Colby Quinn's Blog: Writing Life with Colby, page 2
December 27, 2024
That Peaceful Post-Christmas Glow...
That Peaceful Post-Christmas Glow...
There's something truly magical about this week between Christmas and New Year's. After the whirlwind of holiday celebrations, everything settles into this deliciously calm rhythm that I look forward to every year. The frantic shopping is done, the wrapping paper is cleared away, and we can finally exhale into these gentle days of winter.
These days are made for savoring simple pleasures - like crunching through fresh snow on woodland trails, where the winter silence is broken only by the sound of your footsteps. The forest feels different this time of year, peaceful and pristine, as if nature herself is taking a quiet moment to rest.
After a brisk winter walk, there's nothing quite like warming up over a leisurely lunch with friends. The conversations flow as easily as the wine, and somehow time seems to slow down. Stories and laughter mingle with the clinking of glasses, creating those perfect moments that make the season special.
It's remarkable how this brief window between holidays has its own distinct personality. The pressure of Christmas preparations has melted away like snow, but the anticipation of the new year hasn't quite taken hold. We exist in this lovely in-between space where time feels more generous, giving us permission to simply be present and enjoy.
These are the days for reflection and dreaming, for looking back at the year's memories while imagining what the next might bring. Whether you're curled up by a fire with a good book, sharing coffee with an old friend, or taking that peaceful winter walk, there's a special kind of magic in these slow, sweet days of late December.
There's something truly magical about this week between Christmas and New Year's. After the whirlwind of holiday celebrations, everything settles into this deliciously calm rhythm that I look forward to every year. The frantic shopping is done, the wrapping paper is cleared away, and we can finally exhale into these gentle days of winter.
These days are made for savoring simple pleasures - like crunching through fresh snow on woodland trails, where the winter silence is broken only by the sound of your footsteps. The forest feels different this time of year, peaceful and pristine, as if nature herself is taking a quiet moment to rest.
After a brisk winter walk, there's nothing quite like warming up over a leisurely lunch with friends. The conversations flow as easily as the wine, and somehow time seems to slow down. Stories and laughter mingle with the clinking of glasses, creating those perfect moments that make the season special.
It's remarkable how this brief window between holidays has its own distinct personality. The pressure of Christmas preparations has melted away like snow, but the anticipation of the new year hasn't quite taken hold. We exist in this lovely in-between space where time feels more generous, giving us permission to simply be present and enjoy.
These are the days for reflection and dreaming, for looking back at the year's memories while imagining what the next might bring. Whether you're curled up by a fire with a good book, sharing coffee with an old friend, or taking that peaceful winter walk, there's a special kind of magic in these slow, sweet days of late December.
December 19, 2024
From Classic Romance to Kilts: My Holiday Watching (and Writing) Confessions
From Classic Romance to Kilts: My Holiday Watching (and Writing) Confessions
Let's talk about holiday romance, shall we? Picture this: I'm curled up on my couch, wrapped in my favorite fuzzy blanket, cup of hot chocolate within reach (okay, fine, it's spiked with Bailey's - don't judge!), and I'm deep into my nightly Hallmark movie marathon.
This time of year always gets me thinking about what makes holiday romance so special. There's something magical about the way these stories capture our hearts, whether they're beloved classics or brand-new discoveries.
Take "It's a Wonderful Life" - George and Mary's love story still makes me tear up every single time. That dance scene where they're so close to kissing? Pure romance gold. And don't even get me started on "Miracle on 34th Street" - because who doesn't love seeing love bloom among the Christmas magic?
But then Hallmark comes along with gems like "A Scottish Christmas" (seriously, whoever decided to combine kilts with Christmas deserves a raise), and "Christmas at the Biltmore" which had me mentally redecorating my entire house while simultaneously hoping for my own holiday romance in a grand estate.
As a romance writer, I find myself analyzing what makes these stories work so well. Maybe it's the way the holiday season amplifies emotions, making every meaningful glance and accidental touch feel more significant. Or perhaps it's how the spirit of the season breaks down our usual walls, letting love sneak in when we least expect it.
What fascinates me most is how these themes translate across different mediums. Whether it's Clark Griswold's chaotic but heartfelt dedication to giving his family the perfect Christmas in "Christmas Vacation," or the swoon-worthy moments in holiday romance novels where characters find love among the mistletoe, it all comes back to that core truth: love is the greatest gift of all.
(Yes, I know that sounds cheesy, but hey, it's Christmas - we're allowed to be a little cheesy!)
This year, I've found myself especially drawn to stories that blend holiday charm with genuine character growth. You know the ones - where the Christmas magic isn't just about twinkling lights and perfect snow, but about people finding the courage to open their hearts and take chances on love.
So tell me, fellow romance lovers - what are your holiday viewing traditions? Are you a classics purist, or do you find yourself falling for new holiday romances every year? Drop a comment below and let's chat about our favorite festive love stories!
Let's talk about holiday romance, shall we? Picture this: I'm curled up on my couch, wrapped in my favorite fuzzy blanket, cup of hot chocolate within reach (okay, fine, it's spiked with Bailey's - don't judge!), and I'm deep into my nightly Hallmark movie marathon.
