If you remember, I set out to participate in Nanowrimo again this year for the first time in ages. Needless to say, I wasn't sure how it was going to work. After all, I hadn't found time to write much of anything this whole year. How was I going to do it during one of the busiest months?
But I had this story idea about a Cinderella re-telling in my head and it needed to get out. So, I signed up. Maybe just saying I was going to do Nanowrimo would make it happen.
And of course I upped the word count I wanted to achieve in 30 days, because I'm insane. But it's okay. Because you see that picture up above? It's part of the screen you get when you "win" Nanowrimo. I saw that screen on November 22nd. That's right. I hit 50,000 words 8 days before I had to.

What's a Christmas story without children? Obviously it can be done, but are they as much fun? I don't think so.
Needless to say, all of my Christmas stories have ended up having children involved. A few years ago, in the Candy Cane Wishes collection, my hero was a single dad dealing with his tween and her attitude. This year, my Christmas story, Mama Dated Santa, has Mark. He's the nephew of Trudy, my heroine. And he's a fun-loving four-year-old who adores Santa. Because that's a really fun age at Christmas.
Some neat facts: I also have a nephew named Mark, but he's no longer four, so except for the name, there's not much else in common with the one in my book. The man I call Santa now is also named Mark. See how that all works?

Last Friday, I got to do something very special. I returned to the campus where I attended college and spoke to a class of English majors. This made me so happy.
You see, years ago, when I was a student, another author came to speak to one of my classes. And she became a mentor, steering me in the right direction, and helping me meet people who would later become my publishers. And since becoming a published author, I have so many other authors help me figure things out and learn. I wouldn't be where I am today without all those people who shared their knowledge and experience. To be able to share at least a little of that with others is an amazing feeling.

When I think of Christmas, two flavors come to mind. Peppermint and gingerbread.
I'm sure some people want to include eggnog in there too, but it's not one I prefer. 
Needless to say, when writing a Christmas novel, there was going to be some seasonal flavors mixed in. Of course, I don't think I realized Trudy was going to run away with one of them. That's right. My characters sometimes take over my stories.
You see, Trudy loves peppermint. To the point that she puts it in her hot chocolate and her coffee. And her truffles. And decorates in that theme too. She just can't help herself.

Today, I'm introducing you to one of my publishing family. Debbi Migit has some really neat stories to tell, and I think you're going to enjoy getting to know her. Make sure you read all the way to the end to learn more about her newest book, releasing this month.

Debbi, congrats on the release of the third book in your series. What made you start writing mysteries?

I wrote my first mystery in 7th grade. Every day I sat by the window in math class staring at an abandoned house across the railroad tracks. I wrote a story about thieves using the house as a base to move stolen merchandise. They placed an old flower pot on the right side of the front porch and when they had items to sell, they moved the pot to the left to alert their buyers. Hopefully, my plotting has improved since then! 


I know you live in Illinois, so why did you choose to set your series in Montana?

I wanted to write a contemporary story set near an abandoned gold rush town. When I discovered Bannack. Montana, I knew I was home. Dillon, Montana is a real town about thirty minutes down the mountain from Bannack. I anchored the fictional town of Justice between those two places. The more I learn about Montana the more I would love to live there. I’ve always been a cowgirl at heart and mountains are my happy place. I’m hoping to visit the area soon, for research, of course 😊

When I started writing Mama Dated Santa, I didn't have a ton of direction. Mostly what I knew was the title and that my main characters were both well, not into the holiday spirit. But as I got to know Trudy, I realized she had been at one point. Then, I just had to figure out what ruined it for her. Of course, with her mom being a widow, it was pretty obvious it was going to have something to do with her dad.
Okay, so then I started exploring her relationship with her Dad. Sure, he loved Christmas. But what made it so special to do Christmas with him? Then, she let me know about their bucket lists.
(Yes. My characters talk to me.)
​So, what is a holiday bucket list?