Hi everyone, Janet Lee Barton here. I love writing stories that center around the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, as my newest release, The Mistletoe Kiss, does. And I love the seasons! But this year both of those seem to be coming way too quickly! I want more time to savor the seasons, enjoy all the glorious colors of the Fall. And this year, I'm taking it slower whether the stores are or not. Normally by this time of year I have a lot of my Christmas already bought, but so far I've only bought one present and that was because it was what my daughter was and the last one left on the shelf! But for now, I'll enjoy the colors and put off shopping--especially on the weekends. The photo on the right is of the tree in our front yard, just beginning to turn. And the one on the bottom right is the photo I took today. But the photos below show we still have some green grass. Has to be all that wonderful rain we've had this year. And no really cold weather so far. I love decorating for Fall! What does this have to do with writing? All this color puts me in the mood for writing stories of the seasons. And of course, I can't leave without talking about the next season I'll be decorating for--and that's Christmas! Loved writing about New York City at Christmas time!
Posts
It's nice to see the autumn colors still there in parts of the country. Aside from one tree in my neighbor's yard, all our colors are gone and the leaves are on the ground. Even the tamaracks have shed their needles. Christmas snow will soon be on its way! Can you share one tidbit about Christmas in New York that you learned during your research?
ReplyDeleteLOL, it's 70 in Arizona. I'm freezing.
ReplyDeleteHi Christine! What a great question. I wanted to have a white Christmas in this story so much, but my research showed me that wasn't possible- that it was a warmish Fall and in fact, during my timeline, there were storms out in the Atlantic that could do much damage to the city if hit directly. I felt I needed to work it in, because I try to keep things true to what was actually happening at the time of my stories in my historicals. With Matt working high up on the Park Row building, there was a worry about the winds. And in fact one of the sad parts in the story happens because of the winds, which brings about a subtle change in Matt and Millicent's relationship, too. But thankfully everyone at Heaton House stayed safe!
ReplyDeleteI love fall colors. it's the time of year I become the most homesick. I grew up in Ohio where the rolling hills and autumn colors rival New England in spots. But I've lived in the South a long time and down here we only have two season. Green and Brown. LOL. I make up for it by decorating and putting out lots of fall flowers in the yard.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to this book. I've been checking the local stores but no sightings yet. I'll keep looking. :)
I'm with Lorraine above--this time of year makes me homesick for New Hampshire. But your pictures are beautiful--lots of color you have there.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures! I love looking at fall pictures and reading Christmas books, but I only like living in Summer weather! Ha! I'm cold during every other season! I can't wait to read Mistletoe Kiss. Love that name. :)
ReplyDeleteJanet, I love the way you keep the historical research true to your books. I'm done with you, I am not ready to give up fall probably because Oklahoma has been so warm and doesn't look a bit like Christmas yet.
ReplyDeleteHey Janet!
ReplyDeleteLove this series! I am looking forward to diving into the newest one, especially as it happens at Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas!!!
I love the photos! It has been nice to have some milder weather, but so strange to have tornado warnings in November!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by everyone!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie, and yes, those tornado warnings we're really strange!
And Aaron, I'm so glad you love the series! So do I. :) I hope you like this story!
Thank you, Linda, I do love the research! And as for this warm weather--I've decided to watch a bunch of Hallmark Christmas movies, hoping to get in that Christmas mood our weather hasn't given us yet. :)
Thanks Martha! I hope you enjoy The Mistletoe Kiss!
Robin and Lori, I'm sorry I made you home sick. Having been born in New Mexico and living what down South for so long--I love the colors here--but I sure would like to see the colors where you two are from!
And Pamela--what can I say? Freezing at 70 is something I can't relate to. :)
Janet, these photos are just extraordinary! Seems you are as good at gardening as you are at writing. As always, I'm looking forward to your next book.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Jacqueline! It helps that I have small gardens. :) I hope you enjoy The Mistletoe Kiss!
ReplyDeleteI love autumn too! : ) I'm glad to see your next NY book coming out! I love all the historical detail, and the folks at Heaton House feel like friends.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, Sorry to be late arriving. What great pictures of your fall colors. This morning we are waking up to tornado watches and flood warnings. When it passes we'll drop into the 60s--brrrr. But at least my Christmas cactus is beginning to look like it's thinking of blooming. Love you and can't wait to read your next Heaton House story.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, Erin and Diane!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoy my Heaton House stories!
We may have our first freeze this weekend. My Pansies are strong, but I think I'll bring in the ones in hanging baskets. :)