Writing Romance That Feels Like Christmas ✨❤️
This week on Writes4Women, guest host Mary Lou Stephens sits down with Mary-Anne O’Connor to talk about her new novel Merry Christmas — a delightful holiday romance that whisks readers away to a picturesque English village. A departure from O’Connor’s usual Australian historicals, this story is her tenth book and a fresh, festive leap into the holiday season. From storytelling about family legacies to capturing a white Christmas wonderland, Mary-Anne brings a heartwarming take on romance and resilience.
🍿 At the bottom of the post there’s also a bonus extra video for paid subscribers! A sneak peek of Pam’s own Christmas novella.
Here are the top three takeaways from Mary Lou’s interview with Mary-Anne:
After years of writing Australian historical novels, Mary-Anne took a leap with Mary Christmas, an escapist romance set in an English winter wonderland. Inspired by her love of classic Christmas films and the joy of festive romance, Mary-Anne crafted a story rich in seasonal charm and heartfelt themes, exploring themes like love, sacrifice, and the courage of choosing romance without losing oneself.
Takeaway for Writers: Reinvention can be a wonderful spark for creativity. If you’ve been working on intense projects or heavy themes, a break to explore new styles or lighter genres can re-energise your creative spirit.
While Mary Christmas is an unabashed love story, it’s not without substance. The novel explores the historical struggle for women to balance love and career, with the protagonist Mary facing hard choices that echo the early suffragette movement. This story acknowledges the sacrifices of women in the past and connects them to the journeys women still navigate today.
Takeaway for Writers: Romance novels can serve as powerful vehicles for exploring meaningful themes. Don’t be afraid to infuse your love stories with real struggles and depth, making them resonate more authentically with readers.
Mary-Anne’s career was deeply inspired by her father, Kevin Best, OAM who left his career to become a successful artist, showing her that creative dreams are worth pursuing. This belief in creative fulfilment shines through her writing. Her new novel also pays homage to her family with a blend of fictional and real-life inspiration, creating an intimate connection for readers who value family legacies and the magic of Christmas.
Takeaway for Writers: Family stories and legacies can provide endless material and emotional resonance. Reflecting on your own connections to past generations can add depth and warmth to your characters’ lives.
This episode is a perfect listen for anyone looking to dive into the magic of Christmas through storytelling, with inspiring insights on love, family, and creative reinvention.
Happy writing! 🎉
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Curious about what it takes to bring a Christmas romance to life?
In this special Substack video, Pam reads an exclusive excerpt from the first chapter of Country Farm Christmas. You’ll meet Bridget, a down-to-earth heroine navigating life on the farm, single motherhood, and the unexpected announcement of a holiday visit from her parents. This lighthearted yet heartfelt story blends family dynamics, a dash of humour, and the Christmas spirit into a tale that Pam hopes you’ll find both endearing and relatable.
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