This time of year always gets me thinking about what makes holiday romance so special. There's something magical about the way these stories capture our hearts, whether they're beloved classics or brand-new discoveries.
Take "It's a Wonderful Life" - George and Mary's love story still makes me tear up every single time. That dance scene where they're so close to kissing? Pure romance gold. And don't even get me started on "Miracle on 34th Street" - because who doesn't love seeing love bloom among the Christmas magic?
But then Hallmark comes along with gems like "A Scottish Christmas" (seriously, whoever decided to combine kilts with Christmas deserves a raise), and "Christmas at the Biltmore" which had me mentally redecorating my entire house while simultaneously hoping for my own holiday romance in a grand estate.
As a romance writer, I find myself analyzing what makes these stories work so well. Maybe it's the way the holiday season amplifies emotions, making every meaningful glance and accidental touch feel more significant. Or perhaps it's how the spirit of the season breaks down our usual walls, letting love sneak in when we least expect it.
What fascinates me most is how these themes translate across different mediums. Whether it's Clark Griswold's chaotic but heartfelt dedication to giving his family the perfect Christmas in "Christmas Vacation," or the swoon-worthy moments in holiday romance novels where characters find love among the mistletoe, it all comes back to that core truth: love is the greatest gift of all.
(Yes, I know that sounds cheesy, but hey, it's Christmas - we're allowed to be a little cheesy!)
This year, I've found myself especially drawn to stories that blend holiday charm with genuine character growth. You know the ones - where the Christmas magic isn't just about twinkling lights and perfect snow, but about people finding the courage to open their hearts and take chances on love.
So tell me, fellow romance lovers - what are your holiday viewing traditions? Are you a classics purist, or do you find yourself falling for new holiday romances every year? Drop a comment below and let's chat about our favorite festive love stories!
December 18, 2024
Jingle All the Way: Adventures from Last Night's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl!
Jingle All the Way: Adventures from Last Night's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl!
You know that moment when you're covered in glitter, jingling with every step, and having the time of your life? That was me last night! Picture this: your favorite romance author decked out in what can only be described as a craft store's holiday section exploded onto a sweater, complete with enough jingle bells to announce my presence three blocks away. My husband, not to be outdone, transformed himself into a walking Christmas tree with garland and dangling candy canes (though I noticed a few went mysteriously missing as the night went on... 🤔).
I paired my musical ensemble with boots, leggings, and the most festive holiday socks because if you're going to jingle, you might as well be comfortable doing it!
Our merry band of revelers (including our amazing designated driver - always party responsibly, folks!) hit up three of our local pubs. Each stop brought holiday-themed appetizers and specially crafted festive cocktails. Pro tip: alternating each drink with water isn't just smart - it ensures you can actually remember all the fabulous sweaters you saw!
Speaking of those sweaters... chef's kiss The creativity! The lights! The pure holiday chaos! I'm pretty sure I saw one that could probably guide Santa's sleigh better than Rudolph.
You know what struck me as we jingled from pub to pub? How these are the moments that make their way into my books - not literally (though now I'm tempted to write a holiday rom-com involving an ugly sweater contest), but the laughter, the way strangers become instant friends over complimenting each other's ridiculous outfits, the shared joy of embracing the silly side of the season.
As a romance writer, these are the real-life moments that remind me why I love writing about love, community, and all the wonderfully awkward, perfectly imperfect moments in between.
Now excuse me while I try to vacuum up all this glitter... I have a feeling I'll be finding sparkles until Valentine's Day! ✨
You know that moment when you're covered in glitter, jingling with every step, and having the time of your life? That was me last night! Picture this: your favorite romance author decked out in what can only be described as a craft store's holiday section exploded onto a sweater, complete with enough jingle bells to announce my presence three blocks away. My husband, not to be outdone, transformed himself into a walking Christmas tree with garland and dangling candy canes (though I noticed a few went mysteriously missing as the night went on... 🤔).
I paired my musical ensemble with boots, leggings, and the most festive holiday socks because if you're going to jingle, you might as well be comfortable doing it!
Our merry band of revelers (including our amazing designated driver - always party responsibly, folks!) hit up three of our local pubs. Each stop brought holiday-themed appetizers and specially crafted festive cocktails. Pro tip: alternating each drink with water isn't just smart - it ensures you can actually remember all the fabulous sweaters you saw!
Speaking of those sweaters... chef's kiss The creativity! The lights! The pure holiday chaos! I'm pretty sure I saw one that could probably guide Santa's sleigh better than Rudolph.
You know what struck me as we jingled from pub to pub? How these are the moments that make their way into my books - not literally (though now I'm tempted to write a holiday rom-com involving an ugly sweater contest), but the laughter, the way strangers become instant friends over complimenting each other's ridiculous outfits, the shared joy of embracing the silly side of the season.
As a romance writer, these are the real-life moments that remind me why I love writing about love, community, and all the wonderfully awkward, perfectly imperfect moments in between.
