Interview with Deanna Lynn Sletten, Author of The Christmas Charm

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Christmas Charm?

I love Christmas traditions and passing down heirlooms throughout the generations. I wanted to write a story where a special gift from the past helps to remind a family about the importance of staying together.

It started with the idea of a Christmas star charm necklace and continued from there. I hadn’t meant to make it a dual-timeline story, but once I started writing it, I realized how important telling snippets of the grandparents’ past was to the story. I fell in love with the characters and enjoyed writing their story.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My reading tastes have changed throughout the years. I used to read novels by Danielle Steel, Nicholas Sparks, Barbara Delinsky, etc., and really enjoyed them. Now, I enjoy historical fiction novels as well as biographies and history books. Much of my reading is research for the books I write, too. I’m also a big fan of Alice Hoffman, Stephen King, and Paula Brackston. For classics I enjoy everything by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Truman Capote. I guess you’d say my reading preferences are all over the place.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m currently reading Fairy Tale by Stephen King, and am really enjoying it. My TBR pile is basically a pile of books on my nightstand and in my Kindle that I hope to get to at some point. The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton and The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe are two in my Kindle that I can’t wait to get to.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write was the final confrontation between Jess and her mother. I won’t go into details, but I always love a good fight when family members can finally clear the air.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

No quirky writing habits. I do write mostly at night from 10:00 pm – 1:00 am, and also in the afternoons. I like silence when I write so I can stay focused on the project.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I hope readers walk away from my story feeling happy and satisfied with the ending. I want them to feel that no matter how bad things can be at times, there is always a way to work toward righting them.

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