I have been blessed to know Regina Rudd Merrick for at least seven years now. Possibly longer. We met at a writing retreat, have shared the same publisher, participated in a multi-author series (Stained-Glass Legacy on sale later this month), and have been in at least three novella collections together. Her sense of humor, love of books, and quirkiness made us fast friends. And now, I get to introduce her to you! Keep reading to find out all about her and her story in our newest novella collection.
Regina, how does being a librarian affect your being an author? Besides taking away some of your writing time.
It worked both ways – being a librarian made me aware of the breadth and depth of modern Christian Fiction, and being an author gave me insight into what makes a book a GOOD book. I’m back at the library after a seven-year hiatus, and I have to say it’s tough to get back into the groove of writing AND working full time!
When did you first decide to become an author? What inspired you?
More than one thing started my writing career. First, an author/publisher from California moved into our community (because writers can work ANYWHERE!), and almost immediately he approached me at the library about leading writing workshops. I joined in to support the program, and found out I really enjoyed it. The other side of that was a stint writing fanfiction! I made some great contacts through a fanfiction group based on the TV show, “Sue Thomas FBEye,” a faith-based show that didn’t last long enough! It was a great place to practice writing settings and plot while having characters you already know and love created for you. It really made writing series fiction much easier!
You’ve written several Christmas stories now. If you had to pick a holiday to write about that wasn’t Christmas, which would it be and why?
Labor Day? Ha!! Christmas is just a natural. Maybe Thanksgiving? It would have to be a big family story. Growing up, we didn’t have a set Thanksgiving plan, but when I got married? Oh, my mother-in-law and her sisters did Thanksgiving BIG! Actually, that’s a good idea … I could describe the intricate layering technique that was my father-in-law’s and the uncle’s dinner plates, the kids so loud you came home with a headache, and so much more. It would have to be a comedy!!
What is something from your real life that you’ve woven into one of your stories?
In my first book, Carolina Dream, the main character was introduced to the Pawleys Island area of South Carolina when she vacationed there with her family for their parents’ fortieth wedding anniversary – and that’s exactly how I was introduced to one of my favorite places on earth!
You have a series in South Carolina and a series in Kentucky. If you could choose another place to set a story, where would it be, and why?
I would love to write a story set in England. I’ve always been fascinated by Great Britain; “All Creatures Great and Small” is a favorite book and TV show, and I think it would be a great idea to go there for a research trip. Wanna go with me?
YES!
What’s one fact about yourself that very few people know?
I’m afraid of birds. When I was sixteen, on a family trip to Florida, we went to Silver Springs, where they featured an aviary. An enclosed place. With birds. I knew I didn’t like chickens, but my mom said she’d never seen me so pale in my life as when we walked through that aviary. There’s a bit in the Broadway musical, “Fiddler on the Roof,” where a villager asks the rabbi if there is a proper blessing for the Tsar. The rabbi replies: “A blessing for the Tsar? Of course! May God bless and keep the Tsar… far away from us!” Birds are beautiful, but like the Tsar, I want them to stay … far away from me!
Now that you know a little about Regina, keep going to find out about our new collection and how to keep up with her.
Four Christmas lights. Four love stories. One season filled with faith, hope, and happily-ever-afters.
In Lighting Up Christmas, four heartwarming holiday romance novellas shine with cozy charm, clean romance, small-town warmth, and the gentle reminder that God can bring light to even the dimmest season.
In The Bright Side of Christmas by Amy R. Anguish, Holly Belle loves Christmas, holiday décor, and twinkling lights. Her new neighbor, Robert Bradshaw, prefers peace, quiet, and keeping her Christmas cheer firmly on her side of the duplex. But when Holly decides his grinchy heart needs a little holiday help, their battle over lights may lead to something brighter than either one expected.
In The Light of a Christmas Star by Heather Greer, Elena Bell is determined to make Tannenbaum’s Festival of Lights a success for the families depending on it. When rising Hollywood star Trenton Wills arrives at her B&B, he may be the answer to the town’s needs—and the beginning of Elena’s own Christmas romance. But Trenton has secrets that could dim more than the festival lights.
In ’Twas the Light Before Christmas by Mary Pat Johns, Cooper Blackmon enters the region’s biggest Christmas lights competition determined to win. Mandy Alvarez needs the prize money to save her family’s beloved Christmas Village. As rivalry turns to friendship and friendship glows into something more, only one can claim the prize. But both may have far more to lose than money.
In Pitch Perfect Lights by Regina Rudd Merrick, Holly Shepherd is facing her family’s first Christmas after loss while trying to create joy for her young siblings. When author Paxton Hollis returns home and quietly helps revive her father’s beloved light display, Holly discovers that hope can still shine, even through grief.
A charming choice for readers who enjoy clean, faith-friendly romance wrapped in Christmas lights, small-town warmth, and happily-ever-after hope.
Read Lighting Up Christmas and discover four faith-filled holiday love stories that glow with joy, hope, and the true light of Christmas.
Multi-published author Regina Rudd Merrick writes Southern stories of faith and romance. Beyond writing, Regina directs the local library, serves as a church musician, and is a wife, mother, lover of all things fun/beachy/chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of 40-plus years, she is a new grandmother, the mother of two grown daughters, and lives in the small town of Marion, KY. Connect with Regina on Facebook, Instagram, or her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com .
LINKS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Regina-R-Merrick-512257938964888/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reginamerrick/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rmerrick/
Website: https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com
Scrivenings Press, LLC Author Page: https://scriveningspress.com/regina-rudd-merrick/
Amazon Author Page: https://tinyurl.com/AmReginaRuddMerrick