Q&A with Anita Hughes

 

Photo by David Perry

 

 

Anita Hughes is the author of the new novel Christmas in Aspen. Her other novels include Christmas at the Lake. She lives in Dana Point, California.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Christmas in Aspen, and how did you create your character Caroline?

 

A: I love writing my Christmas books. This time, I wanted to write a book that explored the bonds between sisters, and how they support and interact with each other during the holidays--especially when all they have is each other.

 

Caroline was an interesting character to write. She thought she was doing the right thing, but she had to learn to be easier on herself, and on others. That can be a challenging lesson for someone who is quite driven, and it is an important lesson to learn.

 

Once Caroline allowed herself to try new things and make mistakes, she opened herself up to love.

 

Q: Why did you choose Aspen as the setting for this novel? 

 

A: Aspen is a wonderful place. It is both an internationally known ski resort, and a historic old Western town. The scenery is breathtaking, and the shops and restaurants in the downtown area are so quaint. It made the perfect setting for a Christmas book.

 

Q: As you mentioned, you’ve written several novels set at Christmastime--what do you think are some of the elements of a good Christmas novel? 

 

A: A good Christmas book should have romance. I'm a big believer in plots that feature boy meets girl, something tears them apart, and then there is a happy ending. A Christmas book should also have an element of the healing qualities of the holiday season, and of course, lots of descriptions of Christmas decorations, and foods, and presents!

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?

 

A: I hope readers feel good when they finish reading the book. And that they appreciate how Caroline has matured and softened at the same time. I also want them to see how her relationship with her sister Daphne has grown closer, and how important family is, especially during the holiday season. 

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I'm working on something that is secret at the moment, but will be revealed soon!

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Only how much I appreciate my readers. Writing the Christmas books is such a joy. It always makes me happy when readers write to me and say how much they enjoy the books.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Anita Hughes.