Novellas are an interesting form because of being shorter (anything from 17,500-40,000 words) and freer of form without the need of a beginning or an ending as we expect with novels. In writing it at a fast rate of 5000 words a day (wouldn't have been possible had it not been more like an extension of a novel than something new) kept me right in the story without the usual go do something else break. After five days of writing, I gave it two of editing (with help from another) and here it is with Kindle doing their part to get it out quickly. If you are in the mood for a Christmas story, have not yet tried a novella, give it a try.
A Montana Christmas
is about the meaning of Christmas where it comes to family and ranch living. As
a novella, it’s a slice of life taking characters from an earlier book, From Here to There, moving them three
years ahead where Helene, in Montana
to take care of her recuperating uncle, is determined she and her husband,
Phillip will spend Christmas on the ranch instead of Boston or some exotic island as is his wont.
Hoping to soon have a baby of their own, Helene is eager to make Christmas a
time of family joy.
Phillip is busy with his consulting work back east, but his
real reason for avoiding Christmas comes from childhood memories that make
him want nothing to do with anything reminding him of those chaotic years. When
he reaches the ranch and learns Helene’s full plans are also to invite his family, he’s less than
thrilled, but on the ranch, he has plenty to keep him busy. Pleased by
her plans or not, Phillip would do anything to make his lovely wife happy.
With all the characters in
From Here to There, this novella adds some new ones. It also suggests the
start of a new romance-- but to find out what that might be, read the 25,400
word novella- A Montana Christmas
Trailer at: YouTube for A Montana Christmas
