Are you having fun at the beach this week? This whole thing is getting me so excited about Christmas. Today, Regina Merrick stops by to share some Christmas fun facts with us. We’ll also hear about her contribution to the novella collection “Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams. ” Don’t forget to go all the way to the end of this post to get a chance to win a pretty little ornament for your Christmas tree.
Jenny: Hi Regina, thanks for stopping by today. Have you ever spent Christmas on the beach? If not, what was the most unusual Christmas you can remember?
Regina: I’ve never had the pleasure of Christmas-ing on the beach, but I’d love to, someday!! I guess my most unusual Christmas was when I was a teen, the first Christmas we lived in Indiana, a day’s drive from the relatives. We’d always flitted from one place to another over the span of 2 days, and that year? We had a leisurely Christmas eve and morning, THEN headed to Kentucky! It was nice to have just the 4 of us together for a special time!
Jenny: I am learning so much about writing novellas. Was it difficult to keep your story short? Would you like to write about these characters again?
Regina: Having just come off writing a complete novel, it WAS difficult! LOL! I’m considering building a new series around the setting of this novella, in Pawleys Island, SC. My first series, The Southern Breeze series, is set there, and I’m plotting a spin-off series now!
Jenny: I think that would happen to me, too. Once I get to know characters, I would probably want to spend a long time on their stories. Back on the subject of holiday, what dessert do you look forward to most this holiday season?
Regina: Pumpkin Pie. I only eat it at Thanksgiving/Christmas, so it’s definitely a treat! It’s also why I watch advertisements for Culver’s carefully – when the Pumpkin Pie Shakes come out, I’M THERE!
Jenny: I’m unfamiliar with Culver’s, but pumpkin pie shakes sound delicious! I will be on the lookout in my neighborhood for those. How about music? What is your favorite Christmas Carol?
Regina: “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” or “Peace on Earth,” the Casting Crowns version that made me appreciate it even more! I love that the original song is based on a Longfellow poem!
Jenny: That is a good one. It’s a song that tells a story. Back to your story- did writing about the beach make you want to go there? Any new travel plans on the horizon?
Regina: Ugh. YES! We went to the beach in South Carolina in October of 2020, and it was perfect. It certainly helped me in writing this novella. I’m trying to convince my husband that it needs to be a yearly pilgrimage . . . or a complete move!!
Jenny: Well, it sounds like writing this little story had a profound effect on your future! Thanks again for coming by today. I’m looking forward to reading your Pawley’s Island story.
Regina Rudd Merrick is a multi-published writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, lover of all things beachy and chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of 35-plus years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, KY. Connect with Regina on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com .
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Mr. Sandman by Regina Rudd Merrick – Events manager Taylor Fordham’s happily-ever-after was snatched from her, and she’s saying no to romance and Christmas. When she meets two new friends—the cute new chef at Pilot Oaks and a contributor on a sci-fi fan fiction website who enjoys debate—her resolve begins to waver. Just when she thinks she can loosen her grip on thoughts of love, a crisis pulls her back. There’s no way she’s going to risk her heart again.
So, now that you are in the mood for Christmas, tell us what you are most looking forward to about this holiday season. You might win this pretty Christmas ornament- direct from my tree to yours!
I love “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” too!
I’m looking forward to hearing Christmas carols everywhere you go. I like the Jesus ones. I’m not a fan of the Santa, reindeer, and snowman songs. O Holy Night is my favorite.