In Christmas Bizarre, five extraordinary tales of mystery, romance, supernatural encounters, and cherished memories unfold, revealing how love, history, and the magic of Christmas connect people across generations. What motivated you to write this collection?

I love reading Christmas themed tales during the holiday season. A touch of the spooky, mysterious, with a dash of romance is my perfect holiday reading cocktail, LOL. The holidays are a time of remembrance for me–focusing on the people and connections I hold close to my heart. This collection offers a little something for everyone who enjoys the mystery and magic of the holiday season.

Providing readers with short stories to savor was my goal. I’m very cognizant that folks are busy, hustling and bustling during this sometimes hectic period. Having short stories to read hopefully reduces any ‘reading pressure’ one might have. Readers can sit back each night and enjoy a tale start to finish to get into the spirit of the season. It’s a reading ‘win-win’!

Each story unfolds in a richly detailed historical or international setting. How did you select these locations and weave their histories into the mysteries?

Thank you! My travels inspired the international settings selected for the stories plus I live in southern California. I wanted to bring in the magic and enchantment I feel while traveling to new lands as well as living near the magnificent California coast.

I enjoy bringing readers to a few of the places that caught my eye during my travels. I love learning about the history of the places I visit, wondering about who has walked the same hallways and paths over the decades and centuries. My writer brain goes into high gear when I gaze at a painting, admire an ornate fireplace, or visit a location that reminds me of sweet times in the past. Details matter, I hope the readers enjoy their time in each unique setting and situation!

Supernatural encounters often reveal deeply human emotions in Christmas Bizarre. How did you approach balancing eerie experiences with themes of love, loss, and redemption?

I happen to believe ghosts are quite real, LOL. Do they scare? Yes. But I think they are reaching out to impart their sorrow, terror, or love to people who need to learn or feel a particular message or experience. Their presence during the holidays is more special in my mind. 

Spirits reaching out is their gift to you. Their appearance can certainly cause one’s heart to flutter at times. Instead of running away in fear, I want my characters to embrace their encounters and take away a heartfelt memory or life lesson. 

I like to think my family ghosts are sitting by me during the holidays, enjoying the festive decorations as much as I am. I don’t flinch as much these days if I see a shadow whiz by me or hear a chuckle from out of nowhere. Their presence is quite comforting. Most times. 

Rikkhe’s gathering celebrates the tradition of sharing family stories. What do you hope readers take away about preserving memories and strengthening relationships across generations?

Your memories and life stories are your legacy to those you love and the world, really. Stories and traditions are the experiences that endure and travel through time and generations. 

Our experiences and lessons have meaning–especially relevant to our kin and friends. ‘I have a story to tell you…’ lets us reach out to those we know and those we haven’t yet had the pleasure of knowing. There’s no better way to make a connection and leave a little piece of you in memoriam. 

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