an insurmountable obstacle to overcome!

  • Blizzard
  • Air pollution
  • Monsoon
  • Living in a new place 
  • Monsters
  • People who don’t believe in Santa!

AND A TWIST…

We need to know enough about the one who saves Christmas to care about the struggle and cheer for victory.

Has the protagonist been an outcast from the group, mocked for his size or lack of ability?

Does our protagonist display courage, compassion, or creativity? Will there be unlikely helpers or encouragers along the way?

What obstacles will cause failure (usually 2 times) and then be overcome by the unique skill?

Then a sprinkle of Santa’s magic and we take flight!

PS: Do let me know if you manage “How Dung Beetle Saved Christmas in South Africa!”

Preview(opens in a new tab)

Award Winning author Robin Currie learned story sharing by sitting on the floor, in library story times. She has sold 1.7 M copies of her 40 storybooks and writes stories to read and read again! Robin is the author of the Baby Bible series of board books, including The Baby Bible Christmas Storybook.

Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

The Six Reads of Middle Grade Christmas

One of the things I love most about writing for young readers is reading books written for middle grade readers. Christmas is a perfect time to reflect on treasured stories.  Here are six of my favorites (in no particular order). Give them a look and maybe you’ll find one you haven’t read.

1) A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens 

This classic tale of a man who learns giving is more important than receiving is a must-read.

2) How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss

This story is a lovely reminder that joy isn’t found in material things, but in the love we share.

3) The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson

The Herdman children’s hilarious and moving awakening to the beauty of the Christmas story is one that stands the test of time.

4) The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry

A beautiful tale of sacrificial love that is a perfect complement to the Christmas season.

5) The Third Gift, by Linda Sue Park and Bagram Ibatoulline

A uniquely striking tale of the birth of Christ told from the perspective of a myrrh merchant.

6) Saint Nicholas – The Real Story of the Christmas Legend, by Julie Stiegemeyer and Chris Ellison

The most historically accurate (and gorgeously illustrated) telling of the man whose faith in God inspired him to a life of generous work.

What are some of your favorite Christmas books for young readers? Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas season and a healthy, productive 2020.

Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.

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Writers Chat

Favorite Christmas Books & Films

Enjoy this Writers Chat, when we share our favorite Christmas stories. You’ll learn behind the scenes info that will inspire and energize your writing!

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Writers Chat

Children’s Christmas Picture Books with Jill Roman Lord

Have a children’s book idea simmering? Jill Lord shares how you can transform those dreams into published picture books that will delight children and the parents who read to them…again…and again…

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