A New Opportunity

I was offered an exciting opportunity this week. Heather Blanton is putting together a historical Christmas anthology, and although my 2026 calendar is full, I couldn't pass this up — not with the chance to work alongside writers of this caliber. Besides, I happened to have a November slot open.

Now, I don't like to write short stories (1,000-7,500 words) because I like to develop the characters and plot beyond what the length allows. Since the anthology will contain about a dozen stories, each one will fit the novelette requirements (7,500-17,500 words). Over the years, I've found I enjoy writing and reading the long novellas (17,500-40,000 words) or shorter novels (40,000 words and up) better.  However, the first ten or so novels I published were longer ones. I'm looking forward to trying my hand at this new venture.

I have already started the research. Mine will be called One Crazy Christmas and be set in Nebraska in 1890. Marianne Kincaid is running out of time to find a husband before she loses the freighting company inherited from her uncle. She sees a handsome man about to be arrested for a crime she knows he couldn't have committed, so she pretends he is her mail-order groom. He goes along to keep from ending up in jail and perhaps prison or worse. As soon as her ploy works, she panics. What had she done?

Be on the lookout. I'll share more details as the research and writing continue and the anthology moves closer to being released. This promises to be an unforgettable Christmas collection — one you won't want to miss.

__________________________