S.A. Garcia's Mutterings, Whimpers and Rants

S.A. Garcia's Mutterings, Whimpers and Rants. World Domination by 2020. Or 2025. Probably never.

Friday, December 13, 2013

My Christmas Present to You: Three Novels!


Holiday stories do not come easily to this cynical old gal. In fact, last year was the first time I submitted a story for Dreamspinner’s Advent calendar anthology. My futuristic story was set in a homeless shelter run by a gay pastor who thinks he’s loosing his mind, but by the end of the story, a few miracles happen.

I was stunned and delighted when “The Colors of Pastor Saul” was accepted for publication. I love my Dreamspinner editors.

Upon release, quite a few easily upset souls complained about the story. Too “sad” too “dark”, too “unsettling”… but wait, I thought, what about the miracles? Certain readers didn’t want to read about miracles in a homeless shelter, not for Christmas. These delicate readers wanted holiday trees and pretty lights…wait, I did feature those items in my story. Hmm. Maybe the specter of Death during Christmas upset readers. Cue Dickens. Obviously the oh-so-sensitive souls had never bothered to read Dickens.

Snarky? Me? Absolutely. I don’t tolerate ignorance and wanting intellect.

Back in March, I attempted to write a cheerful Christmas story set in 1947 Cornwell. Suddenly the trauma of World War 2 seeped into the celebration. I gave up and gently placed the story in storage.

When I saw RJ Scott’s invitation to submit a story to her “Christmas Delights” anthology, I said what the hell, I’ll give this holiday story game another shot. This time I selected nice hot sex as the story’s centerpiece. No trauma, no lurking death… there’s sex, voyeurism, snow, sweat, surprises, and a 1966 cherry red Mustang convertible named Sheila. When I feature a car in a story, I need to name her something fun.

There you go. I have discovered the ability to write a cheerful holiday story. OK, yes, there’s a little trauma, but it’s resolved in a blink.

To prove my holiday cheer, I’m giving away a holiday present of three novels: Cupid Knows Best, The Gospel According to Cher and Love in the Shadows. I’ll even throw in a copy of “The Colors of Pastor Saul.”

Your task is simple: recommend a great holiday story to me  and end the post with the Mustang's name.  *snicker*

Good luck!

My partner Professor Sandy will pick the winner on Sunday night.

Also, hop over to RJ’s blog for the chance to win great RJ-related prizes!


PS: By the way, the Cornwell story is coming out of storage. I think I found a happy ending. I'm trying, kittens, yes I am.

6 comments:

  1. I only have one Christmas story, but I love it. The Dickens With Love. Sheila. :)
    aelnova@aol.com

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    1. Thanks! I hope to amass stories to read to make me understand the genre.

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  2. The Christmas Throwaway by R.J. Scott is, of course, a classic. I also really enjoyed Something Sweet by Megan Derr. It's a free short, and just absolutely sweet. In fact, I think I need to re-read it right now. :)

    Sheila!
    ashley.vanburen[at]gmail[dot]com

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  3. If you are looking to "amass" Christmas stories this list contains so of my very favourite ones:

    Amy Lane’s Christmas Kitsch, Christmas With Danny Fit, Turkey in the Snow and one of my favourites If I Must

    Men Under The Mistletoe anthology with
    My True Love Gave to Me by Ava March
    Winter Knights by Harper Fox
    Lone Star by Josh Lanyon
    The Christmas Proposition by K.A. Mitchell

    His for the Holidays anthology with
    Mistletoe at Midnight by LB Gregg
    Nine Lights Over Edinburgh by Harper Fox
    I Heard Him Exclaim by Z.A. Maxfield
    Icecapade by Josh Lanyon

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    1. oops...kalimar2010 @ gmail.com

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    2. I can't believe I forgot about this... Prof Sandy declared you the winner.

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