It’s that time of year. The time when autumn arrives and Christmas reads start appearing in bookstores. I’m one of those readers who saves up my Christmas reads to enjoy in December, but I start buying them as soon as they pop up on my radar.
This year, I decided to try a little Christmas story experiment. Thanks to the fabulous success of our Petticoats & Pistols Pink Pistol Sisterhood Series, I got a taste of indie publishing, and I’m hungry to explore new opportunities in that arena.
In 2021, I published a Christmas novella collection called Under the Texas Mistletoe. When we were preparing this anthology for publication, one retailer reached out to my publisher and requested that I come up with some bonus content to include in a special edition of the book that would only be available on their site. So I did. I wrote a novelette inspired by the classic carol The Twelve Days of Christmas, only I gave it a cowboy twist.
If you happened to purchase the special edition version of Under the Texas Mistletoe through ChristianBook.com, you likely read this story. However, this story was not available from any other retailer, including Amazon. And when the print copies sold out at ChristianBook, I received the rights back to the story. Now that I’ve learned the ropes of indie publishing, I’ve decided it’s time to share this story with all the readers who didn’t get a chance to read it back in 2021.
I’m delighted to introduce you to . . .
The Twelve Days of Christmas get a romantic Texas twist!
Anna King has pledged her heart to Simeon Shepherd, but her father refuses to grant her hand to the young farmer. Simeon determines to be patient and earn David King’s respect over time with hard work and evidence of his ability to provide. However, when a wealthy new suitor arrives in Bethlehem, Texas to woo Anna with her father’s support, patience is no longer an option. Simeon has twelve days before Christmas to best his rival and prove once and for all that he is Anna’s true love.
I love this short story. It’s quirky and fun and cowboy sweet. It truly is short, too. Only about 8,000 words, the perfect size for a quick break during the busy holiday season. It also includes a bonus Christmas devotional.
It’s available for preorder now, for only $0.99 and will release on October 10.
Short stories are a bit of a different animal from novels or even novellas, so I have no idea how this little experiment will work, but I’m excited to give it a try.
How do you feel about short stories?
For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.
I usually prefer stories between 90 and 250 pages. However, I read other lengths.
That’s a nice range, Janice. I find the older I get the more I appreciate shorter reads. Even though my full-length novels are still around 350 pages, I find I lean toward reader shorter novels. Life is just so busy!
I often enjoy a short story
Yay! I hope you give Simeon and Anna’s story a try. 🙂
I love a short story of collection of them, sometimes you just want to read for half and hour or an hour and get your HEA fix!
Yes! That little boost of sweetness to get you through your day. Love that, Teresa!
I love short stories for a quick change of pace! Christmas stories are a favorite of mine in this genre! They fit the time allotment when you have a little extra time and want to just relax but don’t want to commit a lot of time to a book! Thanks for offering this!
Exactly! I read mostly novellas and other short works during the Christmas season for just that reason, Valri.
I enjoy short stories but also the longer ones. The book sounds like some good reading.
Thanks, Barbara. I love that you have no preconceived length notions. 🙂
Just preordered. I read all length books and a variety of Christian fiction. I like to buy a couple of Christmas books to read during the holidays. Thanks for offering the short story.
Thanks, Sharon! I hope you love Simeon and Anna’s story. It was such fun to write. 🙂
Sometimes you just want a short story! Good luck Karen! Sounds like a great opportunity for you! And I will sometimes purchase a book for $.99! I’ll take advantage even though I have Kindle Unlimited. Thank you! Also, I love the cover you chose for it! Name at the bottom! Good job! Best wishes!
Thanks, Tracy! I loved getting all the feedback on the cover design. I’m very happy with the final design. 🙂
Welcome and thanks for the story. I like short stories once in a while.
I do, too, Lori. 🙂
Occasionally I enjoy a short read, but usually prefer a novel. I feel that in the novel I get to know the characters better and even become friends with them. In a short story I’m looking at them almost as if througha window.
That is very true, karijean. Short stories are challenging when it comes to character development. You have such a small space to pack in a big punch.
I love short stories.
Yay, Denise! You made my morning. 🙂
I’m actually published in short story.
At first I was looking for books with some ‘meat’ in them meaning lots of pages because I hate most stories to end! But since I have begun to read short stories I find them delightful and usually more light hearted with too much drama.
Yes! I agree, Judy. Sometimes you just want a quick, lighthearted read to make you smile.
I’m trying to learn to write short. A short Christmas story is a great idea. Thanks, Karen.
You’re welcome, Charlene. Writing short is definitely a challenge, but it’s a lot of fun, too.
I like to throw in a novella or a short story occasionally. Your full-length novels are the perfect size. I’d say my favorite length is 250-400 pages, but sometimes I just want something I can sit down & finish in just a short time. I have a hard time reading a book that is longer than 400 pages.
I’ll never forget my first mammoth read, Lori. I read The Far Pavilions the summer after my senior year in high school. I don’t remember much about the story, but I do remember it was over 1000 pages. I got through it, but it took all summer. I decided after that to stick to more “normal” length novels. Ha!
I love your strategy, Karen! A short story full of the Christmas spirit that we can read during such a busy time. I’ve never written an 8,000 word story, and it would have its own challenges, but like Teresa F said – perfect for an hour read or so, maybe at the end of the day. Wishing you many sales – I’m off to Preorder my copy!
Thanks, Pam! We’ll see how this one does. If it proves popular, it might become an annual tradition. 🙂
If you write it, I want to read it. Also, no matter how long or short, if it’s a good story from a favorite author I love to read it.
Sandra – You just made my day. Thank you!
I’m fine with short as well as long stories! As long as they are clean and well written, then I like them!
Perfect, Ami! 🙂
I’m good with short stories that are clean, as long as they are complete. I have read several short stories and have thoroughly enjoyed them.
Wonderful! I hope you give Simeon and Anna’s story a try. 🙂
I look for anthologies and novellas, especially during the holidays. I find it hard to get time to read and starting a novel that might take a week or more to finish is not desirable. Short stories would fit in perfectly with the novellas. I get to enjoy a good story and don’t have to worry about finding enough time to finish it. The only downside is I want more of their story and there just isn’t room for it in that form.
Sounds like a great fit, Patricia. 🙂
I love short stories. They are great when you only have a small amount of time to read. Thank you for writing it and sharing. God bless you.
You are so welcome, Debra. I hope you enjoy it!
Hi Karen, I enjoy reading short stores & long ones. All books are good. What would we do without our books to explore & read new adventures. Have enjoyed many of your books throughout the years.
Have a Awesome Fall & winter…