Amber, welcome
to my Christmas series of Writers on Reading. As I’ve said, I’ve been looking
forward to these interviews like—well, excuse the cliché—but a kid at
Christmas! Your Biblical Christmas story, The
Swaddling Clothes, recently rereleased and offers a unique twist to the
traditional-style Christmas stories. What is your favorite part about a
Christmas-themed story?
Thank you so much for having me!
I love Christmas stories because they have the unique
ability to bring the spirit of Christmas to life. Somehow, stories can take the
warmth and happiness of Christmas, weave it onto the page and right into the
heart of the reader.
What a
beautiful answer! That’s a delightful way of looking at it. So…what do you look
for when selecting a Christmassy novel or novella to cozy up with this month?
I enjoy Christmas stories that are clean, tug at your
heart, and have a really unique concept to them. For example, one of my
favorite Christmas stories of all time is The
Christmas Shoes. It's one of those stories you don't easily forget.
I don’t know
about you, but many of us associate this season with traditional baking. I
don’t think a traditional Christmas novel would be complete without those
special scents floating around in your head. What are your favorite Christmas
goodies to read or write about?
Anything spicy. I love the cinnamon, clove, citrus. Ginger,
and molasses smell of Christmas, and I'm instantly transported there when I
find these in books. Unfortunately, that wasn't part of the first Christmas, so
I didn't get to write it into my scenes. lol.
Very true,
make me laugh. Is there an element of these books that you’d feel cheated if it
wasn’t there? Or something special you like to add to a Christmas story?
The true spirit of Christmas must be there. To me,
that means sacrifice, giving, and family.
Again,
beautifully answered, Amber! Says a lot for your Christmas story. As far back
as you remember, what was the first Christmas-related fiction story you read or
had read to you? Is there a Christmas book you like to share with children? Do
you have any other special Christmas reading memories?
Wow, I haven't thought about those stories in forever!
The first ones I remember are the classic books The Tin Soldier and Twelve
Days of Christmas. I loved the story of the Tin Soldier. Actually, I think I'm going to log onto Amazon and
purchase a copy. The youngsters in my house probably haven't heard that one
since our old book fell apart years ago.
How very
special. I’m so glad to have brought up an old memory—and one you can share
with us and with the children in your life. The
Tin Soldier will always invoke Christmassy thoughts of a luscious ballet to me. So, other than The
Tin Soldier—grin—what is on your Christmas fiction to-read list this year?
And what is your ideal Christmas reading experience?
I love to curl up before the fire with a blanket and a
cup of hot coffee, chocolate, or cider with a good book. It's best if it's
snowing outside too. ;)
On my TBR for this year is the rest of The Christmas Traditions series (I read
two or three of them last year.), Christmas
at Harmony Hill and The Christmas
Wish by Susan J. Reinhardt.
Sounds like a
delightful reading experience and a good reading list ahead for you. Over the
years, has any Christmas novel or novella really stuck with you that you’d like
to share with our readers? And is there one you’re looking forward to
rereading?
The
Fruitcake Challenge and Where Treetops Glisten. I read those
last year, and am hoping to revisit them this season.
How fun! Thanks
for visiting with us, Amber. It’s so fun getting to know the writers as
readers. Folks, you can continue to connect with Amber—and discover more about
her stories!—at the links below her bio.
BIO: Multi-published author Amber Schamel
writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for
history, books, and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers
call “historical fiction at its finest”. A homeschool graduate from a family of
twelve children, Amber found her calling early in life. First published at age twenty-one,
she has continued to hone her craft and is now the author of over half a dozen
books. Between ministry, family, and working in their family-owned businesses,
Amber loves to connect with readers. Find her on the Stitches Thru Time blog,
or on any of the major social media site. Amber is a member of American
Christian Fiction Writers and the Historical Novel Society.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel
Twitter: @AmberSchamel
Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/AmberDSchamel/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073165.Amber_Schamel
Twitter: @AmberSchamel
Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/AmberDSchamel/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073165.Amber_Schamel
PURCHASE AND
CONNECTION LINKS:
The Swaddling
Clothes
Thank you for hosting me, Deidre!
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome, Amber! It was a delight to get to share your Christmas reading stories!!! :)
ReplyDelete