What is your book all about?
Joe is Christmas’s number one fan. He absolutely loves it and can’t wait to spend it with his wife, Beth, doing what they love best: eating mince pies, drinking mulled wine, laughing, and snuggling while It’s a Wonderful Life plays on the TV. However, Beth has a slightly different idea this year. She wants to have a terrible time, or why else would she have invited her mother to stay – the demon mother-in-law from hell, who hates Christmas and everything about it? In fact, there is only one thing that the dreaded MIL hates more than Christmas … and that is Joe. Thankfully, Joe has an ally in his war against the orange-haired, gum-chewing monster: a shopping centre Santa who isn’t all that he seems. This larger-than-life Father Christmas presents Joe with a magical gift that he promises will make the problem disappear, but this innocent-looking parcel kick-starts an adventure that Joe will never forget.
What inspired you to write the book?
The fact that I love Christmas and all the things about it, family, food, and fun.
What is your target audience for the book?
My target audience if for young adults, although I have had some as young as 13 read the book. The story conveys a deeper message and moral that needs a certain level of maturity to understand or appreciate. While it is a Christmas story that can be enjoyed by all age groups, this one is designed for young adults who can explore the holiday’s significance in a more profound way.
What do you hope readers could get out from your book?
In his book about Christmas, Joe recounts the inspiration behind his extraordinary tale. He shares how his love for the holiday season and his determination to conquer the challenges posed by Beth’s mother led him on a journey of unexpected encounters, magical encounters, and personal growth. Through heart-warming moments and unexpected twists, Joe’s story reminds readers of the enduring spirit of Christmas and the power of love, friendship, and the holiday magic that can transform even the most challenging situations. Prepare to be captivated as Joe’s Christmas adventure unfolds, offering hope, laughter, and a newfound appreciation for the true meaning of the season.
I hope that readers see that Christmas can be fun, and things are not always as they seem, when it comes to how people are, even if you think they are mean, there is a different side to everything.
What are your future goals/plans for the book? The book is a one off about Christmas and magic, and the plan is to just let people enjoy it as a stand-alone story, however I do give readings in high schools especially around the holiday times.
And something more about yourself.
Ever since I can remember, the magic of language and storytelling have been the twin forces guiding my life. My fascination with words and their power to create worlds, to sway hearts and minds, ignited in my youth. It’s been a journey of over four decades now, a pilgrimage I embarked on when I was just a child, and one that I continue to walk, with the same fervor, the same reverence.
Ever since I can remember, the magic of language and storytelling have been the twin forces guiding my life. My fascination with words and their power to create worlds, to sway hearts and minds, ignited in my youth. It’s been a journey of over four decades now, a pilgrimage I embarked on when I was just a child, and one that I continue to walk, with the same fervor, the same reverence.
A significant part of my journey as a writer has been the interactions I’ve had with fellow humans.
I’ve had the honour and pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people from various walks of life, each with their own fascinating stories. This exchange of ideas and narratives has been an invaluable resource, a veritable wellspring of inspiration. Every person, every story, has added a new hue to the rainbow of my understanding, and in turn, my storytelling.
Giving readings has been a particular joy of mine.
It’s one thing to write a story, but another altogether to share it, to witness the immediate reaction it evokes, to feel the energy in the room shift as words float from the page into the air, wrapping the audience in a shared moment of emotion. These readings have been a wonderful forum to connect with people on a deeper level, to see my words reflected in their eyes and expressions. More than anything, my journey as a writer has been marked by a profound sense of enjoyment.
There’s an indescribable thrill in sharing a story, in crafting a world out of words, in unravelling the complex tapestry of the human experience. But there’s also a sense of playfulness, of experimentation, and of fun that imbues my writing process. I love to explore new narratives, to push boundaries, to challenge conventions and to keep my readers guessing.
And perhaps that’s the most beautiful part of this 40-year journey — the sheer joy of creation, the fun of meeting new people, the thrill of sharing your heart through words. Through every sentence I craft, every reading I give, every conversation I engage in, I find a renewed sense of purpose, a reaffirmation of my love for writing. And every day, I look forward to the promise of a new story, a new meeting, a new experience that will add another chapter to my lifelong journey as a writer.
I have read this book, it is a wonderful Christmas read without the normal sloppiness of such reads.
It would be a lovely film actually, to sit by the fire with a mug of tea and just enjoy.