When I first started pondering a plot for my second Christmas story, Robyn: A Christmas Bride, my first questions were...
What should the theme be? Is there a classic Christmas tale with an uplifting spiritual theme that many people might recognize or at least relate to?
The Gift of the Magi - my first inspiration when writing Robyn: A Christmas Bride
The Gift of the Magi (written by O. Henry and published in 1905) features the themes of selfless gift-giving and how the gift of love is priceless. In that story, a husband and wife each sell their most valuable possession, but they are items that can be grown again (hair) or can be bought back again (a watch).
I wondered what if the thing you valued most was sustaining a way of life that you’d struggled a long time to create and that now defined your entire self-worth? Could you give that up if it meant ensuring the happiness of a loved one? That might be the ultimate selfless gift to give.
My next thought was having a heroine who was a trouser-wearing tomboy who loved driving wagons in a time, 1877, when society wasn’t very accommodating about women’s appearances and occupations that strayed from the norm.
So…what if my heroine decided she needed to do something drastic to win the heart of the man she loved? Changing yourself to please another person (even if they haven’t asked you to) might be considered another selfless gift. So…what is a classic transformation story?
My Fair Lady and its heroine Eliza Doolittle were my next inspiration
My Fair Lady (released in 1964 as a movie starring Audrey Hepburn) focuses on speech lessons, but Eliza’s transform also includes her appearance—her clothing, hair, the way she carries herself, and more. It’s a life-changing transformation that is difficult for Eliza and takes hard work and sacrifice—for her own good (a chance at better job prospects) but also, as time goes on, to please her instructors.
So…selfless giving and self-sacrifice. Ready. Set. Go. Write a Christmas story!
I hope you enjoy Robyn: A Christmas Bride as much as I enjoyed not only writing the story but also giving Robyn Llewellyn and Max Peregrine their hard-won and well-deserved Christmas gifts.
Here’s a teaser graphic from Robyn: A Christmas Bride about gift-giving and friendship because the man whose heart Robyn wishes to win is her best friend, Max.
CLICK HERE to read an excerpt from Robyn: A Christmas Bride.
Or CLICK HERE to read an excerpt from my 1st Christmas story The Calling Birds - which happens also in the small mountain mining town of Noelle, Colorado, but one year earlier during Christmas 1876.
Wishing you the best Christmas possible during the challenging year of 2020!
4 comments:
What a beautiful way to combine story ideas. Sounds like a great read.
Wishing you and all those you love and care about a wonderful Holiday Season.
Doris
Your book sounds like a Great read and I love the book cover. Have a Great weekend and stay safe. <3
I like the concept to this book. Have a great weekend
Thanks for your comments, Doris, Licha, and Erralee! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend. Wishing you all the best for December, Christmas, and 2021 too!
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