A Controversial Topic

but the fun kind

So I have an important question for you…

Are you a Christmas-only-after-Thanksgiving person or do you start celebrating November 1? Is your tree up? You can be honest; no judgement here.

My tree and lights (the colorful kind in case this discussion wasn’t controversial enough) went up last week, and I’ve wrapped most of the gifts, but we will do more decorating after Thanksgiving. If you wait, that’s cool too. I’m of the opinion that the family meal tastes the same either way. We can give thanks with the tree up or not, and we have so much to be thankful for.

Speaking of Christmas though, next Monday, November 24th, I’ll be sending you the link for an early GIFT! It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Romance is a delightful collection of twelve short sweet romance stories set during the holidays. I hope you’re going to love it. No need to do anything if you’re already subscribed to this newsletter; it will be delivered straight to your inbox. If you know of anyone else who might like a copy, send them my way (or have them subscribe to any of the contributing authors’ email lists), and we will share the love.

Writing Updates:

This month, I had a fun little piece of flash fiction published in Spark Flash Fiction’s Love Between The Pages issue. You can read “A Bookish Bet” here now!

I got my copy of Kissmet Quarterly’s The Greatest Holiday Romance Stories Ever Written. My story in this one is set on Thanksgiving Day. “Picture It” involves a Christmas card photo, a childhood friend, and the Ninja Turtles.

I also found out that my book Seashells and Other Souvenirs is in the running for a Swoony Award and is currently in the top 15 for Contemporary Romance. If you’d like to push it into the official voting round, you can find the list here and VOTE on your computer (I don’t think it works via phone, and it’s currently on page two sitting around #180 on the big list if you want to find it!). I’d appreciate your support so much.

In other Seashells news, the audiobook is available now AND if you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the book or beach lover in your life, I would love to send you a gift-wrapped signed paperback for $21 shipped. Email me at racheldlawrence3@gmail.com if you are interested.

Adam’s Corner:

As promised, here is Adam in the halloween costume you guys voted for: A hotdog!

Adam will also be offering weekly encouragement/silliness on my Instagram grid. If we aren’t yet connected on there, you can find me here!

I hope you all have a lovely week (by the light of your Christmas tree or not), and be on the lookout for your free book next Monday.

Love, Hope, & Cheese Toast,

Rachel