Monday, July 19, 2010

Story Behind the Story - Got Mistletoe? by Andi Anderson


Stats - Got Mistletoe? was published this past December as part of the Advent Calendar series that Dreamspinner Press publishes every year. When I saw the open call for submissions, I decided to take a chance and write something. I started it on September 11, 2009 and finished it on the 15th. I had just enough time for my sister to do a quick read before I submitted it to Dreamspinner that night. They sent me an email that they had accepted it as part of their series on September 18th.

Little known fact - When I wrote it, I had intentions of finishing Ryan and Blake’s story. I felt like it ended right when things were getting interesting between them. I don’t know if I’ll ever write a sequel to it and that makes me feel a little sad.

Extremely little known fact - I called my sister, Ashley, and my mother at least a hundred times while I was writing it. I kept emailing them copies of what I had written so far, while I waited anxiously on pins and needles as they read it and hopefully give me the green light to continue. I don’t think I would have finished the book if it wasn’t for them and their encouragement.

How did I get the idea for the book? - I came up with the story by envisioning one of my heroes, Ryan Jolly, in my mind. His sweet disposition and zest for life was something I thought was different about some of the heroes that are portrayed today. I have an internet friend that is always upbeat and happy. Although I have never met him, I pictured him being the type of person that was not only cute and adorable on the outside, but on the inside as well. That has always been attractive to me as a reader. So in many ways, Ryan was born and Got Mistletoe? was written because of him. Ryan’s sweetness was definitely suitable for a Christmas story. I really loved him.

If I could edit the book now, what would I change (if anything)? - If I could have changed anything about it, I would have made Ryan and Blake’s story a full length novel. I think they deserved that. In my mind, they definitely live happily ever after, and I hope that people who’ve read the book came away with thinking that too. I wish I had given myself more time to polish it better, but I didn’t. I’m still very proud of it and I will always love it.

Thank you, Ava, for asking me about my book. It’s been fun remembering and sharing the experience with you and all of your friends. As a newbie, it’s an honor to be recognized by a great friend and wonderful writer like you.

14 comments:

  1. Thanks Andi - All of that went really quickly...

    From writing to publication ..whew.

    I loved the protags and I agree I would have loved a full lenght novel with these two as they booth had a lot going for them which I could only assume...

    I look forward to you being certain you WILL write a follow up...

    Hope all is well...

    E.H>

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  2. I can't believe you wrote the book so quickly! That's amazing!

    I adored Ryan and Blake, but especially Ryan. He was simply impossible not to love. :)

    Thanks, Andi ((hugs)) And thanks so much for sharing the story on Got Mistletoe? !

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  3. Wow! It is so f-ing cool how their story came about. I thought you were going to write a sequel for them. I'm disappointed that you say you might not. Their so sexy and adorable together!
    Thanks for sharing.
    Very cool post Ava!

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  4. Andi,

    You have no idea how excited I was to see you up on the list of SBTS authors! I love GM. It's even loaded into my phone as one of those I pull out when I want a feel-good read.

    And leave it to Ava to like the pretty one... Me, I'm all about Blake - the quiet hunk with a protective streak a mile wide for that special little elf. *sigh*


    Great job, ladies!

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  5. say it isn't so! andi you have to continue blake and ryans story! got mistletoe is one of my favorite books.
    its wonderful that you created some of my favorite characters in less than a week. that's wonderful!

    thanks for sharing and posting this ava.

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  6. Thanks for sharing your story!

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  7. Thanks for the background on Got Mistletoe? I loved Ryan and Blake.

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  8. See that, Andi, you have many fans. I plan to read GM again this Christmas. :)

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  9. GM is so sweet, and I loved protective Blake and bubbly Ryan. *happy sigh* Um, did anyone else notice that Blake thought Ryan was "adorable" twelve times? (Yes, I'm weird and counted.)

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  10. GM is my favorite Christmas story. Thanks for letting us have a behind the scenes look at it.
    Ryan and Blake will always be favorites of mine.

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  11. Thanks for the compliments everyone:) Ryan and Blake will always be favorites of mine too! It makes me very happy to see that you liked it.
    Ryan and Blake are definitely feeling the love! LOL!

    Thank you for posting this, Ava. You're a great friend and a wonderful mentor for us newbies!

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  12. Got Mistletoe is a wonderful book. I just read it again the other day and it reminded me how much I loved both Blake and Ryan.
    Thanks for the fun info about it!

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  13. (((((ANDI)))))

    Thanks for sharing!

    ((((((AVA))))))

    Just because

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  14. Thanks, Andi and Ava! Fabulous post!

    Ryan will always be one of my favorite sweeties!

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Barbara