Writing a Christmas Story for an Established Series

By Elaine L. Orr

Sometimes, an idea comes to you and it doesn't matter what else is on your plate, you have to run with it.

A couple of weeks ago, I was thinking about my family history mystery series, which takes place in the mountains of Western Maryland. I'm developing an idea for a 6th book, but I missed the characters right now.

Slowly, the idea for a Christ story began to take shape. Like all good stories, mystery or not, there had to be something that needed to be resolved. Hiccups in personal relationships are always an option but I wanted something that more directly related to aspects of history in Maryland. So I did both.

I also needed a hook that tied the story to the past, The link became a broken Christmas ornament that would be a symbol for other things that needed to heal. 

Most of my characters are White, but a few key characters are Black because I always want to remember the importance of African American history in the Western Maryland mountains. In Broken Ornaments Healing Holidays, the discovered ornament came from a long-burned-out factory in the town of Maple Grove. But it is the discovery of a body in the ruins back in 1948 that provides insight into how differently Black and White citizens interact now than they did then.

The story is designed to be pleasing holiday fiction, but it does provide a perspective on something serious. So, as Digger and Marty explore where their relationship will go, they and others also hunt for the family of an unidentified man who died decades ago.

Writing a story that is in a series but is not part of the continuing flow of the series was more of a challenge than I thought it would be. With a full-length book, you can insert information about past character actions and enlighten readers about what's going on right now. In a 17,000-word story there isn't a lot of room for background. I tried to find the mix between letting readers know about ongoing characters without dumping a lot of information not directly related to this story.

Readers can decide if I achieved that.

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To learn more about Elaine, visit her website or sign up for her newsletter.

The Makings of a Good Book Festival

 By Elaine L. Orr

Last weekend's Peoria Bookfest was one of the best I've attended over the past fifteen years. Organizer Stacy Hardin owns the Book Rack in Peoria and her well established links to the business community were evident. 

Here are some of the things that contributed to the experience.

Diverse vendors. Thousands of people won't attend a local author books show in a medium-sized city unless a super famous author is signing -- not common. There were dozens of book authors but also crafters, culinary firms, and a few nonprofits. All of those people told their customers and patrons to attend the November 14, 2025 event.

Admission fees. What?! Admission fees imply there is value to participating. The fact that the Book Rack Literacy Project -- a community outreach program to provide free books for thousands of teachers and students per year -- benefitted from the event made the entry fee a worthwhile one, even if attendees weren't shopping for books.

Special benefits for early visitors (who paid a larger entry fee). Stacy promised 300 people at opening and she delivered. There was a long line to get in! People received cloth goodie bags (which also would publicize the event afterwards).

Sponsors from the community. Some contributed to the goodie bags and others secured booths to promote their businesses -- and likely things I couldn't see from behind the scenes.

Lots of publicity. The event was promoted as "one unforgettable celebration of books and community!" with 115 vendors. Facebook and Instagram had regular updates and local media had ads and mentions.

A strong business connection. The Peoria Book Rack (which Stacy bought in 2016) is a well established business that attracts book lovers every day.

This was the second Bookfest (the first in 2019, before COVID) and the next one will be November 14, 2026. If you want to participate, email Stacy for info at peoriabookrack@gmail.com. In the meantime, enjoy some pictures from 2025.

Can't resist showing my books (Elaine L. Orr) first. It also gives an idea of how packed the Bookfest was. My five series did fit on the table.

"Look, It's My Book" gives new books to thousands of young readers each year.

Allison R. Ihnken and her mix of period romances and children's books.

J. Lawson, author of Peculiar Lessons, with her mix of books and crafts.

Skye Malone, author of very popular teen and young adult books.

Evan Clouse and his mix of paranormal fantasy, horror, and more.

D. Williams, author of the Eternal Love Series.

Teresa Higus, another cozy author

Finally, the question all authors ask after a book event: "Did you make money?" Yes. Candidly, I didn't expect to do as well, because there were so many authors. I usually do better at craft shows and bazaars. Here, I sold books.

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To learn more about Elaine, visit her website or sign up for her newsletter.