Writer Marian P. Merritt On Christmas Reading

Marian, welcome to my Christmas series of Writers on Reading. I’ve been looking forward to these interviews like—well, excuse the cliché—but a kid at Christmas! So with your recent Christmas story, The Christmas Bells Of Cavazzale, having released December 1, 2015, what is your favorite part about a Christmas-themed story?

My favorite part is seeing how different families (even fictional ones) celebrate Christmas and getting a glimpse into their feelings about the holiday.

Oh, wow! I love that. What a great way to look at it. So what do you look for when selecting a Christmassy novel or novella to cozy up with this month?

I look for stories set in new and fun locations with characters who have interesting backgrounds and occupations.

I don’t know about you, but many of us associate this season with traditional baking. I don’t think a 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?

I love writing about things that are traditional foods for the characters—not the boring plain traditional but dishes that give me a glimpse into the personality of the characters.

From your books—where the Bijou Meets The Mountains—I’m sure those dishes are very

interesting! Is there an element of these books that you’d feel cheated if it wasn’t there?

Not really. Because many of my stories are set in South Louisiana, the weather is not the traditional Christmas weather. So I’m open to anything the author puts in. One thing that I always enjoy is when family reconciliations or togetherness is showcased.

Yes, that is lovely—very part of the Christmas spirit. So how about something special you like to add to your Christmas stories?

I like to add a little something fun. Be it one character teasing another, a food item that is a little “out there,” or just an unlikely visitor showing up.

As far back as you remember, what was the first Christmas-related fiction story you read or had read to you?

A Cajun Night Before Christmas.

Okay, I’m grinning. That is just so perfect—so YOU! Is there a Christmas book you like to share with your children or grandchildren?

The Night Before Christmas and A Cajun Night Before Christmas

What is on your Christmas fiction to-read list this year?

I usually read several of Pelican Book Group’s Christmas Extravaganza Books. The Pelican Authors always do a great job in writing wonderful Christmas stories.

And what is your ideal Christmas reading experience? Short, warm, and encouraging stories with happy endings.

We’ll have to look in to those. Over the years, has any Christmas novel or novella really stuck with you that you’d like to share with our readers?

I loved Carla Rossi’s DR. NOAH AND THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY. A sweet romance with a happy ending.

And is there one you’re looking forward to rereading?

Not any that I’d re-read. I am looking forward to reading the new batch coming this

Christmas!

Thanks for visiting with us, Marian. Folks, you can continue to connect with Marian, and find out more about her books at the links below her bio.
 

Marian Pellegrin Merritt writes stories that blend her love of the mountains with her deep Southern roots. Her tagline, Where the Bayous Meets the Mountains, grew from both loves. She is the author of, Deep Freeze Christmas, A Cajun Christmas Miracle, Southern Fried Christmas, The Vigil and her latest release, The Moon Has No Light.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Women's Fiction Writers Association.

This Louisiana native writes from the Northwest Colorado home she shares with her husband and a very spoiled Labradoodle.

Connect with her through Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter,  Marian P. Merritt's Readers Group

Buy links to Marian’s Books: http://www.marianmerritt.com/#!/cnec

Marian P. Merritt

Website Buy Page Link: http://www.marianmerritt.com/#!books/cnec