RWA/NYC congratulate member Lynn Marie Hulsman on the debut of her novel, CHRISTMAS AT THORTON HALL.
It's the best holiday gift for a writer.
Like most people, I thrill to the dawning of the winter
holiday season. Each year, I look forward to it in all its sensual glory. I
revel in the smell of evergreen branches and spicy mulled wine. I bask in the
twinkle lights sparkling on city streets, and on the trees of my friends. I
feel my heart lifted by the richly orchestrated 1940s and ‘50s carols sung by
greats like Perry Como, Dean Martin and Rosemary Clooney, backed by choruses of
studio singers. Heaven.
And I love the energy of December! I feel it in a stranger’s
joy in the department stores as he or she lands on the perfect gift for a
beloved. It sizzles in the fizz of connection between newly made friends at a
holiday open house. And I get a charge from the feeling of hope and expectation
in every party invitation I’m blessed to receive.
And the flavors of Christmastime, so special because they
come but once a year: Fragrant mince pies, buttery shortbread cookies, minted
hot chocolate, and eggnog redolent with nutmeg. Sheer delight!
But there is such a thing as “too much of a good thing.”
That’s why I like to pace myself, to step back, rest, and reflect during this
period of potential sensory overload. Just as there cannot be yin without yang,
I find that I cannot find full joy in participating in holiday fun without the
occasional step back. In the interest of keeping myself in fighting form so I
don’t cheat myself out of festivities, here’s what I desire to stay sane in
every sense of the word:
Solo
Movie Time
This time of year, I love to duck out by myself in the
middle of a weekday, grab a very plain tub of popcorn and an uncomplicated Diet
Coke, and settle into a dark theater to watch a goofy comedy like “Delivery Man”
or a magical fantasy like “About Time.” It’s a “me” pocket of time. It has
nothing to do with Christmas or with other people. I emerge refreshed into the
holiday bustle of Manhattan rejuvenated, and ready to shop!
Laying
on of Hands
I’m happy to give myself an early present in the form of
healing touch or spa pampering. A visit for an acupuncture treatment (It can be
relaxing, I swear!), a nurturing massage, or a soothing facial literally de-stresses
and reenergizes me. And the Zen-like world music played by my practitioners transports
me to a timeless, placeless space where earthly holidays don’t exist. Instant
vacation! When I wander Gandhi-like back in to the fray, people are happy to
welcome me.
The
Pumping of the Blood
I know what you’re going to say: I don’t have the time or
energy to exercise during this mad period! I say it too! I’m no Jillian
Michaels. You’ll never hear me say, “I live to run.” But…but…We all know we
feel better after we exercise. I used to do it as a way to chase down the
perfect body. That wasn’t good motivation for me. It felt mean, and
self-critical. That’s no way to motivate someone! Now, I do it as a de-stressor
and a sleep enhancer. The side benefit? My pants still fit despite the
ubiquitous Salted Caramel lattes and reindeer-shaped cookies I don’t plan to
turn down.
Peace
and Quiet
It’s what every writer wants at most times during the year,
but during the holidays, I’d say its status rises from important to crucial. I
don’t want to put anyone off by mentioning the “M” word — meditation
— because many people think that to meditate one has to “do” something,
and they just don’t know what. Taking some time to sit and listen to your own
breath is all you need to do. Lie down if you want to, if you can do so without
falling asleep. When thoughts of to-do lists or panic about not being good enough
(common among writers!) crop up, thank them and ask them to move on. Visualize
them floating down a river, if this helps. Don’t expect to reach a transcendent
state. Just plan to spend a few moments with yourself.
Sleep
I do it whenever and wherever you can, for as long as I can!
With all the late-night gatherings, concerts and tree lightings, I treat myself
like an athlete in training. I catch a 20-minute snooze between hauling in my
bags of gifts and whipping up a cheese balls for hostess gifts. On the nights
I’m not going out, I get in bed with a book by 9 and try to fall asleep by 10.
Maybe that sounds lame, but my eyes look much brighter the next night seen over
the rim of a mug of Brandied Cocoa.
Tiffany jewelry, Coach bags, and Patek Philippe watches make
lovely gifts but I think the best present anyone can give is his or her company.
What your kids, parents, friends, and partners want is your presence and
attention. If you’re depleted, angry, and burnt out, you won’t have fun, and
you won’t spread fun. This season, let’s all agree to give ourselves the gift
of self-care. Only when we’re in our best shape physically, mentally and spiritually,
can the miraculous season really sink in
.♥
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR: HarperImpulse novelist
Lynn Marie Hulsman's varied employment background includes stints as a
copywriter for a direct marketing agency specializing in casino advertising
(Free buffets! Loose slots!), ushering at Manhattan Theatre Club where she ran
smack into Steve Martins' chest, irritated Jeremy Irons's agent, and saw John
Slattery naked over 50 times, editing materials for major pharmaceutical
companies (Ask her anything about the prostate: She knows.), creatively
ideating to re-brand major household products for huge corporations, and
passing out cheese cube samples (a decided low point). As a performer she's
been seen onstage at Caroline's, Stand Up New York, and headlining with her
sketch group Hits Like a Girl at The Big Stinkin' Comedy Festival in Austin,TX.
She can't tell you what she's ghost written (obv!) but she's co-written two
books on cookery, and is sole author of the forthcoming cookbook THE KENTUCKY BOURBON DESSERT COOKBOOK. She does not believe in white chocolate. CHRISTMAS AT THORNTON HALL is Lynn Marie’s
debut novel. Visit her at http://www.lynnmariehulsman.com, and follow and friend her on
Facebook and Twitter.
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynn-Marie-Hulsman-Author/591579824213840
Twitter:
@LynnMarieSays
ABOUT THE BOOK:
CHRISTMAS AT THORNTON HALL is a country house romance for the modern
age, a must-read for fans of the scandals and drama of “Downton Abbey” and the
charm and wit of Helen Fielding.
Happy Holidays!
