Saturday, November 27, 2010

How do the seasons influence your reading habits?

I love the holiday season. No matter where you are...people are cheerier, friendlier than they are at any other time of the year. They will actually hold the elevator open, help you with your bags, or hold a taxi for you.

I think this is one of the reasons why the holiday season is such a great setting for love stories. Taking that sense of joy and hope, and shaping it into beautiful, sentimental love stories seems so natural.

I can't tell you how many times I turn to watch the latest Hallmark Channel movie because it's set during the holiday season. And if the story line involves a little Christmas miracle or Santa himself...it's that much better.


My first release, Love's Chance, was released during the Valentine's Day season...it was not a valentine themed story, but readers were incredibly drawn to the story and its characters.







My short story, My Son, was released during the Halloween season. It was not Halloween themed, but it too did well. I have to admit...there is a little suspense and a few guns. But, not tricks.








Do you enjoy a story more because it's background is set against Christmas, New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day? Does it matter to you if the characters are on the slopes sipping cocoa by a fire or on the beaches of Hawaii?

How do the seasons (holiday or calendar)influence your reading habits?

9 comments:

Rita said...

During holidays, along with friends seasonal releases, I read stories to remind me of what those who went before me did so I can enjoy the moments and freedoms I have now. Last week I read Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption about Louis Zamperini a world class athlete and his struggle to survive as a POW in the Pacific. The man is alive, in his nineties and reading his story is pure inspiration. I also very much enjoy reading historical novels of our country. From the Revolution to WWII, but they are few and far between. Anyone have a recommendation?

Clarissa Southwick said...

Great blog, Angela. You gave me something to think about. I do watch different things during the holidays, but only because I'm with family and they're choosing the show. With reading, I tend to stay with the same authors all year no matter what the setting.

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

The season doesn't usually change my reading habits. I have my pile of TBR stories and don't deviate. I used to spend a lot of time with the holiday decorations, but not so much anymore. A few of the holiday movies still draw me, but since the season starts so early I try to space them out so I don't get burn out.

Your stories sound great...

Mona Risk said...

Christmas Season is a lot of stress in addition to fun. Buying and wrapping the gifts, cooking, organizing the accomodations for my guests, making sure everyone will be happy. I don't have a minute for myself. I usually say: I love the season went it starts and love it more when it ends. Everything is so commercialize.

Angela said...

Rita, I watch more biographical/autobiographical movies than read books, but there are certain times of of the year that make me seek out those movies, for example: the 4th of July.

Angela said...

Clarissa, I think my family is filled with holiday junkies, like me. My mom and I can sit and watch movie after movie.

Angela said...

Paisley and Mona, Ijust walked in from the mall...wow! Between parking, packed stores, etc., they may have zapped a little bit of my holiday cheer ;-), but not all of it.

Thanks for the compliment, Paisley!

Mia Celeste said...

Hmm. Good question. Now you have me thinking. I love holidays,but I don't think they influence what I'm currently reading--probably because I read lots of fantasy and paranormal where the world is not normal.

Josie said...

I love a good holiday story at the end of a long, busy day. And Mona, you're so right--everything is so commercialized these days.