Come Meet Holiday Writer- Anne Holly!

I Swear I Didn’t Plan This!

Anne Holly

I am a “holiday writer”. I didn’t plan it that way, but a number of people have remarked how great my name is for my holiday books. I swear, it wasn’t a master plan. I didn’t get into writing romance so I could specialize in holiday books simply because of my name.

Though, I must admit, it’s turned out great for me, this coincidence.

The first novel I had accepted was a snowy winter romance set in Canada’s North, Strings Attached. It isn’t a Christmas book, but it does partially take place during the season. It never occurred to me the connection with my name – I was just telling a story. Then, in the fall of 2010, I realized I should write a Christmas romance since the holiday was approaching, so next came Unwrapping Scrooge. I’ve always loved redemption-of-a-Scrooge stories, so it seemed natural to write it. Then came another Christmas story, Good for the Goose, which brought about a contract for four more holiday-themed stories in a series, including a New Years story, Bubbly. Well, as they say, the rest is history.

No, it wasn’t intentional – I just went along, writing stories I would like to read, as a romance fan.

This is why all the Christmas stories – I love them as a reader. I’m not a huge holiday junky, really. In fact, I hate shopping and the expense of the holidays, and I can’t stand travelling, especially at the same time as everyone else. I like snow, but there’s a limit to that, I admit. I love holiday lights and the cheerfulness of it all, I grant, but even I can get the bah-humbugs. But, I do love the romances that come out for Christmas. Heart warming stories of family, and love, and home, and hearth – beautiful stories, and I’ve loved every holiday vacation I have spent in my pajamas under a quilt reading these lovely books.

And this is what I want for Christmas – I want to know that there is someone out there, sighing happily, reading about Kale’s change of heart in Unwrapping Scrooge, or Tasha’s reawakening after her heartbreaking divorce in Good for the Goose, or Theo’s melting heart in Strings Attached, or Beth’s second chance at life in Bubbly… Or any of my stories. If one of you out there uses one of my books to bring you a little holiday R&R, then I have had my gift. Thank you.

So, happy holidays from an accidental holiday writer to you, the romance readers that make this all possible. Have a wonderful New Year and I’ll see you at Valentine’s!

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Anne Holly is a Canadian writer of romance and erotic-romance, as well as a mother and teacher. She is the author of the novel Strings Attached, which was described by The Romance Reviews as “a classic contemporary romance.” She has been published by Wild Horse Press, Decadent Publishing and Rebel Ink Press, and in 2012 by Pink Petal Books. Anne’s work is characterized by its unusual heroes, sweet/spicy balance, witty dialogue, responsible citizenship, and its positive, optimistic nature. She has found a particular niche in holiday romance. You may visit Anne at her blog or website, or find her on GoodReads, Facebook and Twitter  (@anneholly2010). Sign up for her newsletter here. Email her at anneholly2010@gmail.com.