Now excuse me while I try to vacuum up all this glitter... I have a feeling I'll be finding sparkles until Valentine's Day! ✨
December 17, 2024
My Love-Hate Relationship with Hallmark Movies
My Love-Hate Relationship with Hallmark Movies (And How They Inspire My Writing)
I have a confession to make. It's December 17th, and I've already watched 14 Hallmark Christmas movies. Yes, fourteen. No, I'm not sorry about it!
Look, we all know the formula: Big city girl (usually named Kate or Holly) returns to her small hometown to save her family's struggling business (bonus points if it's a bakery or Christmas tree farm). Enter the flannel-wearing local guy (probably the sheriff or a widowed single dad) who initially drives her crazy but has perfect hair and a heart of gold. Cue the snow, miscommunication, and at least three scenes involving hot chocolate.
And yet... here I am, curled up on my couch at midnight, clutching my wine glass, shouting "JUST KISS HER ALREADY!" at my TV. Why? Because beneath the predictability lies the comfort food of storytelling, and as a romance writer, I'm here for every cheesy moment.
Let me break down my completely scientific Hallmark Movie Rating System™:
Predictability Factor: How many plot points can I guess in the first 10 minutes? (Current record: entire movie, including dialogue)
Chemistry Check: Are the leads actually looking at each other or just staring at the space slightly left of their co-star's head?
Cozy Winter Outfits: How many scarves can one person wear in 90 minutes?
Small Town Magic: Does this impossibly quaint town actually exist? (If yes, please share coordinates)
Holiday Spirit Level: Number of times someone says "Christmas miracle" multiplied by instances of magical snow.
Though I haven't written a decorating-the-town-square scene (yet!), watching three different Hallmark heroines fall off ladders into the arms of their future loves has definitely inspired some of the sweet moments between Travis and Valerie in 'Fake Marriage with the Small Town Sheriff' - just with my own special twist.
These movies remind me of what readers love most about romance: the anticipation, the comfort, the guaranteed happy ending. Sure, I might add a bit more spice and fewer baking competitions to my books, but the heart of what makes these stories work is the same.
The truth is, for every eye-roll these movies trigger, they also spark a writing idea. That's right – your favorite steamy scenes might just have been inspired by a G-rated Hallmark moment that I spun into something... considerably less G-rated. 😉
So here I am, already queuing up movie number 15, "The Christmas Cookie Catastrophe" (actual title pending). Because sometimes the best writing inspiration comes from embracing the cheese, adding your own spice, and remembering that love stories – even the predictable ones – never get old.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go work on my next book. Completely unrelated, but does anyone know if small-town bakery owners can also be secret billionaires? Asking for a friend...
I have a confession to make. It's December 17th, and I've already watched 14 Hallmark Christmas movies. Yes, fourteen. No, I'm not sorry about it!
Look, we all know the formula: Big city girl (usually named Kate or Holly) returns to her small hometown to save her family's struggling business (bonus points if it's a bakery or Christmas tree farm). Enter the flannel-wearing local guy (probably the sheriff or a widowed single dad) who initially drives her crazy but has perfect hair and a heart of gold. Cue the snow, miscommunication, and at least three scenes involving hot chocolate.
And yet... here I am, curled up on my couch at midnight, clutching my wine glass, shouting "JUST KISS HER ALREADY!" at my TV. Why? Because beneath the predictability lies the comfort food of storytelling, and as a romance writer, I'm here for every cheesy moment.
Let me break down my completely scientific Hallmark Movie Rating System™:
Predictability Factor: How many plot points can I guess in the first 10 minutes? (Current record: entire movie, including dialogue)
Chemistry Check: Are the leads actually looking at each other or just staring at the space slightly left of their co-star's head?
Cozy Winter Outfits: How many scarves can one person wear in 90 minutes?
Small Town Magic: Does this impossibly quaint town actually exist? (If yes, please share coordinates)
Holiday Spirit Level: Number of times someone says "Christmas miracle" multiplied by instances of magical snow.
Though I haven't written a decorating-the-town-square scene (yet!), watching three different Hallmark heroines fall off ladders into the arms of their future loves has definitely inspired some of the sweet moments between Travis and Valerie in 'Fake Marriage with the Small Town Sheriff' - just with my own special twist.
These movies remind me of what readers love most about romance: the anticipation, the comfort, the guaranteed happy ending. Sure, I might add a bit more spice and fewer baking competitions to my books, but the heart of what makes these stories work is the same.
The truth is, for every eye-roll these movies trigger, they also spark a writing idea. That's right – your favorite steamy scenes might just have been inspired by a G-rated Hallmark moment that I spun into something... considerably less G-rated. 😉
So here I am, already queuing up movie number 15, "The Christmas Cookie Catastrophe" (actual title pending). Because sometimes the best writing inspiration comes from embracing the cheese, adding your own spice, and remembering that love stories – even the predictable ones – never get old.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go work on my next book. Completely unrelated, but does anyone know if small-town bakery owners can also be secret billionaires? Asking for a friend...
Writing Life with Colby
Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet! Pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink, and get comfy. Here's where I spill the tea about my life as a romance author - from the hilarious 'what just happ
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